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DOCUMEN~T RESUME
05639 - [B1146093]
The Federal Information Processing Standards Pro ram: Many
Potential Benefits, Little Progress, and Many Problems.
FWMSD-78-23; B-115369. April 19, 1978. 39 pp. + 5 appendices (28
pp.).
Report to the Conqress; by Elmer B. Staats, Coptrcller General.
Issue Area: Automatic Data Processing: Changeover tc Other ADP
Systems (107).
Contact: Financial and General Management Studiv., Div.
Budqet Function: riscellaneous: Automatic Lata Pro *6i&Z
(1001).
Orqanization ConceLned: Office of Management and Budget; General
Services Administration; Department of Commerce.
Congressional Relevance: House Committee on Science and
Tecnnoloqy; Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation; Congress.
Authority: Brooks Act (P.L. 89-306).
The Brooks Act called foL a Federal automatic d3ta
processing (ADP) standards program that would permit the
interchange of computer equipment, software, and data. It was
also int-nded to stimulate competition ty permitting Federal
agencies to procure their ADP requirements from numerous vehdcrs
ofterinq low-cost compatible products. Findings/Conclusions:
Some stand:azs have been deveioped, tut agencies are not fully
using them, and some standards do not yet exist. As a result,
many Federal agencies have become locked im1to suppliers cf
computers and related services. The Government has depended too
much on the commercial sector to develop standards, and
manufacturers sometimes d'.iay thc development cf ccmercial
standards. The Department of Commerce's budget requests do not
provide meaninqtul infozmation on the scope ane direction cf the
proqrai. Standards development has suffered fror a lack of funds
allocated for this purpose, inadequate resource macagemelit, and
lack of an effective staff devoted to the froqkam. Weaknesses in
the proqrar also result from vague enforcement policies and Lack
ot procedures to verify compliance. becommendtions: The
President should give one agency the central authority fcr
insuring compliance with ADP standards. Ihe Director of the
Ottice of Management and Budget (OMB) should issue policy
quidance to this and other agencies citing the importance and
relative priority c s'.andards, requiring estatlishment cf
policies and procedt.res for impleeniinyg standards, insuring
Federal participation in developing standards, and citing
circumstances in which the Department should develop standards
independently- Guidance to the single agency should give
direction on approving requests to waive cempliance, providing
information on ?ompliance, determining if Federal standards are
met ty vendors, and insurinq that agencitis acquire products
which comply with standards. Using OME's guidance, the Secretary](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobaaxan0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)