Most Federal Agencies Have Done Little Planning for ADP Disasters
AFMD-81-16
Published: Dec 18, 1980. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 1980.
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Highlights
As most federal agencies are extremely dependent on automatic data processing (ADP) systems, GAO reviewed the lack of effort among many federal agencies to develop backup plans to maintain reasonable continuity of data processing support when normal ADP operations are disrupted.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Financial Management | The Director of OMB should: (1) establish a mandatory requirement for each Federal department and agency to organize an ADP executive committee, with membership comprising top management, to enhance management's involvement in ADP policy and responsibilities, as directed by Federal regulation, and this committee should report its activities to OMB before OMB approves the department's or agency's fiscal budget; (2) reaffirm that Federal agencies should test their ADP backup plans periodically to ensure continuity of data processing support in an emergency; (3) request that Inspector General or internal audit groups within each Federal agency evaluate ADP backup plans, review tests and test results in accordance with the OMB criteria, and report their evaluation to the ADP executive committee; (4) ensure that the Department of Commerce develops standards for ADP backup plans; and (5) issue policy cautioning against modifying operating systems software because of the increased difficulties such modifications cause, particularly in the area of backup. |
GAO has no information on the actions taken by the agency.
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Topics
Electronic data processingCompensationInteragency relationsMedicaidPensionsProgram evaluationPublic assistance programsSocial security benefitsSystems managementData processing