Summary: Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Army's management of its automatic data processing (ADP) funds, focusing on: (1) the prevalence and cost-effectiveness of ADP yearend obligations; and (2) its Training and Doctrine Command's (TRADOC) compliance with procurement policies.
GAO found that: (1) the Army's obligations from its operation and maintenance appropriation for ADP hardware and software acquisition for fiscal years (FY) 1988 and 1989 totalled about $115 million and $147 million, respectively; (2) 75 percent and 65 percent of ADP obligations occurred during the fourth quarters of FY 1988 and 1989, respectively; (3) the Army planned to obligate funds for ADP acquisition at year-end to ensure that it could cover such essential items as salaries; (4) TRADOC FY 1988 and 1989 fourth-quarter ADP obligations complied with its guidelines and were supported by appropriate obligation documents; and (5) the Army lacked the necessary tools to ensure the cost-effectiveness of TRADOC acquisitions.
