Summary: The Year 2000 computer problem poses a unique challenge for the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Like all organizations, these agencies must remediate internal computer systems and plan for unexpected disruptions within the United States. However, they must also assess the Year 2000 status of virtually every country where the United States has a diplomatic presence and help to ensure the continuity of vital operations, such as protecting the welfare of millions of U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad, promoting economic development, providing humanitarian assistance, and achieving diplomatic agreements. This testimony discusses efforts by State and USAID to increase worldwide awareness of the Year 2000 problem, assess international preparedness, and inform American citizens of risks. GAO also discusses the agencies' progress in remediating their internal computer systems and their efforts to prepare business continuity and contingency plans to help ensure that they can continue to provide critical services.
