Census 2010 Budget Problems

According to testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Census Bureau is facing potential delays and a huge budget increase for the 2010 census due to problems with a contract to develop handheld computers for collecting data. Estimates for the budget increase range from $600 million to $2 billion. The report, Information Technology: Significant Problems of Critical Automation Program Contribute to Risks Facing 2010 Census, states that the GAO (General Accounting Office) recommended the Census Bureau:

• strengthen its systems testing and risk management activities,
  
• define specific measurable performance requirements for the handheld mobile computing device, and
• develop an integrated and comprehensive plan to control its costs and manage operations.