Summary

GAO evaluated the practices followed by public housing authorities (PHA) in acquiring computer-based management information systems and the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) role in coordinating these acquisitions.

GAO found the present system of allowing PHA to independently develop and acquire computer-based information systems has resulted in systems that are unique and costly. Such systems do not take advantage of the potential for transferability and sharing of software applications that exists among PHA.