Summary

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed Connecticut's progress in installing a new $27-million welfare management system.

GAO found that: (1) Connecticut officials began to install the system in May 1989; (2) after successfully completing initial tests, Connecticut officials installed the system in eight district offices, then deployed the system statewide; (3) in December 1989, the systems experienced major software problems resulting in 71 nonfunctional hours; (4) officials corrected the problems and improved system availability; (5) Connecticut withheld $2.8 million in contractor payments until it solved all software problems; (6) Connecticut officials expected to accept the system from the contractor in May 1990; and (7) the federal government will pay 70 percent of the system's cost and make a final review of the system to determine compliance for federal certification.