Summary

GAO reported on automatic data processing (ADP) equipment acquisition practices at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Lewis Research Center.

GAO found that a recent ADP solicitation reduced maximum practicable competition and removed competitive cost advantages potentially held by other vendors. Further, the Center could not determine the appropriate size and timing for future computer equipment upgrades. GAO believes that the solicitation could have had a detrimental impact on competition and price. GAO also believes that the Center's management cannot accurately predict future computer equipment needs because it has not developed the cost and performance information necessary for a comprehensive requirements analysis. GAO noted that, although management has taken steps to improve its management controls and its process for analyzing its requirements, it can do more to effectively acquire ADP resources.