Summary

The Secret Service relies heavily on data processing to carry out its protective and law enforcement functions. GAO reviewed the use of computers by the Service to evaluate how effectively these resources are managed and how well they contribute towards the accomplishment of its mission.

The Secret Service has computer resources in excess of its requirements. Because the Service did not define its data processing needs beforehand, it has acquired two separate and identical computers when one would have been sufficient for its workload. The Service has no basis for determining that it needs two computers or if it is realizing any advantages from having two. GAO believes that one of the Service's two computers has enough processing power and memory capacity to handle its current demands as well as any planned increases. However, before the specific excess equipment can be identified, the Service will need to measure precisely what its computer needs are and assure itself that these needs are being met in the most efficient and effective manner.