Social Security Contracting: Relevant Guidance Should Be Revised to Reflect the Role of Contracting Personnel in Software Development
Abstract
SSA is responsible for delivering services that touch the lives of virtually every American. To do so, SSA relies on a variety of products and services, including information technology (IT) systems. SSA obligates approximately $1.5 billion annually to procure goods and services, 65 percent of which are IT-related. GAO was asked to assess how SSA implements its contracting and acquisition processes. This report examines: (1) how SSA awards and oversees contracts for products and services, and (2) the extent to which SSA has updated its guidance regarding the role of contracting personnel in software development efforts. GAO reviewed SSAs acquisition policies, interviewed contracting officials, and reviewed a nongeneralizable sample of 27 high- and lower value contracts and orders with dollars obligated in fiscal years 2014 through 2018. GAO also examined data from fiscal years 2015-2019 to determine what SSA contracted for and reviewed IT guidance. GAO compared SSAs practices to leading practices for Agile software development with respect to the roles of contracting personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1152919
Entities
People
- Angie Nichols-friedman
- Beth R. Fritts
- Candice Wright
- Erin Godtland
- Erin Stockdale
- Gina Flacco
- Jennifer Leotta
- Julia Kennon
- Kevin Walsh
- Laura Greifner
- Rachel S. Dillon
- Roxanna Sun
- Shelby Gullion
- Sylvia Schatz
- Tyann Lee
- Vinayak Balasubramanian
- Virginia Chanley
- William Shear
- William T. Woods
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office