The Geospatial Data of 2018 (the Act) governs the collection, production, acquisition, maintenance, distribution, use, and preservation of geospatial data of covered agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  We audited the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) efforts to meet the geospatial data requirements stated in the Act.  The Act requires the Inspector General of a covered agency to audit HUD’s efforts to meet the Geospatial data requirements stated in 43 U.S.C. § 2808 at least once every 2 years and report the findings to Congress.

The 16 covered agencies, including HUD, will remain in the implementation stage of the Act until the Federal Geographic Data Committee establishes formal standards for use in determining compliance with the responsibilities stated in the Act.  HUD met all 13 responsibilities stated in the Act of 2018 regarding its collection, production, acquisition, maintenance, distribution, use, and preservation of geospatial data, as part of the implementation phase of the Act.  Two previous audits during fiscal years 2020 and 2022 identified a lack of adequate resources as a recurring challenge that prevented HUD from fully meeting its responsibilities under the Act.  However, this year, OIG found HUD now has the necessary resources to meet the responsibilities and implement the geospatial program.  In addition, HUD successfully executed a formal 5-year contract for the management of its Geocode Services Center, which is used to help meet geospatial objectives and responsibilities.  As a result, HUD is meeting the responsibilities and is positioning itself to meet the responsibilities stated in the Act once the implementation phase ends.  HUD’s efforts during this audit period promote transparency and accountability by providing accurate information towards achieving the Act’s purpose to minimize duplication of geospatial activities across agencies and improving collaboration.

There are no recommendations.