We reviewed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) ability to effectively complete information technology (IT) acquisitions. HUD’s IT systems and its modernization plans depend heavily on contractors, yet HUD has historically faced significant challenges with implementing effective acquisition processes. Therefore, HUD’s acquisition capacity represents a key potential risk within HUD’s IT environment. We found that a lack of staffing capacity, implementation of effective coordination and communication practices, and effective oversight of management controls over acquisition processing. HUD officials acknowledged that IT acquisition process improvements are needed and have taken steps toward addressing deficiencies.
This evaluation report contains five recommendations to assist in continued successes for future acquisition efforts.
Recommendations
Chief Procurement Officer
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Status2020-OE-0004-01OpenClosedClosed on October 24, 2023
Conduct a departmentwide comprehensive staff capacity assessment to identify resource and skills gaps of staff involved in IT acquisitions.
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Status2020-OE-0004-02OpenClosed
Develop a departmentwide human capital plan or evaluate and revise existing plans to guide the recruitment, retention, and skill development of staff involved in IT acquisitions. The plan should include related metrics to measure plan implementation and effectiveness.
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Status2020-OE-0004-03OpenClosedPriorityPriority
We believe these open recommendations, if implemented, will have the greatest impact on helping HUD achieve its mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
Evaluate IT acquisition process workflows and identify ways to simplify the processes, facilitate more effective stakeholder coordination across offices, and create efficiencies when possible.
Status
The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) had agreed to an estimated completion date of March 2024. In November 2024, OCPO submitted additional evidence for closure; however, the evidence did not identify how the revisions to the process will address efficiency issues. The OIG requested further information that identifies improvements in the IT acquisition process.
Analysis
To fully address this recommendation, HUD must provide evidence that it has published its standard operating procedures resulting from its evaluation of workflows and efforts to simplify processes and facilitate more effective coordination.
Implementation of this recommendation will result in a defined IT acquisition process workflow standard operation procedure to ensure coordination across program offices.
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Status2020-OE-0004-04OpenClosed
Establish a centralized acquisition tracking system that allows for input and monitoring by all offices involved with the IT acquisition process by: a. Developing a plan with detailed implementation milestones; b. Obtaining appropriate approvals and funding; and c. Implementing a centralized acquisition tracking system, based on the implementation plan and approvals from 4a and 4b.
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Status2020-OE-0004-05OpenClosedClosed on May 31, 2023
Develop a plan for clearly defining, communicating, and enforcing IT acquisition process standards, including acquisition process roles and responsibilities.