§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research has been carried out by the Social Security Information Technology Services Agency into computer systems for the Child Support Agency; and what is the estimated cost of this research. [39931]
§ Mr. BurtITSA has supported the Child Support Agency for some years in the provision of its IT services. This has required a considerable amount of detailed analysis into the CSA's requirements and the most appropriate technical solutions. In addition, there have been a number of short reviews carried out including a recent examination of child support systems within the USA. The cost of these activities cannot be separated from overall support costs, but the amount spent on the review has been very small.
§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps his Department has taken to monitor the operational effectiveness of the computer system supplied by the company EDS to the state of Florida Child Support Agency before awarding EDS the computer system contract for the UK Child Support Agency. [39932]
§ Mr. BurtAs part of the normal tender evaluation process and prior to completion of contract negotiations, officials from DSS visited Florida in early 1992 to discuss with them the EDS system. At that time the system was not fully implemented, but it was demonstrated and no operational problems came to light.