The Immigration and Naturalization Service's
Automated I-94 System
Report Number 01-18
August 6, 2001

OIG, Audit Division Analyses and Summary of Actions Necessary to Close the Report

Recommendation Number:

1. Resolved. This recommendation is resolved based on the INS's agreement to conduct a cost-benefit analysis that will include the most recent cost and benefit data and a high-level risk assessment plan. The INS's comments on the draft report do not explicitly state that the cost-benefit analysis will include changes in requirements and any data on performance. In our judgment, this information should be included. In the corrective action process for this audit we will follow-up with the INS regarding the need to include in the final cost-benefit analysis any changes in requirements and performance data. This recommendation can be closed when we receive a copy of an acceptable cost-benefit analysis.

2. Resolved. This recommendation is resolved based on the INS's agreement to prepare a cost-benefit analysis that includes recommendations on whether the project should proceed. This recommendation can be closed when we receive a copy of the cost-benefit analysis recommendations, and if applicable, a copy of any notification to Congress indicating that the Automated I-94 System cannot function as required.

3. Resolved. This recommendation is resolved based on the INS's agreement to develop and implement performance measures before further implementing the Automated I-94 System. The INS's comments on the draft report note that one performance measure, the percentage of arrival/departure information on non-immigrant travelers updated within 24 hours of arrival/departure, currently exists. We reiterate that the Automated I-94 System project plan provided to us did not include this or any other performance measure. Some existing performance-related data not directly tied to the project's goals through an evaluation methodology, which should be defined in the project plan, does not constitute a performance measure. This recommendation can be closed when we receive evidence that performance measures have been developed and implemented, as appropriate.

4. Resolved. This recommendation is resolved based on the INS's agreement to develop a risk management plan before making further expenditures for the Automated I-94 System. This recommendation can be closed when we receive a copy of the risk management plan.

5. Resolved. This recommendation is resolved based on the INS's agreement to address the concerns of non-participating airlines before proceeding with the modifications to the Automated I-94 System. This recommendation can be closed when we receive evidence indicating that the concerns of non-participating airlines have been addressed.

6. Resolved. This recommendation is resolved based the INS's concurrence and agreement to take the recommendation into consideration in the development of the automated entry/exit system. Once the cost-benefit analysis is complete, and if a decision is made to further deploy the system, we will request from the INS its assessment of the possible methodologies for determining the number of departure I-94s that should be submitted for each flight.