2020 Census: The Bureau’s Background Check Office Is Not Fully Prepared for the 2020 Census

For our final report on the audit of 2020 Census background check preparedness, we reviewed the Census Bureau’s revised background check policies and procedures, as well as its plan for accommodating the background check and hiring needs of the 2020 Census. Our objectives were to (1) assess the Bureau’s internal policies and procedures for conducting background checks on temporary employees, as well as any other Census Bureau employees and (2) determine whether the Bureau has a plan in place to conduct background checks for temporary employees who will be hired during the 2020 Census tests and decennial field operations that will occur as part of the actual decennial enumeration.