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Eliminating the Appraisal Backlog

In February 2009, OAS initiated a project to eliminate the backlog by July 1, 2009. Historically, the appraisal backlog has included:

• any complete and valid appraisal request (pending) that is 91 days or older (a complete request includes all documentation needed to start the appraisal process)
• any appraisal report review request received from a tribal appraisal program that is 31 days or older

Standard definitions of appraisal backlogs.

The Deputy Chief Appraiser has established several backlog teams comprised of staff from OAS offices throughout the organization. The teams travel to agency locations with large numbers of backlogs.

OAS is taking aggressive steps to not only eliminate the backlog but to institute practices and processes that will avoid backlogs in the future. These include:

• developing and implementing contracts that are being awarded on a reservation-by-reservation basis; these contracts will result in a more cost effective and efficient acquisition process
• ensuring that each new appraisal request is analyzed to determine the Scope of Work necessary to meet the client’s need and produce a credible appraisal
• using alternative appraisal methodologies and techniques such as automated valuation models (AVM), mass appraisal systems and market studies