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Financial Audit: Bureau of the Fiscal Service's FY 2021 and FY 2020 Schedules of Federal Debt, Report to the Secretary of the Treasury
From the Highlights: "GAO [Government Accountability Office] audits the consolidated financial statements of the U.S. government. Because of the significance of the federal debt to the government-wide financial statements, GAO audits Fiscal Service's Schedules of Federal Debt annually to determine whether, in all material respects, (1) the schedules are fairly presented and (2) Fiscal Service management maintained effective internal control over financial reporting relevant to the Schedule of Federal Debt. Further, GAO tests compliance with selected provisions of applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements related to the Schedule of Federal Debt."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-11
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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation: Actions Needed to Improve Management of Defense Production Act Loan Program, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "DFC [U.S. International Development Finance Corporation], the U.S. government's international development finance institution, began operations in December 2019. In June 2020, DFC and DOD started using certain DPA [Defense Production Act] authorities to conduct a 2-year domestic loan program to respond to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic and strengthen relevant U.S. supply chains, under the President's Executive Order 13922. Members of Congress have expressed concern about DFC's ability to manage DPA activities along with its international development mission. House of Representatives Report 116- 444 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review DFC's activities under the DPA. This report examines the extent to which DFC has (1) made loans that contributed to the pandemic response and planned to assess program effectiveness; (2) assessed and responded to the organizational risks of carrying out DPA activities along with its international development responsibilities; and (3) implemented internal controls to ensure full accounting of its DPA costs for DOD reimbursement."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-11
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Border Security Metrics: Progress Made, but DHS Should Take Additional Steps to Improve Information Quality, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The United States has approximately 6,000 miles of land borders, 95,000 miles of coastline, and more than 300 ports of entry where travelers and cargo are inspected. Securing U.S. border areas is a key part of DHS's mission, and its ability to measure border security activities is essential to managing its responsibilities effectively and efficiently. The 2017 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] requires DHS to report annually on 43 border security metrics. The act also includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office], within 270 days of receipt of the first report and biennially for the following 10 years, to review and report on the data and methodology in DHS's report. GAO issued its initial report in March 2019. This second report evaluates the report DHS issued in August 2020, which is known as the fiscal year 2019 report and contains data through fiscal year 2018. This report addresses the extent to which DHS (1) reported metrics outlined in the 2017 NDAA using quality information and (2) has taken steps to determine and convey the sensitivity of key assumptions and the statistical uncertainty of its unlawful entry metrics."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-11
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Department of Energy: Improvements Needed to Strengthen Strategic Planning for the Acquisition Workforce, Report to the Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "DOE's [Department of Energy] federal acquisition workforce is responsible for managing risks throughout the contracting, or acquisition, process. GAO [Government Accountability Office] designated DOE contract and project management as a high-risk area because of DOE's record of inadequate contract management. Senate Report No. 116-48 accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 includes a provision for GAO to review issues affecting DOE's acquisition workforce. This report examines (1) the positions included in DOE's acquisition workforce and the extent to which this workforce receives acquisition-related training and (2) the extent to which DOE has implemented leading practices for effective strategic planning for its acquisition workforce."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-11
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Biomedical Research: Observations on DOD's Management of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
From the Introduction: "The Department of Defense (DOD) is among the United States' largest federal sponsors of biomedical research, which contributes to discoveries of new drugs, vaccines, medical services, and other approaches for preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases, conditions, and injuries. [1] For fiscal year 2021, Congress appropriated nearly $2.4 billion for the Defense Health Program for research, development, test and evaluation, which includes biomedical research. [2] Of that amount, about $1.5 billion funded DOD's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), including 36 research program areas such as cancers, alcohol and substance abuse disorders, and spinal cord injury. [3] CDMRP has grown since its initial appropriation of $210 million in 1992 (about $367 million in fiscal year 2021 dollars) to fund a breast cancer research program."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-11
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Science & Tech Spotlight: Alternative Materials for Solar Cells
From the Document: "US generation of electricity from solar energy could grow six-fold by 2050. Alternatives to commonly used crystalline silicon cells may reduce material usage, manufacturing capital expenditures, and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these new materials, however, are under development, and more research is needed to better understand their potential."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-11
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Veterans Health Care: Addressing High Risk Concerns for Oversight and Accountability Are Key to Ensuring Quality of Care and Patient Safety, Statement of Sharon M. Silas, Director, Health Care, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "VA [United States Department of Veterans Affairs] operates one of the nation's largest health care systems. GAO [Government Accountability Office]'s work, along with that of VA's Office of Inspector General and others, has cited longstanding issues with VA's oversight of its health care system. In 2015, GAO added VA health care to its High-Risk List, in which one broad area of concern was inadequate oversight and accountability. In its latest high-risk update in March 2021, GAO noted continued concern over VA's ability to ensure the safety and protection of patients and staff, as well as to oversee its programs. This statement describes the oversight and accountability issues GAO's work has identified related to quality care and patient safety, and the status of VA's efforts to address its high-risk designation. This statement is based on GAO's body of work in this area."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Silas, Sharon M.
2021-10-27
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Disaster Recovery: Efforts to Identify and Address Barriers to Receiving Federal Recovery Assistance, Statement of Chris P. Currie, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Each year, disasters affect hundreds of American communities and cause billions of dollars of damage. Disaster recovery is a complex process with many factors that affect individual and community outcomes, including in various socioeconomic and demographic groups. Recently, federal actions have focused on equitable administration of federal recovery assistance. This statement is based on preliminary observations from GAO [Government Accountability Office]'s forthcoming report on federal actions to identify and address potential access barriers and disparate outcomes, which is currently at FEMA, HUD [United States Department of Housing and Urban Development], and SBA [United States Small Business Administration] for comment. It also discusses prior GAO work and recommendations issued from 2019 through 2021 related to various federal recovery programs and vulnerable populations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Currie, Chris P.
2021-10-27
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Federal Reserve Lending Programs: Credit Markets Served by the Programs Have Stabilized, but Vulnerabilities Remain, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "On July 30, 2021, the last of the 13 Federal Reserve lending facilities stopped purchasing assets or extending credit. However, some of these facilities, including facilities that were supported through Department of the Treasury funding appropriated under section 4003(b)(4) of the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act, continue to hold outstanding assets and loans. The Federal Reserve will continue to monitor and manage the facilities until these assets and loans are no longer outstanding. The CARES Act included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to periodically report on section 4003 loans, loan guarantees, and investments. This report examines the Federal Reserve's continued oversight and monitoring of the CARES Act facilities; what available evidence suggests about the facilities' effects on corporate credit markets, states and municipalities, and small businesses; and the characteristics of Main Street Lending Program participants, among other things. GAO reviewed applicable laws and agency and Federal Reserve Bank documentation; analyzed agency and other data on the facilities and credit markets; interviewed Federal Reserve and Treasury officials and representatives of state and local governments; and conducted a generalizable survey of for-profit Main Street borrowers. [...] The Federal Reserve oversight reviews completed in December 2020 identified opportunities to enhance certain areas, including internal process and controls. These reviews also identified areas for continued monitoring, such as cybersecurity and conflicts of interest. GAO found that Federal Reserve's plans for ongoing monitoring of the facilities align with federal internal control standards for ongoing monitoring of an entity's internal control system."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10-19
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Information Technology: Cost and Schedule Performance of Selected IRS Investments, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "IRS [Internal Revenue Service] relies extensively on IT [Information Technology] investments to annually collect more than $3.5 trillion in taxes, distribute more than $450 billion in refunds, and carry out its mission of providing service to America's taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations. For fiscal year 2020, the agency reported spending approximately $2.8 billion for these investments. The Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to annually review the status of IRS's IT investments. GAO's specific objectives were to (1) summarize IRS's reported performance for selected IT investments, including CADE [Customer Account Data Engine] 2; (2) identify IRS's reported progress in implementing its 2019 IT modernization plan; and (3) identify the IT-related actions IRS has taken to maximize telework and operate during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, and any impacts of those actions. GAO obtained IRS's reported performance information for a nonprobability sample of five investments, and compared performance to agency targets. GAO also compared modernization activities that IRS reported completing to those identified in the agency's 2019 IT modernization plan. Further, GAO reviewed agency documentation to identify reported IT actions taken to continue to operate during the pandemic and reported associated impacts. GAO also interviewed cognizant IRS officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10-19
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Technology Assessment: Quantum Computing and Communications, Status and Prospects, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Highlights: "Quantum information technologies could dramatically increase capabilities beyond what is possible with classical technologies. Future quantum computers could have high-value applications in security, cryptography, drug development, and energy. Future quantum communications could allow for secure communications by making information challenging to intercept without the eavesdropper being detected. GAO [Government Accountability Office] conducted a technology assessment on (1) the availability of quantum computing and communications technologies and how they work, (2) potential future applications of such technologies and benefits and drawbacks from their development and use, and (3) factors that could affect technology development and policy options available to help address those factors, enhance benefits, or mitigate drawbacks. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed key reports and scientific literature; interviewed government, industry, academic representatives, and potential end users; and convened a meeting of experts in collaboration with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. GAO is identifying policy options in this report. [...] Quantum information technologies aim to use the properties of nature at atomic scales to accomplish tasks that are not achievable with existing technologies. These technologies rely on 'qubits', the quantum equivalent of classical computer bits. Scientists are creating qubits from particles, such as atoms or particles of light, or objects that mimic them, such as superconducting circuits. [...] However, quantum information cannot be copied, is fragile, and can be irreversibly lost, resulting in errors that are challenging to correct. [...] GAO identified four factors that affect quantum technology development and use: (1) collaboration, (2) workforce size and skill, (3) investment, and (4) the supply chain."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10-19
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Federal Research: Agency Actions Needed to Address Foreign Influence, Statement of Candice N. Wright, Director, Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics, Testimony Before the Subcommittees on Investigations and Oversight and Research and Technology Committee on Science, Space, and Technology House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "The federal government reported expending about $44.5 billion on university science and engineering research in fiscal year 2019. Safeguarding the U.S. research enterprise from threats of foreign influence is of critical importance. Recent reports by GAO [Government Accountability Office] and others have noted challenges the research community faces in combatting undue foreign influence while also maintaining an open research environment that fosters collaboration, transparency, and the free exchange of ideas. This testimony discusses, among other things, (1) COI [conflict of interest] policies and disclosure requirements at selected agencies and universities that address potential foreign threats, and (2) mechanisms to monitor and enforce policies and requirements."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Wright, Candice N.
2021-10-05
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Emergency Watershed Protection: Assistance Program Helps Meet Post-Disaster Needs and Could Be Improved with Additional Guidance, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters can damage watersheds, creating threats to life and property. According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, extreme weather events in the United States are becoming more frequent and intense, in part due to climate change, which GAO [Government Accountability Office] has reported poses a significant fiscal risk to the federal government. USDA's EWP [Emergency Watershed Protection] program provides technical and financial assistance to help project sponsors relieve imminent threats to life and property created by natural disasters. Congress appropriated over $1.3 billion to the EWP program from fiscal years 2015 through 2020. GAO was asked to review the EWP program. This report (1) describes the process through which USDA provides assistance under the EWP program and (2) examines stakeholder perspectives on the EWP program, including any challenges and opportunities for improvement."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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VA Real Property: Enhanced Communication and Performance Measurement Could Improve Capital Asset Management, Report to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "In providing healthcare to over 9 million enrolled veterans, VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] manages a portfolio that includes 5,625 owned and 1,690 leased buildings as of fiscal year 2020. VA has pressing needs associated with these assets, not only maintaining or replacing aging facilities but also adapting to changes in veterans' demographics and needs. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review VA's management of these real property (capital) assets. This report examines: (1) VA's management of its staffing resources for constructing and maintaining its capital assets, (2) VA's communication among offices involved in and supporting capital asset management, and (3) VA's assessment of its performance in capital asset management."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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Nuclear Waste Cleanup: DOE Needs to Better Coordinate and Prioritize Its Research and Development Efforts, Report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "R&D [research and development] has played an essential role in EM [United States Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management]'s efforts to clean up massive amounts of contamination from decades of nuclear weapons production and energy research. Such R&D has led to safer, more efficient, and more effective cleanup approaches. Prior studies have found that investments in R&D could reduce the future costs of EM's cleanup efforts, which have increased by nearly $250 billion in the last 10 years. However, funding designated for nuclear cleanup R&D has declined since 2000. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review EM's R&D efforts. This report examines (1) how EM identifies cleanup-related R&D needs, (2) how and the extent to which EM coordinates R&D across the EM complex, and (3) the extent to which EM prioritizes cleanup-related R&D efforts. GAO reviewed DOE [United States Department of Energy] and EM documents and interviewed EM site and headquarters officials and national laboratory representatives. In addition, GAO compared EM's coordination of R&D to leading practices for collaboration and compared EM's efforts to prioritize R&D with GAO's risk-informed decision-making framework."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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COVID-19 Pandemic: Observations on the Ongoing Recovery of the Aviation Industry, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Highlights: "International flight restrictions, local stay-at-home orders, and a general fear of contracting and spreading COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] through air travel had a sudden and profound effect on the U.S. aviation industry. According to Department of Transportation (DOT) statistics, passenger traffic in April 2020 was 96 percent lower systemwide than April 2019, and remained 60 percent below 2019 traffic levels throughout 2020. This report examines (1) immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses across the aviation industry; (2) actions those businesses took in response; (3) actions the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] took to help the industry respond to the pandemic; and (4) the outlook for industry recovery, among other issues."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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Weapon System Requirements: Joint Staff Lacks Reliable Data on the Effectiveness of Its Revised Joint Approval Process, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, Congress mandated revisions to the JCIDS [Joint Staff uses the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development
System] process by modifying the scope of the JROC [Joint Requirements Oversight Council]'s responsibilities. The accompanying Senate Armed Services Committee report noted that these changes were, in part, to improve the timeliness of the JCIDS process. House Armed Services Committee report 116-120 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the revisions to the JCIDS process. This report examines (1) key revisions to the process, (2) how many programs have been through the revised process and how long it took, and (3) the Joint Staff's ability to assess the timeliness of the process."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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Alternatives to Radioactive Materials: A National Strategy to Support Alternative Technologies May Reduce Risks of a Dirty Bomb, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Radioactive material, which is dangerous if mishandled, is found in many medical and industrial applications. In the hands of terrorists, it could be used to construct a radiological dispersal device, or dirty bomb, that uses conventional explosives to disperse the material. Replacing technologies that use dangerous radioactive materials with safer alternatives may help protect people and reduce potential socioeconomic costs from remediation and evacuation of affected residents. Senate Report 116-102 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review alternative technologies to applications that use radioactive materials. This report examines (1) the potential for adopting alternative technologies in the United States for the six most commonly used medical and industrial applications; (2) factors affecting adoption of alternative technologies; and (3) federal activities relating to alternative technologies in the United States."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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COVID-19 Contracting: Indian Health Service Used Flexibilities to Meet Increased Medical Supply Needs, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Government Accountability Office Highlights: "The Indian Health Service (IHS) serves over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. These groups have been disproportionately vulnerable to negative outcomes from COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. During emergencies, federal contracting staff face pressure to work quickly to meet increased needs. We examined some of IHS's COVID-related contracts to see how the agency's efforts fared. [...] We analyzed relevant federal procurement data through June 30, 2021. We also reviewed four contracts-- covering about 1/4 of obligations in IHS's largest product category (medical and surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies). We also interviewed IHS contracting officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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Federal Hiring: OPM Should Collect and Share COVID-19 Lessons Learned to Inform Hiring During Future Emergencies, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Highlights: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has had far-reaching effects on federal programs and operations. To address this public health crisis, Congress and the administration made several hiring authorities available to agencies to hire staff with the needed skills to effectively respond to the pandemic. The CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report examines: (1) the new hiring authorities provided to federal agencies for COVID-19 response and the extent to which selected agencies have used them; (2) selected agencies' experiences using those hiring authorities, including lessons learned; and (3) OPM [Office of Personnel Management]'s efforts to assess agencies' use of the COVID-19 related hiring authorities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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COVID-19: Federal Agencies' Initial Reentry and Workplace Safety Planning, Report to Congressional Addressee
From the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Highlights: "The federal government employs approximately 2.8 million civilian workers, a workforce that plays an important role in maintaining vital government services. The White House, OMB [Office of Management and Budget], and other cognizant agencies issued guidance to support federal agencies as they developed tailored plans for bringing the federal workforce back to offices and safely conducting on-site work. The CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act included a provision for GAO to monitor and oversee the federal government's response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. This report (1) examines agencies' approaches to initial reentry planning, (2) assesses the extent to which agencies' workplace safety plans are consistent with federal guidance, and (3) examines the coordination and oversight of federal reentry and workplace safety planning across the government. GAO analyzed federal guidance from cognizant agencies to identify crosscutting themes for reentry planning, and reviewed OMB guidance on workplace safety principles. GAO assessed workplace safety plans, reentry plans, and relevant documentation from the 24 CFO [Chief Financial Office] Act agencies against the themes and principles identified in guidance and interviewed agency officials. GAO also reviewed guidance to identify oversight and coordination responsibilities and reviewed prior GAO work on pandemic preparedness and interagency collaboration."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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COVID-19: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Accountability and Program Effectiveness of Federal Response, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "As of September 23, 2021, the U.S. had about 43 million reported cases of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and about 699,000 reported deaths, according to CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]. The country also continues to experience economic repercussions from the pandemic. Six relief laws, including the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act, had been enacted as of August 31, 2021, to address the public health and economic threats posed by COVID-19. As of that same date (the most recent for which governmentwide data was available), the federal government had obligated a total of $3.9 trillion and expended $3.4 trillion of the $4.8 trillion in COVID-19 relief funds that had been appropriated by these six laws, as reported by federal agencies. The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report examines the federal government's continued efforts to respond to, and recover from, the COVID-19 pandemic."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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U.S. Agency for Global Media: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Oversight of Broadcasting Networks, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "USAGM [United States Agency for Global Media], formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, is an independent federal agency whose mission is to provide unbiased news in some countries where freedom of information is restricted. With a budget of around $810 million in fiscal year 2020, USAGM oversees two federal networks--Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting--and four grantees--Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund. Each grantee has a separate board. A Senate committee report included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to consult with the Committee on Appropriations on an evaluation of USAGM's governance structure and oversight processes for its broadcasting entities. This report examines (1) how recent statutory amendments affected USAGM's governing authority and organizational structure, (2) the extent to which USAGM's management actions aligned with its policies on protecting editorial independence, and (3) the extent to which USAGM has taken actions to ensure oversight of network operations and accountability of its grantees."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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Department of Energy Contracting: NNSA Has Taken Steps to Improve Its Work Authorization Process, but Challenges Remain, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] relies on seven M&O [management and operating] contractors to manage and operate its eight laboratory and production sites. NNSA uses documents called WAs [work authorizations] to direct the work of its contractors. NNSA's program offices collectively issued on average 94 WAs per fiscal year from 2018 to 2020. In 1990, GAO [Government Accountability Office] designated the Department of Energy's (DOE) contract management as a high-risk area and continues to identify ongoing challenges with NNSA's management of its contractors. As part of an effort to understand the status of NNSA's actions to address contract management challenges, GAO was asked to review NNSA's work authorization process and documentation. This report examines NNSA's (1) efforts to improve its work authorization process, and (2) use of WAs in its contractor performance evaluation process."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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COVID-19: Lessons Learned from Interior and Treasury's Administration of Cares Act Funds Could Improve Federal Emergency Relief to Tribes, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "GAO [United States Government Accountability Office] has previously found that COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] disproportionately harmed the public health and economies of tribal nations in the U.S. In March 2020, the CARES Act [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act] appropriated over $9 billion for federal programs for tribes and their members--this amount included $8 billion for Treasury's CRF [Community Reinvestment Fund] Tribal Set-Aside and $453 million for Interior's OIP [Operation of Indian Programs] (CARES Act funds). The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO to report on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report is part of that body of work. It examines (1) approaches Interior and Treasury took to distribute CARES Act funds to tribes and steps necessary for tribes to access and use these funds, and (2) challenges the agencies and selected tribes faced and lessons learned that could improve future federal emergency relief to tribes."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women: New Efforts Are Underway but Opportunities Exist to Improve the Federal Response, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "According to researchers, AI/AN [American Indian and Alaska Native] women in the U.S. experience higher rates of violence than most other women, and tribal and federal officials have stated that this incidence of violence constitutes a crisis. Various federal officials and tribal stakeholders have raised concerns about challenges with cross-jurisdictional cooperation and a lack of comprehensive national data on cases. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the federal response to the missing or murdered AI/AN women crisis. This report examines the extent to which (1) the number of missing or murdered AI/AN women in the U.S. is known and (2) DOJ [ Department of Justice] and DOI [Department of the Interior] have taken steps to address the crisis."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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Critical Infrastructure Protection: Education Should Take Additional Steps to Help Protect K-12 Schools from Cyber Threats, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "When the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic forced the closure of schools across the nation, many K-12 [kindergarten through twelfth grade] schools moved from in-person to remote education, increasing their dependence on IT [information technology] and making them potentially more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Education Facilities, including K-12 schools, is one of the nation's critical infrastructure subsectors. Several agencies have a role in protecting the subsector. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review cybersecurity in K-12 schools. The objective of this report is to determine the extent that federal agencies have assisted schools in protecting themselves from cyber threats. To do so, GAO identified laws and federal guidance that specify the roles and responsibilities of federal agencies to assist schools in protecting against cyber threats. GAO analyzed documentation of the types of products and services federal agencies have in place to identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from attacks. In addition, GAO interviewed federal officials about such products and services they offer to K-12 schools."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-10
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Department of Homeland Security: Progress Made Strengthening Management Functions, but Work Remains, Statement of Chris Currie, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "The events of September 11, 2001, led to profound changes in government agendas, policies, and structures to confront homeland security threats. In 2003, DHS began operations, with missions to prevent terrorist attacks and reduce the country's vulnerability to future terrorism. GAO's [Government Accountability Office] High-Risk List identifies programs and operations (such as DHS's management functions) that are vulnerable to waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement, or in need of transformation. GAO's five criteria for removing areas from the High-Risk List guide the assessment of DHS's progress. This statement addresses DHS's progress and actions needed to strengthen its management functions. It is based on reports in GAO's high-risk series, including its most recent March 2021 update, as well as selected updates on DHS's efforts as of September 2021. For this work, GAO analyzed DHS documents and data and interviewed DHS officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Currie, Chris
2021-09-30
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High-Performance Computing: Advances Made Towards Implementing the National Strategy, but Better Reporting and a More Detailed Plan Are Needed, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "In 2015, Executive Order 13702 established the NSCI [National Strategic Computing Initiative] to maximize the benefits of high-performance computing for economic competitiveness and scientific discovery. The order directed 10 agencies to implement the NSCI and pursue five strategic objectives, including accelerating delivery of a capable exascale computing system, which is anticipated to be at least three times more powerful than the current top-ranked system. The NSCI Executive Council, established by the executive order and co-chaired by OSTP [Office of Science and Technology Policy] and the Office of Management and Budget, issued a strategic plan in 2016, which was updated in 2020. GAO was asked to review the status of the NSCI. This report examines (1) agencies' efforts and OSTP's and agencies' reporting on progress towards meeting the objectives of the 2016 strategic plan and (2) the extent to which the 2020 strategic plan includes desirable characteristics of a national strategy. GAO analyzed key NSCI documents, administered a questionnaire to 10 NSCI agencies, and interviewed OSTP and other agency officials and nonfederal stakeholders."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-09-29
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COVID-19: Reviewing Existing Policies Could Help Selected Agencies Better Prepare for Dedicated User Fee Revenue Fluctuations, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Each year, federal agencies collect billions of dollars in dedicated user fee revenue from fees charged to users of federal goods and services, which are dedicated by law for a specific purpose or program. The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic disrupted critical government operations for agencies that rely on these revenues. The CARES Act [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act] included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the effects of the pandemic on public institutions of the U.S. This report examines how dedicated user fee revenues have changed since the onset of the pandemic and how selected agencies managed revenue changes related to the pandemic, among other objectives. To determine revenue changes, GAO compared dedicated user fee revenues in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to amounts from prior years. GAO selected three agencies to review-- FAA [Federal Aviation Administration], NPS [National Park Service], and USCIS [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services]--based on whether they relied on dedicated user fee revenue to a high (FAA and USCIS) or low (NPS) extent, among other factors. GAO interviewed officials at the selected agencies and reviewed relevant documents to determine how these agencies managed revenue changes, and compared those actions to internal control standards and leading practices for fee design."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-09-29
