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Renewable Fuel Standard: Low Expected Production Volumes Make It Unlikely That Advanced Biofuels Can Meet Increasing Targets, Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "The RFS [Renewable Fuel Standard] generally mandates that domestic transportation fuels be blended with increasing volumes of biofuels through 2022, with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the nation's renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil. Blending of conventional renewable fuels, primarily ethanol derived from corn starch which is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent compared with petroleum-based fuels, has nearly reached the maximum called for under the RFS. Further growth in renewable fuels is to come from advanced biofuels, which must reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared with petroleum-based fuels to qualify under the RFS. However, production of advanced biofuels has not kept pace with statutory targets. To promote the development and commercialization of advanced biofuels, the federal government has supported R&D [Research and Development] efforts for bio fuels since the 1970s."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-11
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Oil and Gas Management: Interior's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Restructuring Has Not Addressed Long-Standing Oversight Deficiencies, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "On April 20, 2010, the 'Deepwater Horizon' drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico resulting in 11 deaths, serious injuries, and the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history. In response, in May 2010, Interior reorganized offshore oil and gas management activities--energy development, revenue collection, and regulatory oversight --into separate bureaus. In October 2011, Interior created BSEE [Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement] to manage regulatory oversight. Since then, BSEE has undertaken reform efforts but has not fully addressed deficiencies in its investigative, environmental compliance, and enforcement capabilities identified by investigations after the 'Deepwater Horizon' incident. In October 2013, BSEE initiated an organizational restructuring to address continuing oversight deficiencies. GAO [U.S. Government Accountability Office] was asked to review BSEE's efforts to enhance its oversight capabilities. This report examines the extent to which BSEE's ongoing restructuring has enhanced its capabilities for (1) investigations, (2) environmental compliance, and (3) enforcement. GAO reviewed laws, regulations, and policies, related to BSEE's restructuring and oversight activities. GAO also interviewed BSEE officials and industry representatives. […] GAO recommends, among other things, that BSEE (1) complete and update its investigative policies and procedures, (2) conduct and document a risk analysis of the regional-based reporting structure, and (3) develop procedures for enforcement actions. Interior neither agreed nor disagreed with GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-02
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Nuclear Security: DOE Could Improve Aspects of Nuclear Security Reporting, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "DOE [Department of Energy] and NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] operate sites with facilities holding special nuclear material that can be used to make nuclear weapons. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to congressional committees a report detailing the status of security at sites holding key quantities of special nuclear material, along with a certification that the sites meet DOE's security standards and requirements by December 1 of each year. The law requires DOE's reports to include a similar report from NNSA. A report accompanying the legislation included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to evaluate these efforts. This report examines (1) the extent to which these DOE and NNSA reports meet the definition of quality information under federal internal control standards, and (2) any significant physical security challenges at sites that the reports or agency officials identified and the extent to which the agencies have addressed them. GAO reviewed the 2014 and 2015 reports and interviewed agency officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-04
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Commercial Nuclear Waste: Resuming Licensing of the Yucca Mountain Repository Would Require Rebuilding Capacity at DOE and NRC, Among Other Key Steps, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Spent nuclear fuel from commercial power reactors can pose risks to humans and the environment, if not properly contained, and is a source of billions of dollars of liabilities. In 2008, DOE [Department of Energy] applied to NRC [Nuclear Regulatory Commission] for approval to build a geologic repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada for permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste. As part of NRC's licensing process to review DOE's application and potentially approve construction, NRC initiated a public hearing--or adjudication--with DOE, NRC staff, and nonfederal parties. However, in March 2010, after announcing plans to terminate its proposal for Yucca Mountain, DOE submitted a motion to NRC to withdraw its application. In September 2011, NRC formally suspended the adjudication. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine the likely steps needed to resume the Yucca Mountain licensing process. This report examines (1) the actions that took place after DOE submitted its motion to withdraw its application and any plans by DOE or NRC to resume the licensing process, and (2) the likely key steps needed to resume and complete the process and the factors that may influence these steps' success. GAO reviewed federal laws and documents; interviewed DOE and NRC officials and contractors; and interviewed or received written remarks from 15 of the 17 nonfederal parties. [...] GAO is not making any recommendations. NRC generally agreed with GAO's findings. DOE provided comments but did not indicate whether it agreed with the findings."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-04
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Critical Infrastructure Protection: Federal Agencies Have Taken Actions to Address Electromagnetic Risks, but Opportunities Exist to Further Assess Risks and Strengthen Collaboration, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Electromagnetic risks caused by a man-made EMP or a naturally occurring solar weather event could have a significant impact on the nation's electric grid as well as other infrastructure sectors that depend on electricity, such as communications. These risks could lead to power outages over broad geographic areas for extended durations. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal efforts to address electromagnetic risks to the electric grid. This report examines (1) the extent to which key federal agencies have taken action to address electromagnetic risks and how these actions align with the 2008 EMP Commission report recommendations, and (2) what additional opportunities exist to enhance federal efforts to address electromagnetic risks to the electric grid. GAO reviewed the EMP Commission report and federal program documents, and interviewed DHS, DOE [Department of Energy], and FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] officials and relevant stakeholders who provided insights on key actions taken. GAO recommends that DHS identify internal roles to address electromagnetic risks, and collect additional risk inputs to further inform assessment efforts; that DHS and DOE collaborate to ensure critical electrical infrastructure assets are identified; and engage with industry stakeholders to identify and prioritize risk-management activities, such as research and development efforts, to address EMP risks to the grid. DHS and DOE concurred with our recommendations and identified planned actions to address the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-03
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Nuclear Nonproliferation: NNSA's Threat Assessment Process Could Be Improved, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The threat posed by the proliferation of nuclear and radiological weapons remains one of the most pressing U.S. national security challenges, and these threats are evolving. Information produced by the OTH ["Over the Horizon"] initiative about future proliferation threats is intended to support long-term DNN [Defense of Nuclear Nonproliferation] planning and other DNN management decisions. The Joint Explanatory Statement Accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to assess NNSA's [National Nuclear Security Agency] nuclear nonproliferation programs. This report (1) describes how NNSA assessed potential proliferation threats through its OTH initiative and assesses the limitations, if any, i n the process used by the initiative and (2) examines the extent to which NNSA used information about the potential threats assessed through the OTH initiative in DNN organization and planning decisions. GAO analyzed NNSA documentation on the OTH initiative and NNSA planning documents. GAO also interviewed DOE and NNSA officials, DOE national laboratory representatives, and external subject matter experts and external validators in peer review groups involved in OTH activities. […] In conducting any future proliferation threat assessments, through the OTH initiative or another process, NNSA should better implement established methods, including literature reviews, structured interviews, and peer reviews. NNSA agreed with this recommendation and is taking action to address it."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2015-10
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Nuclear Nonproliferation: DOE Made Progress to Secure Vulnerable Nuclear Materials Worldwide, but Opportunities Exist to Improve Its Efforts, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "In April 2009, President Obama announced an initiative to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials -- such as those that could be stolen by terrorists and used to construct a nuclear device -- within 4 years. DOE [Department of Energy] is primarily responsible for activities under this initiative, but the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department s of Defense (DOD) and State, and the National Security Council (NSC) also have roles. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine actions taken under this initiative. This report (1) assesses the extent to which DOE achieved its goals for four key activities under the initiative and (2) examines DOE's goals going forward and assesses challenges that may limit its ability to secure additional vulnerable nuclear materials. GAO reviewed relevant documents and interviewed officials from DOE, NRC, DOD, and State, as well as discussed these issues with officials from NSC and selected foreign government agencies. This is a public version of a classified report GAO issued in August 2015. […] GAO continues to believe that DOE and other U.S. agencies should complete an inventory of U.S. plutonium at worldwide sites as GAO recommended in September 2011. In this report, GAO recommends that DOE complete its prioritization of nuclear materials at foreign locations. GAO also recommends that DOE and other agencies visit sites containing key quantities of U.S nuclear materials that have not been visited in at least 5 years. DOE agreed with GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2015-09
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Nuclear Reactors: Status and Challenges in Development and Deployment of New Commercial Concepts
From the Highlights: "Energy demand in the United States is expected to continue to grow over the coming decades, and DOE considers nuclear energy to be one way to help meet this increased demand without producing air pollution. However, the current domestic commercial nuclear reactor fleet, consisting of 99 large LWRs [Light Weight Reactors] that provide about 20 percent of U.S. electricity, is aging, and some reactors have shut down in recent years. LWRs use light, or ordinary, water to cool the reactor. New reactor concepts are under development as alternative energy options. Light water SMRs [Small Modular Reactors] have some similarities, including the coolant used, to the existing large LWRs, and advanced reactors differ more from the large LWRs. Both new reactor concepts differ from the existing large LWRs in potential applications."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2015-07
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Public Transit Security Information Sharing: DHS Could Improve Information Sharing through Streamlining and Increased Outreach, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is committed to sharing information with public transit agencies. The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act directed GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on public transit information sharing. This report describes (1) the primary mechanisms used to share security information with public transit agencies; and evaluates (2) public transit agencies' satisfaction with federal efforts to share security-related information (e.g., security threats) and opportunities to improve these efforts; and (3) the extent to which DHS has identified goals and measures for sharing information. GAO [Government Accountability Office] surveyed 96 of the 694 U.S. public transit agencies based on 2008 ridership and received 80 responses. The 96 public transit agencies surveyed represent about 91 percent of total 2008 ridership. GAO also reviewed documents, such as DHS's Information Sharing Strategy, and interviewed agency officials. […] GAO recommends that DHS, among other things, (1) establish time frames for its working group to develop options for improving information sharing, including assessing opportunities to streamline mechanisms and conducting targeted outreach; and (2) establish time frames for developing goals and outcome-oriented measures of results. DHS concurred. GAO is issuing an electronic supplement with this report--GAO-10-896SP--which provides survey results."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-09-22
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Alternatives to Detention: ICE Needs to Better Assess Program Performance and Improve Contract Oversight, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] has wide discretion to detain or release individuals of foreign nationality awaiting resolution of their immigration court proceedings, except for individuals subject to mandatory detention. The ATD [Alternatives to Detention] program, which ICE administers through a $2.2 billion contract, uses electronic monitoring and case management to help ensure that individuals enrolled comply with release conditions, such as appearing at immigration court hearings. The explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the ATD program. This report examines, among other objectives, (1) what data show about participation in the ATD program, (2) the extent to which ICE has assessed ATD performance, and (3) how ICE manages and oversees the ATD contractor."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
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Cyber Insurance: Action Needed to Assess Potential Federal Response to Catastrophic Attacks, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Cyber threats to critical infrastructure represent a significant economic challenge. Although cyber incident costs are paid in part by the private cyber insurance market, growing cyber threats have created uncertainty in this evolving market. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to study cyber risks to U.S. critical infrastructure and available insurance for these risks. This report examines the extent to which (1) cyber risks for critical infrastructure exist; (2) private insurance covers catastrophic cyber losses and TRIP [Terrorism Risk Insurance Program] provides a backstop for such losses; and (3) cognizant federal agencies have assessed a potential federal response for cyberattacks."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
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Aviation Safety: Certification and Approval Processes Are Generally Viewed as Working Well, but Better Evaluative Information Needed to Improve Efficiency, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Among its responsibilities for aviation safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues thousands of certificates and approvals annually. These certificates and approvals, which FAA bases on its interpretation of federal standards, indicate that such things as new aircraft, the design and production of aircraft parts and equipment, and new air operators are safe for use in the national airspace system. Past studies and industry spokespersons assert that FAA's interpretations produce variation in its decisions and inefficiencies that adversely affect the industry. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine the (1) extent of variation in FAA's interpretation of standards for certification and approval decisions and (2) views of key stakeholders and experts on how well these processes work. To perform the study, GAO reviewed industry studies and reports and FAA documents and processes; convened a panel of aviation experts; and interviewed officials from various industry sectors, senior FAA officials, and unions representing FAA staff. GAO recommends that FAA develop a continuous evaluative process with measurable performance goals to determine the effectiveness of the agency's actions to improve its certification and approval processes. The Department of Transportation provided technical comments, which were included as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-10-07
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Transportation Security Administration: TSA Executive Attrition Has Declined, but Better Information is Needed on Reasons for Leaving and Executive Hiring Process, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Transportation Security Executive Service (TSES) consists of executive-level staff serving in key agency positions just below political appointees. Committees of Congress have raise questions about the frequency of turnover within the TSES and have directed GAO to examine turnover among TSES staff. Accordingly, this report examines: (1) TSES attrition and how it compares with that of Senior Executive Service (SES) staff in other DHS components and cabinet-level departments, (2) the reasons TSES staff separated from TSA, and (3) TSA efforts to mange TSES attrition consistent with effective management practices. To answer these objectives, GAO [Government Accountability Office] analyzed data within the Office of Personnel Management's Central Personnel Data File, reviewed TSA human capital policies and procedures, and interviewed former TSES staff. The results of these interviews are not generalizable, but represent the views of about half the TSES staff who separated from fiscal years 2005 through 2008. GAO recommends the TSA enable TSES staff to identify their level of employment when completing exit surveys and better document how it applies merit staffing requirements when hiring TSES staff. TSA concurred with GAO's recommendations and has taken steps to implement them."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-10
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Traffic Safety Data: State Data System Quality Varies and Limited Resources and Coordination Can Inhibit Further Progress, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Traffic crashes kill or injure millions of people each year. High-quality traffic safety data is vital to allocate resources and target programs as the Department of Transportation's (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and states work to improve traffic safety through data-driven approaches. To qualify for federal funding, states must submit plans which include fatality and crash data analyses to identify areas for improvement. This requested report provides information on (1) the extent to which state traffic safety data systems meet NHTSA performance measures for assessing the quality of data systems, and (2) progress states have made in improving traffic safety data systems, and related challenges. To conduct this work, GAO [Government Accountability Office] analyzed state traffic records assessments, visited eight states, and interviewed federal officials and other traffic safety experts. GAO recommends that NHTSA take steps to ensure state traffic records assessments are complete and consistent to provide an in-depth evaluation of all state traffic safety data systems across all performance measures. NHTSA should also study and communicate to Congress on the value of requiring an executive-level traffic records coordinating committee for states to qualify for traffic safety grant funding. DOT agreed with those recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-04
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Aviation Safety: Improved Planning Could Help FAA Address Challenges Related to Winter Weather Operations, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Ice formation on aircraft can disrupt the smooth flow of air over the wings and prevent the aircraft from taking off or decrease the pilot's ability to maintain control of the aircraft. Takeoff and landing operations can also be risky in winter weather. Despite persistent efforts by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and others to mitigate icing risks, icing remains a serious concern. GAO [Government Accountability Office] reviewed (1) the extent to which commercial airplanes have experienced accidents and incidents related to icing, (2) FAA's inspection and enforcement activities related to icing, (3) the efforts of FAA and others to improve safety in winter weather, and (4) the challenges that continue to affect aviation safety in winter weather. GAO analyzed data obtained from FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others. Further, GAO obtained information from FAA and NTSB officials and representatives of key aviation industry stakeholders. To help facilitate FAA's efforts to address challenges to improving safety in winter weather conditions, GAO recommends that FAA develop a plan focused on winter operations holistically that includes detailed goals and milestones. In response, the Department of Transportation agreed to consider GAO's recommendation and provided technical comments, which were incorporated as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-07
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Transportation Safety: Medical Certification and Background Check Requirements for Pilots, Vessel Masters, and Commercial Drivers Vary
From the Document: "To obtain a professional certificate or license, pilots, vessel masters, and commercial drivers must meet a variety of minimum federal requirements that vary according to the type of certificate. Generally, the certification requirements for these transportation workers include skills and knowledge tests, medical examinations, and background checks. Federal regulations require that pilots have both pilot certificates and medical certificates prior to operating an aircraft and meet several requirements, depending on the level of certificate FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] issues the applicant. In order for FAA to issue a pilot certificate, applicants must demonstrate various piloting skills; pass written tests of aeronautical knowledge; log specified hours of flying time; read, speak, write, and understand the English language; and meet certain age restrictions, in addition to meeting the physical qualifications for a medical certificate and undergoing certain background checks. FAA authorizes pilots to fly specific types of airplanes or use specific types of aeronautical instruments after they meet certain training and testing requirements. During calendar year 2006, FAA received 439,885 applications for medical certification, including applications for new certificates and renewals of certificates. Coast Guard issues merchant mariner licenses and documents to officers such as vessel masters only after they meet certain regulatory requirements. For example, officers must meet physical requirements, pass written knowledge tests, and have specified amounts and types of experience and training, among other requirements. Vessel masters also must undergo certain background checks prior to obtaining a license or document to ensure they can safely assume the responsibilities of a credentialed mariner, do not present a threat to national or transportation security, and do not have connections to terrorism. According to Coast Guard officials, about 60,000 mariners apply for mariner credentials each year."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2008-02-27
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Transit Rail: Potential Rail Car Cost-Saving Strategies Exist, Report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "Rail transit offers society a number of benefits, including reduced congestion and pollution and increased mobility. However, rail systems and cars are costly: Transit agencies can pay more than $3 million per car, often using federal funds. As requested, this report describes (1) characteristics of the U.S. market for transit rail cars, (2) the federal government's role in funding and setting standards for transit rail cars, and (3) challenges transit agencies face when procuring rail cars. GAO [Government Accountability Office] analyzed U.S. and worldwide rail car market data for commuter, heavy, and light rail systems and interviewed Department of Transportation (DOT) officials and domestic and international industry stakeholders, including the American Public Transportation Association (APTA)."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-06
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Aviation Safety: Information on the Safety Effects of Modifying the Age Standard for Commercial Pilots
From the Document: "The Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act1 (the act) extended the federal age standard for pilots of large commercial aircraft from 60 to 65 years of age. The act also requires us to report--no later than 24 months after its enactment-on the effect, if any, of this change on aviation safety. This report responds to that requirement. To perform our work, we reviewed relevant literature, interviewed senior officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and obtained and reviewed FAA and NTSB aviation accident and incident data for commercial passenger airline flights from December 2007 through September 2009. We conducted this performance audit from September 2009 to October 2009 in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. Because we are familiar with and have previously determined that FAA's and NTSB's data were sufficiently reliable for the nationwide descriptive information used in this report, we did not further assess the data's reliability; however, we did interview agency officials knowledgeable about the databases to determine that the accident and incident data used in this report continue to be sufficiently reliable for the analysis that we performed."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-10-30
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Commercial Vehicle Security: Risk-Based Approach Needed to Secure the Commercial Vehicle Sector, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that "[n]umerous incidents around the world have highlighted the vulnerability of commercial vehicles to terrorist acts. Commercial vehicles include over 1 million highly diverse truck and intercity bus firms. Within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has primary federal responsibility for ensuring the security of the commercial vehicle sector, while vehicle operators are responsible for implementing security measures for their firms. GAO was asked to examine: (1) the extent to which TSA has assessed security risks for commercial vehicles; (2) actions taken by key stakeholders to mitigate identified risks; and (3) TSA efforts to coordinate its security strategy with other federal, state, and private sector stakeholders. GAO reviewed TSA plans, assessments, and other documents; visited a nonrandom sample of 26 commercial truck and bus companies of varying sizes, locations, and types of operations; and interviewed TSA and other federal and state officials and industry representatives. GAO is recommending that TSA develop a plan and time frame for completing risk assessments, develop performance measures that assess the effectiveness of federal commercial vehicle security programs, fully define stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and assess its coordination efforts. DHS concurred with our recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-02
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National Airspace System: Regional Airport Planning Could Help Address Congestion If Plans Were Integrated with FAA and Airport Decision Making, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts that the national airspace system will become increasingly congested over time, imposing costs of delay on passengers and regions. While transforming the current air-traffic control system to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) may provide additional en route capacity, many airports will still face constraints at their runways and terminals. In light of these forecasts, GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to evaluate regional airport planning in metropolitan regions with congested airports. GAO (1) identified which airports are currently or will be significantly congested and the potential benefits of regional airport planning, (2) assessed how regions with congested airports use regional airport planning in decision making, and (3) identified factors that hinder or aid in the development and implementation of regional airport plans. GAO reviewed studies; interviewed FAA, airport, and other aviation and transportation officials; and conducted case studies in selected regions. GAO is recommending that the Secretary of Transportation direct FAA to create a review process for RASPs [regional airport system plans] and use its existing authority to give priority to funding airport projects that are consistent with RASPs. The Department of Transportation generally agreed to consider the revised recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-12
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Electronic Health Information: HHS Needs to Improve Communications for Breach Reporting, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Highlights: "The use of IT [information technology] allows health care providers and others to share health care information electronically, which enhances care delivery, public health and research; and empowers providers to make informed decisions regarding patient health. HHS [Department of Health and Human Services] sets and enforces standards for protecting electronic health information. To implement the provisions of HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act], HHS issued regulations that govern PHI [protected health information] transmitted or maintained by covered entities, such as health plans and health care providers, and their business associates. GAO was asked to review covered entities' required reporting to HHS on data breaches. This report examines (1) the number of breaches and affected individuals reported to HHS since 2015; (2) the extent to which HHS established a review process to assess whether covered entities had implemented recognized security practices; and (3) the extent to which improvements can be made related to HHS's breach reporting requirements. To do so, GAO reviewed privacy and information security laws; analyzed HHS documentation, policies, and procedures; and interviewed cognizant OCR [Office for Civil Rights] officials. GAO also surveyed HIPAA covered entities and business associates. [...] GAO is making one recommendation to HHS to establish a feedback mechanism to improve the effectiveness of its breach reporting process. HHS concurred with GAO's recommendation and described actions it would take to address it."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-05-27
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Technology Assessment: Explosives Detection Technologies to Protect Passenger Rail, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Passenger rail systems are vital to the nation's transportation infrastructure, providing approximately 14 million passenger trips each weekday. Recent terrorist attacks on these systems around the world--such as in Moscow, Russia in 2010--highlight the vulnerability of these systems. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the primary federal entity responsible for securing passenger rail systems. In response to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2008, GAO [Government Accountability Office] conducted a technology assessment that reviews 1) the availability of explosives detection technologies and their ability to help secure the passenger rail environment, and 2) key operational and policy factors that impact the role of explosives detection technologies in the passenger rail environment. GAO analyzed test reports on various explosives detection technologies and convened a panel of experts comprised of a broad mix of federal, technology, and passenger rail industry officials. GAO also interviewed officials from DHS and the Departments of Defense, Energy, Transportation, and Justice to discuss the effectiveness of these technologies and their applicability to passenger rail. GAO provided a draft of this report these departments for comment. Four departments provided technical comments, which we incorporated as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-07
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Maritime Environment: Federal and State Actions, Expenditures, and Challenges to Addressing Abandoned and Derelict Vessels, Report to Congressional Requesters
"ADVs [abandoned and derelict vessels] can block navigable U.S. waterways and pose threats to the environment, and public health and safety, as fuel and hazardous material can leak into the water as the vessels deteriorate. Multiple federal agencies have responsibility for responding to ADV-related incidents, while states may also address ADVs through their own laws and policies. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review actions federal and state agencies have taken to address ADVs in U.S. waterways. This report examines (1) key factors that guide how federal agencies respond to
ADVs; (2) the extent federal agencies track ADVs and their expenditures for responding to them; and (3) actions states have taken to address ADVs and the factors they cite as affecting their efforts. GAO reviewed federal laws and policies which guide ADV-related actions for the Coast Guard, EPA, USACE [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers], NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration], and FEMA, and analyzed these agencies' ADV-related caseload and expenditure data for fiscal years 2005 through 2015, the most current available data. GAO interviewed agency headquarters and field-based officials in four states, selected for their geographic diversity and varying state laws and actions regarding ADVs. GAO also surveyed 30 coastal states regarding their ADV-related actions, expenditures and
challenges. GAO is not making recommendations in this report. Agencies provided technical comments on a draft of this report, which GAO incorporated, as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-03
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COVID-19: Pandemic Lessons Highlight Need for Public Health Situational Awareness Network, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Highlights: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has drawn attention to the urgent need for public health officials to access realtime information about emerging threats to enable them to make timely, responsive decisions. For over a decade, federal law has mandated that HHS [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] improve the nation's situational awareness of these threats. The most recent mandate, enacted in 2019, included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on HHS's efforts to implement these improvements. The CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act also included a provision for GAO to conduct monitoring and oversight of the federal response to the pandemic. This report examines (1) the extent to which HHS has made progress toward implementing the requirements in the 2019 act; and (2) the challenges and lessons learned from COVID-19 that HHS could incorporate in planning for a situational awareness and biosurveillance network."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
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Interagency Council on Homelessness: Written Policies for Implementing Statutory Requirements Are Needed, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The mission of USICH [United States Interagency Council on Homelessness] is to coordinate the federal response to homelessness and partner with the private sector and state and local governments to prevent and end homelessness. Under its governing statute, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, USICH must perform certain duties and functions, such as annually updating its national strategic plan to end homelessness, providing technical assistance to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, and recommending improvements to programs that assist homeless individuals. House Report No. 116-452 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review USICH's policies and procedures to ensure compliance with certain statutory requirements. This report addresses policies and procedures USICH used in fiscal years 2017-2021 to perform duties and functions under its governing statute and comply with certain appropriations requirements."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
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COVID-19: Agencies Increased Use of Some Regulatory Flexibilities and Are Taking Steps to Assess Them, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Federal regulations can generate substantial benefits to society, but benefits can diminish if regulations are not adapted to meet emerging public needs. Federal agencies have implemented regulatory flexibilities to address the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic's substantial effect. Regulatory flexibilities are actions taken, at least in part, to temporarily reduce regulatory burdens or constraints imposed on regulated entities. The CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on its COVID-19 pandemic oversight efforts. GAO was also asked to look at regulatory flexibilities available to agencies in responding to COVID-19. For this report, GAO examines (1) agencies' implementation of regulatory flexibilities in response to the pandemic; (2) the plans, policies, and other tools selected agencies used to identify and design regulatory flexibilities; and (3) efforts these selected agencies took to assess the impacts of regulatory flexibilities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
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West Bank and Gaza: State Has Taken Actions to Address Potentially Problematic Textbook Content but Should Improve Its Reporting to Congress, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "The U.S. government has funded education assistance to Palestinians. The State Department oversees U.S. contributions to UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East], and USAID [U.S. Agency for International Development] provides assistance to Palestinian Authority schools. UNRWA generally administers schools for Palestine refugees. The Palestinian Authority generally administers schools for non-refugee Palestinians who live in the WBG [West Bank and Gaza]. During the 2016-2017 school year, it issued new pilot textbooks for grades 1 through 4 for use in both its and UNRWA's schools. GAO was asked to review issues related to U.S. education assistance to the WBG. This report examines (1) the funding the U.S. government provided for education assistance to the WBG for fiscal years 2015 through 2017, (2) how UNRWA and State have identified and addressed potentially problematic content in textbooks, and (3) whether State has submitted required annual reports to Congress including information on educational materials used in UNRWA schools. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed documents and interviewed U.S. government, UNRWA, and Palestinian Authority officials. For this report, GAO refers to potentially problematic content as that which State defined as inappropriate and that UNRWA defined as not aligned with UN values."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2019-06
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SEC Conflict Minerals Rule: 2017 Review of Company Disclosures in Response to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rule
From the Document: "The exploitation of the mining and trade of 'conflict minerals'--in particular, tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold from the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)--has contributed to the displacement of people and severe human rights abuses. Section 1502 of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), which addresses the exploitation of conflict minerals, required several U.S. agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to take certain actions to implement its conflict minerals provisions. The Dodd-Frank Act required SEC, in consultation with the Department of State (State), to promulgate disclosure and reporting regulations regarding the use of conflict minerals from the DRC and adjoining countries (which this report refers to as 'covered countries'). SEC adopted a conflict minerals disclosure rule in August 2012 and published the adopting release in the Federal Register in September 2012. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report, beginning in 2012 and annually thereafter, on the effectiveness of the SEC rule in promoting peace and security in the DRC and adjoining countries, among other things. In this report, we examine companies' disclosures filed with SEC in 2016, compared with disclosures filed in the prior 2 years. To examine company disclosures filed with SEC in 2016 in response to the conflict minerals disclosure rule, we reviewed specialized disclosure reports--Form SD--and related documentation publicly available from the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) database."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-04-26
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Aviation Security: Actions Needed to Better Identify and Track U.S.-Bound Public Charter Operations from Cuba, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "On August 31, 2016, as part of a shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba, air carriers resumed scheduled commercial flights between the United States and Cuba, a route previously only open to public and private charter carrier operations. In June 2017, travel restrictions were revised to require U.S. travelers going to Cuba to travel as part of a licensed group. TSA, the agency responsible for securing the nation's civil aviation system, assesses Cuban airports and inspects air carriers operating U.S-bound flights to ensure they have effective security measures in place. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review TSA's assessments of Cuban aviation security. This report examines (1) the extent to which TSA followed its standard operating procedures when assessing aviation security at Cuban airports in fiscal years 2012 through 2017; (2) the results of TSA's Cuban airport assessments in fiscal years 2012 through 2017; and (3) the results of TSA's air carrier inspections for Cuba in fiscal years 2016--when commercial scheduled air service between the United States and Cuba resumed--and 2017. GAO reviewed TSA policies and procedures, observed TSA air carrier inspections in Cuba, and compared TSA data on assessments and inspections to data from the Department of Transportation."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-07
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Security Force Assistance: U.S. Advising of Afghan National Army Has Expanded Since 2015, and the U.S. Army Has Deployed a New Advising Unit
From the Document: "On January 1, 2015, after 13 years of combat operations, the United States transitioned from a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-led combat mission in Afghanistan to a mission to train, advise, and assist the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) under NATO's Resolute Support mission. Initial plans for U.S. force structure in Afghanistan included an authorized level of 9,800 at the start of Resolute Support in 2015, with a decrease over time planned to culminate in a small force presence based in Kabul by the end of 2016. Since 2015, U.S. forces in Afghanistan largely have been provided to conduct the Resolute Support train, advise, and assist mission, though some forces support U.S. counterterrorism efforts. In August 2017, the United States announced an updated strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia, and the Department of Defense (DOD) subsequently approved an increase in forces to implement this strategy. In late 2017, DOD also determined the increase in forces would include a new U.S. Army advising unit, the Security Force Assistance Brigade."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-12-19
