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Nuclear Waste Disposal: Better Planning Needed to Avoid Potential Disruptions at Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "DOE's [Department of Energy] WIPP [Waste Isolation Pilot Plant] is the nation's only deep geologic repository for the disposal of defense-related nuclear waste. DOE suspended operations at WIPP after two accidents in 2014 and resumed on a limited scale in 2017. DOE has initiated two projects to improve WIPP's underground ventilation system and allow full disposal operations to resume. However, DOE estimates WIPP's existing physical space will be full around 2025, and DOE faces a statutory limitation on how much waste can be disposed of at WIPP. Senate Report No. 115-125 accompanying a bill for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review DOE's actions to bring WIPP towards full operational status. This report examines DOE's (1) plans to meet needs for physical space at WIPP without exceeding WIPP's statutory capacity, (2) challenges to completing key ventilation projects, and (3) plans for adding physical space at WIPP without interruption to operations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-11
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Defense Acquisitions: Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture Would Benefit from Defined Goals and Governance, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Cyberspace is a growing, human-made environment that touches many parts of life, including education, economic development, health, and other public services. For DOD, cyberspace is as important as the traditional land, sea, air, and space warfighting domains. To integrate these disparate cyber systems into a more cohesive capability, U.S. Cyber Command introduced an overarching vision for cyber capabilities known as the Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture. The Senate Armed Services Committee included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the status of the JCWA [Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture]. This report (1) describes the JCWA concept, systems, and planned capabilities; and (2) assesses the extent to which DOD has defined interoperability goals and a governance structure to guide JCWA cyber system acquisitions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-11
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Defense Intelligence: Comprehensive Plan Needed to Improve Stakeholder Engagement in the Development of New Military Intelligence System, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Foundational military intelligence--all-source intelligence collected by the Intelligence Community (IC) on other countries' militaries--is a critical element in planning for military operations. The DIA [Defense Intelligence Agency] legacy system for processing such intelligence is unable to meet current needs, and DIA intends to replace it with MARS [Machine-Assisted Analytic Rapid-Repository System]. MARS is expected to transform the way the IC approaches and generates foundational military intelligence. However, agencies can face a wide array of issues in developing a new system of this magnitude, including incorporating feedback from a large number of stakeholders. A committee report accompanying the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review MARS development. This report (1) describes the initial risks DIA and stakeholders have identified in the development of MARS and the actions DIA has taken to manage risk and (2) assesses how DIA is engaging potential stakeholders in the development of capabilities for the MARS program."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-11
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Consumer Product Safety Commission: Actions Needed to Improve Processes for Addressing Product Defect Cases, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "CPSC [Consumer Product Safety Commission] is responsible for ensuring the safety of thousands of consumer products ranging from children's toys to off-road recreational vehicles. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review CPSC's processes for addressing product safety hazards. Among other objectives, this report examines the extent to which CPSC has (1) taken steps to prioritize and address product safety hazards in a timely and efficient manner; (2) overseen firms' compliance with corrective action plans and taken steps to address noncompliance; and (3) taken steps to assess the effectiveness of different types of corrective actions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-11
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Puerto Rico Electricity: FEMA and HUD Have Not Approved Long-Term Projects and Need to Implement Recommendations to Address Uncertainties and Enhance Resilience, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged Puerto Rico's electricity grid, causing the longest blackout in U.S. history. It took roughly 11 months after the hurricanes for power to be restored to all of the customers with structures deemed safe for power restoration. Since electricity service has been restored, local entities have undertaken the longer-term task of more fully repairing and rebuilding the grid. GAO [Government Accountability Office] reported in 2019 on challenges hindering progress in rebuilding the grid and recommended that FEMA and HUD [Department of Housing and Urban Development] take actions to address these challenges. This report examines the status of efforts to support long-term grid recovery in Puerto Rico, including actions taken by FEMA and HUD to implement GAO's 2019 recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-11
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Technology Assessment: 5G Wireless: Capabilities and Challenges for an Evolving Network, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Document: "GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to assess the technologies associated with 5G [fifth-generation wireless networks] and their implications. This report discusses (1) how the performance goals and expected uses are to be realized in U.S. 5G wireless networks, (2) the challenges that could affect the performance or usage of 5G wireless networks in the U.S., and (3) policy options to address these challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-11
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Disaster Response: Agencies Should Assess Contracting Workforce Needs and Purchase Card Fraud Risk, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The 2017 and 2018 hurricanes and California wildfires affected millions of people and caused billions of dollars in damages. Extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Federal contracts for goods and services play a key role in disaster response and recovery, and government purchase cards can be used by agency staff to buy needed items. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal response and recovery efforts related to recent disasters. This report examines the extent to which selected agencies planned for their disaster response contracting activities, assessed their contracting workforce needs, and assessed the fraud risk related to their use of purchase cards for disaster response."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-11
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Reagan National Airport: Information on Effects of Federal Statute Limiting Long-Distance Flights, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Reagan National's perimeter and slot control rules were designed in part, respectively, to help increase use of Dulles and manage congestion at Reagan National by limiting the number of flights. On three occasions--2000, 2003, and 2012-- federal statutes have provided exemptions to the perimeter rule, collectively allowing 40 daily beyond-perimeter flights (20 round trips) at Reagan National. Of these exemptions, 32 were new beyond-perimeter flights and eight allowed airlines to convert existing slots to beyond-perimeter flights. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) operates Reagan National and Dulles, and DOT [Department of Transportation] and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversee these rules. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to update its past work on the perimeter rule. This report describes (1) the effects of beyond-perimeter flights at Reagan National, and (2) key considerations if additional beyond-perimeter flights are allowed."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-11
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Navy Maintenance: Navy Report Did Not Fully Address Causes of Delays or Results-Oriented Elements, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "The Navy generally has been unable to complete ship and submarine maintenance on time, resulting in reduced time for training and operations, and additional costs. The Navy's ability to successfully maintain its ships is affected by numerous factors throughout a ship's life cycle, such as decisions made during acquisition, which occurs years before a ship arrives at a shipyard for maintenance. Others manifest during operational use of the ship or during the maintenance process. The conference report accompanying a bill for the Fiscal Year 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act directed the Secretary of the Navy to submit a report identifying the underlying causes of maintenance delays for aircraft carriers, surface ships, and submarines and to include elements of results-oriented management. The conference report also included a provision for GAO to review the Navy's report that was released in July 2020. This report evaluates the extent to which the Navy's report (1) identifies the underlying causes of maintenance delays and (2) incorporates elements of results-oriented management. GAO reviewed the Navy's report and interviewed Navy officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-29
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Forced Labor Imports: DHS Increased Resources and Enforcement Efforts, but Needs to Improve Workforce Planning and Monitoring, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Forced labor is a global problem in which individuals are exploited to perform labor or services. The International Labour Organization estimates that forced labor generates profits of $150 billion a year globally. CBP [Customs and Border Protection] is responsible for enforcing Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which prohibits the importation of goods made with forced labor. CBP has authority to detain shipments when information indicates that forced labor produced the goods. ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is responsible for investigating potential crimes related to forced labor, and importers may be subject to prosecution. GAO was asked to review the status of DHS resources for implementing the Section 307 prohibition on forced labor imports, following an amendment of the law in 2016. This report examines (1) the extent to which CBP assessed agency needs for the enforcement of the prohibition on forced labor imports, (2) the outcome of CBP enforcement activities and monitoring of such efforts, and (3) ICE resources for investigations on forced labor. GAO reviewed CBP and ICE documents and data, and interviewed agency officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-27
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Missile Defense: Observations on Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Acquisition Challenges and Potential Contract Strategy Changes
From the Document: "The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is developing the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system to defend the United States against a limited intermediate and intercontinental ballistic missile attack from rogue states such as North Korea and Iran. Over the past 25 years, the Department of Defense (DOD) has spent approximately $53 billion acquiring the GMD system and plans to spend approximately $10 billion more over the next 5 years to continue developing, producing, and sustaining the system. Since the late 1990s, DOD has executed the GMD program through a prime contractor, Boeing, as the lead system integrator, but MDA is considering changing this approach. A lead system integrator generally refers to a contractor that has been designated with the responsibility for developing and integrating a large, complex defense-related acquisition program within a given budget and schedule. Under this contract strategy, Boeing is primarily responsible for GMD system-level performance and integration, which includes development, fielding, test, systems engineering, integration, manufacturing, training, operations, and sustainment."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-21
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Homeland Security Acquisitions: DHS Has Opportunities to Improve Its Component Acquisition Oversight, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "DHS invests billions of dollars each year in its major acquisition programs--such as systems to help secure the border, increase marine safety, and screen travelers--to help execute its many critical missions. In fiscal year 2020 alone, DHS planned to spend more than $10 billion on major acquisition programs, and ultimately the department plans to invest more than $200 billion over the life cycle of these programs. A critical aspect of DHS's acquisition process is oversight of this portfolio by the CAEs [Component
Acquisition Executives]. Most CAEs are senior acquisition officials below the department level, within the components. The CAEs have oversight responsibilities over the components' major and non-major acquisition programs, among other duties."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-20
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Disaster Recovery: COVID-19 Pandemic Intensifies Disaster Recovery Challenges for K-12 Schools
From the Document: "More than 260 presidentially-declared major disasters have occurred since 2017, affecting every state and several U.S. territories, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Many of these natural disasters have had devastating effects, including rendering K-12 [kindergarten-12th grade] school facilities unusable for extended periods of time. These schools are now experiencing the compounding challenge of recovering from these natural disasters while managing effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Social distancing practices and building closures are meant to keep staff and students safe, but may also complicate recovery efforts for disaster-affected districts. The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 provided funds for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to audit issues related to presidentially-declared major disasters that occurred in 2018. We reviewed (1) how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected schools recovering from recent natural disasters, and (2) support the U.S. Department of Education (Education) has provided to help schools recover from recent natural disasters and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected schools' use of these resources."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-14
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Nation's Fiscal Health: A Long-Term Plan is Needed for Fiscal Sustainability, Statement of Gene L. Dodaro Comptroller General of the United States, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth, Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "By the end of fiscal year 2019, debt held by the public had climbed to 79 percent of GDP [gross domestic product]. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects debt to reach 107 percent of GDP by 2023, its highest point in history. In addition, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] projects that annual deficits will exceed $1 trillion in each of the next 10 years. As currently structured, the federal debt limit is not a control on debt, but a legal limit on the total amount of federal debt that can be outstanding at one time. It restricts the Department of the Treasury's (Treasury) authority to borrow to finance fiscal decisions that have already been made. Uncertainty around the debt limit increases borrowing costs and decreases demand for Treasury securities, among other things. This statement focuses on (1) the federal government's unsustainable long-term fiscal path, (2) actions needed to address the federal government's fiscal challenges, and (3) executive agencies' opportunities to contribute to fiscal health. This statement is based upon GAO's September 2020 report on fiscal rules and targets, and GAO's March 2020 annual report on the nation's fiscal health. GAO updated certain information with new data from CBO and others."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-07
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Information Technology: IRS Needs to Address Operational Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Management, Statement of Vijay A. D'Souza, Director, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Before the Subcommittee on Government Operations, Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "The IRS [Internal Revenue Service], a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, relies extensively on IT [information technology] to annually collect more than $3 trillion in taxes, distribute more than $400 billion in refunds, and carry out its mission of providing service to America's taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations. This year, IRS also relied on IT to process and disburse economic impact payments totaling hundreds of billions of dollars to millions of Americans in accordance with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. IRS expects to spend $3.2 billion on IT for fiscal year 2020. GAO was asked to testify about IT management at IRS. Specifically, this testimony summarizes GAO's prior reports on IT challenges that IRS has faced in carrying out its operational responsibilities and on opportunities for the agency to improve the management of its IT investments. To do so, GAO reviewed its previously issued reports identifying IT operational challenges and opportunities to improve the management of its systems, and incorporated information on the agency's actions in response to related recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-07
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National Security: Additional Actions Needed to Ensure Effectiveness of 5G Strategy
From the Document: "The federal government and private industry are preparing for the next generation of wireless technology, which has the potential to represent the most significant change in wireless networks since cellular service was introduced. This fifth generation of mobile communication networks, or 5G, may have transformative effects that will increase productivity, contribute to the growth of new businesses, and spur innovation in sectors beyond telecommunications, including transportation, manufacturing, medicine, and others. Specifically, 5G will offer increased bandwidth, constant connectivity, and faster network response times, which can enhance and expand mobile technologies for consumers and businesses and introduce tens of billions of new devices to harness the Internet. However, while the advent of 5G could create significant economic opportunities, it also introduces national security risks as malicious actors seek to exploit these new 5G technologies."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-07
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Federal Oil and Gas Revenue: Actions Needed to Improve BLM's Royalty Relief Policy, Statement of Frank Rusco, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "BLM [Bureau of Land Management] manages the federal government's onshore oil and gas program with the goals of facilitating safe and responsible energy development while providing a fair return for the American taxpayer. In April 2020, oil and gas producers faced financial challenges from a drop in demand for oil during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. If oil and gas prices decline, it places financial stress on oil and gas companies, thereby increasing bankruptcies and the risk of wells being shut down. BLM developed a temporary policy to provide oil and gas companies relief from royalties that they owe to the federal government when they sell oil and gas produced on federal lands. This testimony discusses (1) BLM's development of the temporary policy for royalty relief and what is known about the policy's effects, and (2) BLM's implementation of this policy across relevant states. To do this work, GAO reviewed BLM documents; analyzed royalty data; and interviewed BLM officials from headquarters and the five BLM state offices with jurisdiction over states that account for 94 percent of royalties from oil and gas production on federal lands."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-06
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Combating Wildlife Trafficking: Agencies Work to Address Human Rights Abuse Allegations in Overseas Conservation Programs
From the Document: "Wildlife trafficking--the poaching and illegal trade of wild animals--is a multibillion-dollar, global criminal activity that is both a conservation issue and a security threat, according to the Department of State (State). Estimates place wildlife trafficking among the leading types of illicit trade. According to a 2014 report from the United Nations Environment Programme, different sources have estimated the illegal trade in wildlife to be worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually. Wildlife trafficking undermines conservation efforts, fuels corruption, and destabilizes communities that depend on wildlife for biodiversity and ecotourism. Wildlife trafficking also is pushing some protected and endangered species to the brink of extinction. In response, the U.S. government has taken steps to combat wildlife trafficking across the globe. From fiscal years 2014 through 2020, the U.S. government provided approximately $554 million to undertake a range of activities to combat wildlife trafficking through federal agencies and in cooperation with partner organizations in the field."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10-02
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Organ Transplants: Changes in Allocation Policies for Donated Livers and Lungs, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Organ transplantation is the leading form of treatment for patients with severe organ failure. OPTN [Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network], a nonprofit entity that was established in 1984 under the National Organ Transplant Act, manages the nation's organ allocation system. In 2019, 32,322 organs were transplanted from deceased donors in the United States. Nevertheless, as of July 2020, close to 110,000 individuals remained on waiting lists for donor organs. Previously, donated livers and lungs were generally offered first to the sickest candidates in donation service areas. However, livers and lungs are now generally offered first to the sickest candidates based on distance. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the changes to the liver and lung allocation policies. This report describes (1) changes to the liver allocation policy, and (2) similarities and differences in the processes OPTN used to change the liver and lung allocation policies, and federal oversight of these processes, among other things."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Public Health: Federal Programs Provide Screening and Treatment for Breast and Cervical Cancer, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "According to the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], tens of thousands of people die each year from breast or cervical cancer. Early screening and detection, followed by prompt treatment, can improve outcomes and, ultimately, save lives. Federal programs, like CDC's Early Detection Program, are intended to improve access to these services. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine the implementation of the Early Detection Program and the states' use of Medicaid under the Treatment Act. This report provides information on the number of people who were 1) screened through the Early Detection Program and 2) enrolled in Medicaid under the Treatment Act."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Nuclear Safety: DOE and the Safety Board Should Collaborate to Develop a Written Agreement to Enhance Oversight, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Established by statute in 1988, DNFSB [Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board] has broad oversight responsibilities regarding the adequacy of public health and safety protections at DOE [Department of Energy] defense nuclear facilities. In May 2018, DOE issued Order 140.1, a new order governing DOE's interactions with DNFSB. DNFSB raised concerns that the order could affect its ability to perform its statutory mandate. Congressional committee reports included provisions for GAO to review DOE Order 140.1. This report examines (1) the extent to which the order was consistent with DNFSB's original enabling statute and with long-standing practices, as well as actions DOE has taken in light of changes to the statute outlined in the FY20 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act]; and (2) outstanding areas of concern that DNFSB and DOE identified, and the potential effects of these concerns on how the two agencies cooperate. GAO reviewed legislation and agency documents; visited DOE sites; and interviewed DNFSB, DOE, and NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] officials and contractor representatives."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Puerto Rico: Perspectives on the Potential to Expand Air Cargo Operations, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Puerto Rico's economy has been in decline for much of the last 15 years and was devastated by hurricanes in 2017. Puerto Rico has sought to increase air cargo and passenger traffic at its international airports as a means to bolster and diversify its economy. Specifically, Puerto Rico seeks to serve as a transshipment point for transferring cargo between air carriers flying from Europe to Latin America. Air cargo, whether carried in the holds of passenger aircraft or by cargo-only aircraft, is an important component of global trade. The FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] Reauthorization Act of 2018 includes a provision for GAO to study the international air cargo transportation services among the United States and the African, Latin American, and European regions and the potential expansion of air cargo operations in Puerto Rico. This report addresses (1) what is known about air cargo operations between these world regions; (2) factors affecting the development of air cargo markets; and (3) Puerto Rican officials' and selected industry stakeholders' views on the economic effect and potential of expanding air cargo operations in Puerto Rico. GAO analyzed DOT [Department of Transportation] and European air cargo data for flights between the U.S. and the selected regions for 2016 through 2018 (the latest available data). GAO also interviewed officials from DOT, and stakeholders from Puerto Rico and the air-cargo industry, selected based on prior GAO work and stakeholder mission."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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TSA Acquisitions: TSA Needs to Establish Metrics and Evaluate Third Party Testing Outcomes for Screening Technologies, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "TSA relies on technologies like imaging systems and explosives detection systems to screen passengers and baggage to prevent prohibited items from getting on board commercial aircraft. As part of its process of acquiring these systems and deploying them to airports, TSA tests the systems to ensure they meet requirements. The 2018 TSA Modernization Act contained a provision for GAO to review the third party testing program. GAO assessed the extent to which TSA (1) used third party testing, and (2) articulated its goals and developed metrics to measure the effects of third party testing. GAO reviewed TSA's strategic plans, acquisition guidance, program documentation, and testing policies. GAO interviewed officials from TSA's Test and Evaluation Division and acquisition programs, as well as representatives of vendors producing security screening systems and companies providing third party testing services."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Open Data: Agencies Need Guidance to Establish Comprehensive Data Inventories; Information on Their Progress is Limited, Report to Congressional Addresses
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Federal agencies create and collect large amounts of data in support of fulfilling their missions. Public access to open data--data that are free to use, modify, and share--holds great promise for promoting government transparency and engendering public trust. Access to open data is particularly important in the current pandemic environment as government agencies, scientists, and the public work to understand and respond to COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] using data-focused approaches. The OPEN [Open, Public, Electronic and Necessary] Government Data Act includes a provision for GAO to report on federal agencies' comprehensive data inventories. This report examines the extent to which 1) OMB [Office of Management and Budget], GSA [General Services Administration], and NARA [National Archives and Records Administration] met their statutory requirements to facilitate the establishment of federal agencies' comprehensive data inventories; and 2) CFO [Chief Financial Officer] Act agencies developed data inventories in accordance with OMB guidance. GAO reviewed agencies' websites and related documentation, and interviewed OMB staff and GSA and NARA officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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DOD Financial Management: Continued Efforts Needed to Correct Material Weaknesses Identified in Financial Statement Audits, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Document: "DOD is responsible for about half of the federal government's discretionary spending, yet it remains the only major federal agency that has been unable to receive a clean audit opinion on its financial statements. After years of working toward financial statement audit readiness, DOD underwent full financial statement audits in fiscal years 2018 and 2019. This report, developed in connection with fulfilling GAO's [Government Accountability Office] mandate to audit the U.S. government's consolidated financial statements, examines the (1) actions taken by DOD and the military services to prioritize financial statement audit findings; (2) extent to which DOD and its components developed CAPs [corrective action plans] to address audit findings in accordance with OMB [Office of Management and Budget], DOD, and other guidance; and (3) extent to which DOD improved its ability to monitor and report on audit remediation efforts."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Aviation Consumer Protection: Increased Transparency Could Help Build Confidence in DOT's Enforcement Approach, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "The Department of Transportation's (DOT) enforcement approach generally uses a range of methods to encourage compliance with consumer protection regulations, including conducting outreach and information-sharing, issuing guidance, and sending non-punitive warning letters for those violations that do not rise to the level that warrants a consent order. DOT usually enters into consent orders when it has evidence of systematic or egregious violations. Such orders are negotiated between DOT and violators (e.g., airlines) and typically include civil penalties. DOT officials see benefits from using consent orders, which can include credits for actions taken to benefit consumers or to improve the travel environment. Annual consent orders increased from 20 in 2008 to 62 in 2012, but then generally declined to a low of eight in 2019. GAO's analysis showed that the decline in consent orders was most marked among those issued against non-air carrier entities (e.g., travel agents), those addressing certain types of violations such as advertising, and orders containing smaller civil penalty amounts. DOT officials said that the agency did not change its enforcement practices during this time."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Aviation Cybersecurity: FAA Should Fully Implement Key Practices to Strengthen Its Oversight of Avionics Risks, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Modern airplanes are equipped with networks and systems that share data with the pilots, passengers, maintenance crews, other aircraft, and air-traffic controllers in ways that were not previously feasible (see fig. 1). As a result, if avionics systems are not properly protected, they could be at risk of a variety of potential cyberattacks. Vulnerabilities could occur due to (1) not applying modifications (patches) to commercial software, (2) insecure supply chains, (3) malicious software uploads, (4) outdated systems on legacy airplanes, and (5) flight data spoofing. To date, extensive cybersecurity controls have been implemented and there have not been any reports of successful cyberattacks on an airplane's avionics systems. However, the increasing connections between airplanes and other systems, combined with the evolving cyber threat landscape, could lead to increasing risks for future flight safety."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Nuclear Weapons: NNSA Plans to Modernize Critical Depleted Uranium Capabilities and Improve Program Management, Report to the Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate
From the Document: "High-purity DU [depleted uranium] is an important strategic material for ongoing and planned modernizations of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. However, according to NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] estimates, NNSA has a very limited supply of DU feedstock, and its current supply of DU metal will be exhausted in the late 2020s. NNSA also does not have the full range of capabilities needed to manufacture DU into weapon components needed for modernizing the stockpile. GAO [Government Accountability Office] has previously reported that NNSA has experienced challenges in restarting some technical manufacturing processes. A Senate committee report accompanying a bill for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 included a provision for GAO to examine NNSA's management of DU for nuclear stockpile modernization. GAO's report examines (1) the status of NNSA's efforts to obtain the necessary quantities of DU to meet stockpile modernization requirements; (2) the status of NNSA efforts to develop DU component manufacturing capabilities to meet stockpile modernization requirements; and (3) the extent to which NNSA is managing DU activities as a program, consistent with agency policy."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Army Modernization: Army Should Improve Use of Alternative Agreements and Approaches by Enhancing Oversight and Communication of Lessons Learned, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The Army annually invests billions of dollars in science and technology projects to support weapon systems modernization. These projects often involve the use of alternative agreements outside the Federal Acquisition Regulation. The Army also uses alternative approaches to reduce barriers to partnerships with industry and academia. In doing so, the Army has lessons learned available to it about, for example, the type of alternative agreement to use or how to better execute an alternative approach. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the Army's alternative agreements and approaches for modernization. This report examines the Army's use, oversight efforts, and lessons learned practices for alternative agreements and approaches."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
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Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: Views on Usefulness and Challenges of Programs, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Prescription medications-- particularly when misused or overprescribed--can contribute to dangerous drug interactions, substance use disorder, overdoses, and deaths. The federal government has identified PDMPs [prescription drug monitoring programs] as key tools to help ensure the safe and appropriate prescribing of opioids and other controlled substances. The Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to study the operation of PDMPs. In this report, GAO describes (1) physicians' views on the usefulness of PDMPs when making patient care decisions; and (2) challenges to using PDMPs when making patient care decisions, as well as state and federal efforts to address these challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-10
