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Presidential Helicopter: Program is Meeting Cost Goals but Some Technical and Schedule Risks Remain, Congressional Committees
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "The mission of the presidential helicopter fleet is to provide safe, reliable, and timely transportation in support of the President. The Navy plans to acquire a fleet of 23 VH-92A helicopters to replace the current Marine Corps fleet which has been in use for more than 40 years. Delivery of production VH-92A helicopters is scheduled to begin in April 2021 and be completed in January 2023. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 included a provision for GAO to report annually on the acquisition of the VH-92A helicopter. This report, GAO's sixth related to the provision, examines (1) the extent to which the program is meeting cost goals and (2) performance and schedule challenges that the program has experienced."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Defense Infrastructure: Army Should Assess Progress in Standardizing Designs for Facility Construction, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "GAO is recommending that the Army establish performance measures to assess the Centers' progress to (1) ensure the consistent use of standard designs and (2) reduce construction costs and time and reduce the occurrence of change orders. The Army concurred with our recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Cybersecurity: DOD Needs to Take Decisive Actions to Improve Cyber Hygiene, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "DOD has become increasingly reliant on information technology (IT) and risks have increased as cybersecurity threats evolve. Cybersecurity experts estimate that 90 percent of cyberattacks could be defeated by implementing basic cyber hygiene and sharing best practices, according to DOD's Principal Cyber Advisor. Senate Report 115-262 includes a provision that GAO review DOD cyber hygiene. This report evaluates the extent to which 1) DOD has implemented key cyber hygiene initiatives and practices to protect DOD networks from key cyberattack techniques and 2) senior DOD leaders received information on the department's efforts to address these initiatives and cyber hygiene practices. GAO reviewed documentation of DOD actions taken to implement three cyber hygiene initiatives and reviewed recurring reports provided to senior DOD leaders."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Telecommunications and Call Centers: Observations on Federal Contracting Practices, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The federal government relies on an extensive global telecommunications network to carry out operations and provide information to the public. These networks and call centers, which handle public inquiries, are often maintained or supported by contractors. Concerns have been raised about the extent to which federal contractors are subcontracting or offshoring work, and have in place worker protections and mechanisms to secure the technologies and the data they handle. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review aspects of contracting for federal telecommunications and call centers, including the extent of subcontracting and offshoring. This report provides information on, among other things (1) federal obligations on telecommunications and call center contracts, (2) worker protections identified in selected contracts, and (3) data security and privacy protections identified in selected contracts."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Preventing Drug Diversion: Disposal of Controlled Substances in Home Hospice Settings, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "Misuse of controlled substances continues to be a serious public health problem in the United States. Most commonly misused controlled substances include opioids (such as oxycodone), which are used to treat pain, and central nervous system depressants (such as diazepam), which are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. These types of drugs are commonly prescribed for patients in hospice care. The SUPPORT [Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment] Act included a provision for GAO to examine disposal of controlled substances in home hospice settings. This report describes selected home hospices' controlled substances disposal practices and the challenges they face in disposing of these substances. GAO reviewed the SUPPORT Act and other related statutory and regulatory provisions. GAO also interviewed officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, three national hospice trade associations, two national nurse trade associations, 11 state hospice associations, and seven hospices."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Defense Acquisitions: Action is Needed to Provide Clarity and Mitigate Risks of the Air Force's Planned Advanced Battle Management System, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "The Air Force's ABMS [Advanced Battle Management System] is a family of systems intended to replace the command and control capabilities of aging legacy programs and develop a network of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensors. Air Force officials stated ABMS has received $172 million in funding through fiscal year 2020 for efforts related to ABMS. The Air Force is not designating ABMS as a major defense acquisition program or a middle tier acquisition program. Congress included a provision in statute for GAO to review the status of ABMS. This report examines the extent to which the Air Force has (1) established a plan for ABMS development and (2) defined management and decision-making authorities for ABMS efforts. To conduct this assessment, GAO reviewed ABMS program documentation and interviewed Air Force officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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H-2B Visas: Additional Steps Needed to Meet Employers' Hiring Needs and Protect U.S. Workers, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Highlights: "Since 1990, there has been an annual statutory cap of 66,000 on the number of H-2B visa holders who can work for U.S. employers. DHS administers the program with support from other federal agencies including DOL [Department of Labor]. In recent years, demand for H-2B visas has exceeded the cap. To meet the needs of U.S. businesses, Congress authorized additional visas in fiscal years 2017- 2019. GAO was asked to examine the effects of the annual cap on employers and U.S. workers. This report examines, among other objectives: (1) trends in the demand for H-2B visa workers, (2) selected employers' reports of the visa cap's influence on their performance and employment of U.S. workers, and (3) how federal agencies have sought to meet employers' H-2B hiring needs and protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed nationwide data on H-2B visas and county labor market indicators. GAO interviewed 35 H-2B employers in four industries that are among the largest users of H-2B visas. The employers were in five counties selected for variation in factors including the share of H-2B workers in the workforce and the unemployment rate. GAO also reviewed relevant federal laws, regulations, and documents and interviewed federal officials and stakeholders."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Payment Integrity: Selected Agencies Should Improve Efforts to Evaluate Effectiveness of Corrective Actions to Reduce Improper Payments, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Highlights: "Improper payments, estimated at almost $175 billion for fiscal year 2019, are a significant problem in the federal government. IPIA [Improper Payments Information Act of 2002] and OMB [Office of Management and Budget] guidance directs agencies to analyze the root causes of improper payments and develop corrective actions to reduce improper payments. This report examines (1) actions that agencies took to identify root causes of improper payments for selected programs, (2) the extent to which their corrective action plans correspond to identified root causes, and (3) the extent to which they monitored progress and evaluated the effectiveness of corrective actions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Telecommunications: Agencies Should Fully Implement Established Transition Planning Practices to Help Reduce Risk of Costly Delays, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "GSA [General Services Administration] is responsible for contracts that provide telecommunications services for federal agencies. In preparation for the expiration of current telecommunications programs, including one called Networx, GSA has developed a successor program, known as EIS [Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions]. GSA and agencies now must carry out the task of successfully transitioning to EIS contracts. Previous contract transitions experienced significant delays. Those delays during the transition to Networx resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in missed savings. GAO was asked to review agencies' EIS transition preparations. This report discusses (1) selected agencies' plans for, and status in, transitioning to EIS; and (2) the extent to which selected agencies were implementing established transition planning practices."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Science & Tech Spotlight: CRISPR Gene Editing
From Why this Matters: "CRISPR [clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats] allows scientists to change DNA more quickly and efficiently than previous methods. Thousands of laboratories use it to research the potential development of new crops, medicines, and other advances that could have a significant impact. As a result, it has received widespread attention. However, there are safety, ethical, and regulatory concerns"
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Vessel Safety: The Coast Guard Conducts Recurrent Inspections and Has Issued Guidance to Address Emergency Preparedness, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "In October 2015, the U.S cargo vessel 'EL FARO' sank after encountering heavy seas and winds from Hurricane Joaquin, killing all 33 crew members. Subsequent investigations cited deficiencies in the vessel's SMS [safety management system] plans as a factor that may have contributed to the vessel's sinking. Some in Congress have raised questions about the effectiveness of vessel SMS plans and the Coast Guard's oversight of third parties responsible for ensuring vessels comply with international standards and federal regulations. The Hamm Alert Maritime Safety Act of 2018 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review Coast Guard oversight and enforcement of vessel SMS plans. Accordingly, this report addresses (1) how the Coast Guard (a) verifies domestic commercial vessels' SMS plans comply with federal regulations and (b) conducts oversight of ROs [Recognized Organizations], and (2) the extent to which domestic vessels' SMS plans identify potential shipboard emergencies and include applicable response procedures."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Passenger Rail Security: TSA Engages with Stakeholders but Could Better Identify and Share Standards and Key Practices, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Highlights: "Recent physical and cyberattacks on rail systems in U.S. and foreign cities highlight the importance of strengthening and securing passenger rail systems around the world. TSA is the primary federal agency responsible for securing transportation in the United States. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review TSA's efforts to assess passenger rail risk, as well as its role in identifying and sharing security standards and key practices. This report addresses (1) TSA's efforts to assess risk; (2) the extent to which TSA works with U.S. and foreign passenger rail stakeholders to identify security standards and key practices; and (3) the extent to which TSA shares passenger rail security standards and key practices with stakeholders."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Temporary Protected Status: Steps Taken to Inform and Communicate Secretary of Homeland Security's Decisions, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The INA [Immigration and Nationality Act] includes provisions for eligible foreign nationals residing in the United States to obtain temporary humanitarian protection from removal, as well as work authorization, when their country of origin is designated for TPS [Temporary Protected Status]. Since 1990, nationals of 22 countries have received TPS. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a country for TPS after consulting with other agencies and determining that the country meets statutory criteria related to armed conflict, environmental disaster, or extraordinary or temporary conditions that prevent its nationals from returning in safety. The Secretary may designate a country for TPS for periods of 6 to 18 months and can extend a TPS designation if deemed appropriate. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the TPS decision process. This report, among other things, (1) describes the approach DHS takes to inform the Secretary of Homeland Security's TPS reviews and (2) examines DHS's communication to the public regarding TPS decisions and related information, including employment authorization."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Federal Management: Selected Reforms Could Be Strengthened by Following Additional Planning, Communication, and Leadership Practices, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "In June 2018, the administration released its government-wide reform plan, which included 32 proposals aimed at achieving management improvements and organizational efficiencies, among other things. OMB [Office of Management and Budget] has a central role in overseeing these reform proposals, with support from various lead agencies. In July 2018, GAO reported on key questions to consider when developing and implementing reforms. GAO was asked to examine reform implementation. This report discusses three selected reforms that the administration prioritized: (1) moving background investigations from OPM [Office of Personnel Management] to DOD, (2) solving the cybersecurity workforce shortage, and (3) establishing the GEAR [Government Effectiveness Advanced Research] Center. For each selected reform, GAO determined the extent to which OMB and the lead agencies addressed key practices for effectively implementing reforms, among other issues. GAO reviewed relevant documentation and interviewed OMB staff and agency officials. GAO assessed OMB's and lead agencies' efforts against relevant key practices for effective reforms."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Pedestrian Safety: NHTSA Needs to Decide Whether to Include Pedestrian Safety Tests in Its New Car Assessment Program, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Environment and Public Works, U.S. Senate
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "In 2018, about 6,300 pedestrians--17 per day--died in collisions with motor vehicles in the United States, up from about 4,400 in 2008. Many factors influence pedestrian fatalities, including driver and pedestrian behavior. Vehicle characteristics are also a factor. NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] tests and rates new vehicles for safety and reports the results to the public through its NCAP [New Car Assessment Program]. Currently, pedestrian safety tests are not included in NCAP. This report examines: (1) what is known about the relationship between vehicle characteristics and pedestrian fatalities and injuries, (2) approaches automakers have taken to address pedestrian safety, and (3) actions NHTSA has taken to assess whether pedestrian safety tests should be included in NCAP. GAO analyzed data on pedestrian fatalities and injuries from 2008 through 2018 (the most recent available data); reviewed NHTSA reports; and interviewed NHTSA officials. GAO also obtained information about pedestrian safety features from 13 automakers that represented about 70 percent of new vehicle sales in the United States in 2018, and compared NHTSA's actions with leading program management practices."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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NASA: Assessments of Major Projects, Report to Congressional Committees (April 2020)
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "This report provides GAO's annual snapshot of how well NASA is planning and executing its major acquisition projects. In May 2019, GAO found that the cost of NASA's major projects had grown by almost 28 percent since they were baselined with an average launch delay of 13 months. Congressional conferees included a provision for GAO to prepare status reports on selected large-scale NASA programs, projects, and activities. This is GAO's 12th annual assessment. This report assesses (1) the cost and schedule performance of NASA's portfolio of major projects and (2) progress NASA has made identifying and addressing challenges that contribute to acquisition risk, among other objectives. This report also includes assessments of 24 major projects, each with a life-cycle cost of over $250 million using 2020 data. To conduct its review, GAO analyzed cost, schedule, technology maturity, and other data; reviewed project status reports; and interviewed NASA officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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K-12 Education: Education Needs to Address Significant Quality Issues with Its Restraint and Seclusion Data, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "Every 2 years, Education requires nearly all school districts to report incidents of restraint and seclusion. Generally, restraint is restricting a student's ability to move, and seclusion is confining them alone in a space they cannot leave. The House Committee on Appropriations' explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 included a provision for GAO to evaluate the CRDC's [Civil Rights Data Collection] restraint and seclusion data. This report examines (1) the effectiveness of CRDC data quality control procedures, (2) selected districts' interpretation of CRDC's restraint and seclusion definitions, and (3) selected districts' use of data. GAO analyzed CRDC's quality control processes for school year 2015-16, and interviewed officials from seven stakeholder groups and over 50 school and district officials in three states. GAO selected states, districts, and schools to obtain a range of perspectives on using restraint and seclusion data and interpreting CRDC definitions of restraint and seclusion. Selection criteria included changes in reported incidents year to year and laws requiring districts to report incidents to states."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Maritime Infrastructure: A Strategic Approach and Interagency Leadership Could Improve Federal Efforts in the U.S. Arctic, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Document: "Arctic sea ice has diminished, lengthening the navigation season and increasing opportunities for maritime shipping. However, the U.S. Arctic lacks maritime infrastructure--such as a deep-draft port and comprehensive nautical charting--to support increased traffic. The lack of infrastructure exacerbates risks inherent to shipping in the Arctic such as vast distances and dangerous weather. This report examines (1) how U.S. Arctic shipping trends have changed since 2009 and factors that have shaped shipping in the region, and (2) the extent to which U.S. agencies' efforts to address Arctic maritime infrastructure gaps have aligned with leading management practices. GAO [Government Accountability Office] collected U.S. Coast Guard traffic data from 2009 through 2019 and interviewed 20 stakeholders selected to represent a range of views. GAO also analyzed Arctic strategies, interviewed selected agencies involved with maritime infrastructure, and compared efforts to leading management practices."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Terrorism Risk Insurance: Market is Stable but Treasury Could Strengthen Communications About Its Processes, Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the Document: "TRIA [Terrorism Risk Insurance Act] created a federal program to help ensure the availability and affordability of terrorism risk insurance. Insurers must make terrorism risk coverage available to commercial policyholders. The federal government and insurers share losses on such policies resulting from a certified act of terrorism causing at least $5 million of insurance losses. Annual coverage for losses by insurers (who have met their insurer deductible) and the government is limited to $100 billion. The program is set to expire December 31, 2027. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review TRIA. This report examines (1) the current market for terrorism risk insurance and the program's role in the market, and (2) Treasury's processes to certify acts of terrorism and fulfill claims. GAO reviewed Treasury reports and related industry studies, Treasury's guidance and procedures for the program, and insurance policy language. GAO also interviewed Treasury officials and industry stakeholders, including a nongeneralizable sample of insurers of different sizes providing various types of insurance."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Terrorism Risk Insurance: Program Changes Have Reduced Federal Fiscal Exposure, Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "Congress enacted TRIA [Terrorism Risk Insurance Act] to help ensure the availability and affordability of commercial property/casualty insurance for terrorism risk and to address potential effects on the economy in the absence of such coverage. Under the TRIA program, which is set to expire December 31, 2027, the government and insurers share losses following a certified act of terrorism. TRIA creates explicit fiscal exposure because the government is legally required to make payments to insurers after such an event, but there also may be some implicit exposure from an expectation of federal spending. To date, Treasury has not certified any acts of terrorism. GAO was asked to examine federal fiscal exposure under the TRIA program. This report (1) examines changes in explicit fiscal exposure under TRIA and how insurers have adjusted to the changes, and (2) describes situations in which implicit fiscal exposures may arise and might become explicit. To conduct this work, GAO reviewed the TRIA statute and related studies, analyzed Treasury data, and interviewed a non-generalizable sample of insurers of different sizes providing various types of insurance."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Trade-Based Money Laundering: U.S. Government Has Worked with Partners to Combat the Threat, but Could Strengthen Its Efforts, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Document: "TBML [Trade-Based Money Laundering] involves the exploitation of international trade transactions to transfer value and obscure the origins of illicit funds. Various observers have noted that although TBML is a common form of international money laundering, it is one of the most difficult to detect due to the complexities of trade transactions and the sheer volume of international trade, among other things. This report examines (1) what the available evidence indicates about the types and extent of international TBML activities, (2) the practices international bodies, selected countries, and knowledgeable sources have recommended for detecting and combating TBML, and (3) the extent to which ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] has effectively implemented the TTU [Trade Transparency Unit] program and steps the U.S. government has taken to collaborate with international partners to combat TBML. GAO [Government Accountability Office] analyzed U.S. agency and international body data and documentation, conducted a literature review, and interviewed U.S. officials and selected knowledgeable sources."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Cooperation: Progress is Stalled Over Nonproliferation Conditions and Agency Management of Negotiations is Unclear, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Document: "U.S. policy has long sought to balance U.S. civilian nuclear exports with the nation's obligation to ensure that they are not used to proliferate nuclear weapons. The Atomic Energy Act (AEA) provides a framework for certain civilian nuclear exports and outlines the requirements for nuclear cooperation agreements, including that certain nonproliferation conditions be met; that State conduct negotiations with the technical assistance and concurrence of DOE [Department of Energy]; and that the President keep certain congressional committees fully and currently informed of negotiations or initiatives. This report describes, among other things, (1) the status of U.S.-Saudi negotiations and any areas of disagreement and (2) what is known about U.S. agency management of the negotiations. GAO [Government Accountability Office] reviewed the AEA and documentation of interactions between U.S. and Saudi officials regarding nuclear cooperation. GAO received limited information from State and DOE officials during the review but interviewed over 30 other stakeholders, including former senior executive branch officials, former congressional staff, and others with knowledge of and insights into nuclear cooperation issues and the negotiations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Food Safety: FDA and USDA Could Strengthen Existing Efforts to Prepare for Oversight of Cell-Cultured Meat, Report to the Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives
From the Document: "Multiple firms have produced cell-cultured meat as part of their research and development. These products appear likely to become available to consumers in coming years. FDA and USDA are the primary agencies responsible for overseeing the safety of the nation's food supply. However, some stakeholders have expressed concern about the agencies' oversight of cell-cultured meat amidst a fragmented federal food safety oversight system. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal oversight of cell-cultured meat. This report (1) describes what is known about methods for commercially producing cell-cultured meat, and (2) examines the extent to which FDA and USDA are collaborating to provide regulatory oversight of cell-cultured meat. GAO conducted a literature review; reviewed documentation from FDA, USDA, and stakeholder groups; analyzed public comments submitted to the agencies; compared agency efforts with leading practices for interagency collaboration; and conducted site visits to selected cell-cultured meat firms."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Wildfire: Information on Forest Service Response, Key Concerns, and Effects of the Chetco Bar Fire, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "A wildfire known as the Chetco Bar Fire began in the summer of 2017 in southwest Oregon and burned more than 190,000 acres over nearly 4 months. Since the fire began in a national forest, the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service played a key role in managing the firefighting response. Because the fire also threatened other lands, state and private firefighting entities were also involved. GAO was asked to review the Forest Service's response to and the effects of the Chetco Bar Fire. This report describes (1) key events of the Chetco Bar Fire and the Forest Service's firefighting response, (2) key concerns raised by Forest Service officials and stakeholders about the Forest Service's response, and (3) effects of the fire on local communities and resources. GAO reviewed federal documents related to key events and the response, such as incident action plans and daily status summaries; analyzed reports on effects of the fire; and visited burned areas. GAO also interviewed Forest Service, state, and local officials involved in the response, as well as other stakeholders--such as representatives of nongovernmental organizations and community members--to discuss key concerns and effects of the fire. To identify the stakeholders, GAO reviewed documents and interviewed Forest Service officials and stakeholders, who suggested others to interview."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-04
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Management Report: Improvements Needed in the Bureau of the Fiscal Service's Information System Controls Related to the Schedules of the General Fund
From the Document: "In connection with fulfilling our requirement to audit the consolidated financial statements of the U.S. government, we were engaged to perform an audit of the Schedules of the General Fund, which the Department of the Treasury's (Treasury) Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Fiscal Service) manages, as of, and for the fiscal year ended, September 30, 2018. As reported in connection with our audit of the Schedules of the General Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, we identified a significant deficiency in internal control over certain Fiscal Service information systems. [...] This report presents the deficiencies identified during our fiscal year 2019 testing of information system controls over key Fiscal Service financial systems relevant to the Schedules of the General Fund. This report also includes the results of our follow-up on the status of Fiscal Service's corrective actions to address control deficiencies contained in our prior report that were not remediated as of September 30, 2018."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-03-31
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Management Report: Improvements Needed in the Bureau of the Fiscal Service's Information System Controls Related to the Schedule of Federal Debt
From the Document: "In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the U.S. government, we audited and reported on the Schedules of Federal Debt managed by the Department of the Treasury's (Treasury) Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Fiscal Service) for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, and 2018. As part of these audits, we performed an assessment of key information system controls over Fiscal Service financial systems that are relevant to the Schedule of Federal Debt. [...] This report presents the deficiencies we identified during our fiscal year 2019 testing of key information system controls over Fiscal Service financial systems that are relevant to the Schedule of Federal Debt. The report also includes the results of our follow-up on the status of Fiscal Service's corrective actions to address control deficiencies contained in our prior years' reports that Fiscal Service had not remediated as of September 30, 2018."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-03-31
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National Transportation Safety Board: More Detail on the Selection Process Could Increase the Understanding of the Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements, Report to Congressional Committees [Revised March 19, 2020]
From the Highlights: "NTSB [National Transportation Safety Board] investigates accidents across all modes of transportation and issues recommendations intended to prevent similar accidents. In 2019, NTSB published its latest Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements. It identified 10 transportation safety issues with 268 underlying safety recommendations. The National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2018 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to examine NTSB's methodology for evaluating and selecting recommendations for inclusion in the Most Wanted List. This report discusses (1) NTSB's methodology for developing its Most Wanted List and (2) how NTSB addressed statutory requirements and how its methodology aligned with components for systematic decision-making, among other objectives."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-03-19
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Missile Defense: Lessons Learned from Acquisition Efforts, Statement of Cristina T. Chaplain, Director, Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "For over half a century, the Department of Defense has funded efforts to defend the United States from ballistic missile attacks. From 2002 to 2020, MDA [Missile Defense Agency] has received about $174 billion to develop the BMDS [Ballistic Missile Defense System] and has requested about $9.2 billion for fiscal year 2021. The BMDS consists of diverse and highly complex land-, sea-, and space-based systems and assets located across the globe. This statement summarizes lessons that GAO has identified from its prior reviews of MDA starting in 2004 that can be applied to strengthen the transparency and acquisition practices for developing and fielding missile defense elements. Specifically, this testimony provides information on (1) steps MDA has taken to increase transparency and reduce acquisition risks; and (2) ongoing challenges associated with improving transparency and reducing high risk acquisition practices."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Chaplain, Cristina T.
2020-03-12
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Nation's Fiscal Health: Action is Needed to Address the Federal Government's Fiscal Future, Statement of Gene L. Dodaro Comptroller General of the United States, Testimony Before the Committee on the Budget, U.S. Senate
From the Document: "GAO's [Government Accountability Office] Fiscal Health report provides information on (1) the unsustainable fiscal path and its primary drivers, (2) growing fiscal pressures that could further strain the federal budget, (3) why it is important to change the fiscal path, and (4) the need to take a new approach to managing the debt."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Dodaro, Gene L.
2020-03-12
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Border Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Management of a Temporary Facility in Texas Raised Concerns About Resources Used
From the Document: "Beginning in fall 2018, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) experienced a significant increase in the number of individuals apprehended at or between U.S. ports of entry along the southwest border. Apprehensions by the U.S. Border Patrol (Border Patrol) increased from nearly 400,000 individuals in fiscal year 2018 to over 850,000 in fiscal year 2019, an increase of 115 percent, according to CBP data. The increase in individuals apprehended resulted in overcrowded and difficult humanitarian conditions in CBP short-term processing and holding facilities. To help address this issue, in May 2019, CBP determined it needed a temporary soft-sided facility for processing and holding single adults in the El Paso Border Patrol sector, based on the significant increase in apprehensions in that sector."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-03-11
