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Science & Tech Spotlight: Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technologies
From the Document: "Distributed ledger technology (e.g. blockchain) allows users to carry out digital transactions without the need for a centralized authority. It could fundamentally change the way government and industry conduct business, but questions remain about how to mitigate fraud, money laundering, and excessive energy use."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Anti-Money Laundering: Opportunities Exist to Increase Law Enforcement Use of Bank Secrecy Act Reports, and Banks' Costs to Comply with the Act Varied, Report to the Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Money laundering and terrorist financing pose threats to national security and the U.S. financial system's integrity. The BSA [Bank Secrecy Act] requires financial institutions to file suspicious activity and other reports to help law enforcement investigate these and other crimes. FinCEN [Financial Crimes Enforcement Network] administers the BSA and maintains BSA reports in an electronic database that can be searched to identify relevant reports. Some banks cite the BSA as one of their most significant compliance costs and question whether BSA costs outweigh its benefits in light of limited public information about law enforcement's use of BSA reports. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the BSA's implementation. This report examines (1) the extent to which law enforcement uses BSA reports and FinCEN facilitates their use, (2) selected banks' BSA compliance costs, (3) oversight of banks' BSA compliance, and (4) stakeholder views of proposed changes to the BSA."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Veteran Suicide: VA Needs Accurate Data and Comprehensive Analyses to Better Understand On-Campus Suicides, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "VA [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs] established suicide prevention as its highest clinical priority. In recent years, there have been reports of veterans dying by suicide on VA campuses--in locations such as inpatient settings, parking lots, and on the grounds of cemeteries. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review veteran deaths by suicide on VA campuses. This report examines (1) VA's process to track the number of veterans that died by suicide on VA campuses, and (2) steps VA has taken to address these types of suicides."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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COVID-19: Federal Efforts Could Be Strengthened by Timely and Concerted Actions, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "As of September 10, 2020, the U.S. had over 6.3 million cumulative reported cases of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and over 177,000 reported deaths, according to federal agencies. The country also continues to experience serious economic repercussions and turmoil. Four relief laws, including the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act, were enacted as of September 2020 to provide appropriations to address the public health and economic threats posed by COVID-19. As of July 31, 2020, the federal government had obligated a total of $1.6 trillion and expended $1.5 trillion of the COVID-19 relief funds as reported by federal agencies on USAspending.gov. The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report bimonthly on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This third report examines key actions the federal government has taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving lessons learned relevant to the nation's response to pandemics."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Information Technology: Selected Federal Agencies Need to Take Additional Actions to Reduce Contract Duplication, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Given that the federal government spends over $90 billion annually on IT [information technology], it is important that agencies avoid spending on duplicative contracts. Such duplication can occur, for example, when an agency awards two or more contracts to the same vendor for the same services. Category management--in which spending is managed by categories such as IT--and analyses of agency spending on products and services (called spend analyses) have been recognized as effective practices for identifying duplicative contracts. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review agencies' efforts to reduce IT contract duplication. GAO determined the extent to which (1) selected agencies' efforts to prevent, identify, and reduce duplicative or wasteful IT contracts were consistent with OMB [Office of Management and Budget] guidance; and (2) these efforts were informed by spend analyses."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-09
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Native American Youth: Agencies Incorporated Almost All Leading Practices When Assessing Grant Programs That Could Prevent or Address Delinquency, Report to Congressional Requesters [Reissued with Revisions on August 27, 2020]
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "Federal and other studies have noted that exposure to violence and substance abuse make Native American youth susceptible to becoming involved with the justice system. GAO was asked to examine federal and tribal efforts to address juvenile delinquency and the barriers tribes face in doing so. This report examines (1) federal financial assistance targeting tribes that could prevent or address juvenile delinquency; (2) the extent to which federal agencies assess the performance of selected grant programs and incorporate leading practices; and (3) the juvenile delinquency challenges tribes report facing. GAO identified relevant grant programs during fiscal years 2015 through 2018--the most recent data available when GAO began the review. GAO analyzed documents and interviewed agency officials to determine how they assessed grant program performance and conducted interviews with 10 tribes and two tribal consortia to discuss challenges with delinquency."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08-27
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Export-Import Bank: Status of End-Use Monitoring of Dual-Use Exports as of August 2020
From the Document: "The mission of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is to support the export of U.S. goods and services overseas through loans, loan guarantees, and insurance, thereby supporting U.S. jobs. EXIM's charter contains a general prohibition on support for defense articles and services, with limited exceptions. In 1994, Congress passed legislation providing an exception giving EXIM authority to facilitate the financing of U.S. exports of defense articles and services with both commercial and military applications, provided it determines that these items are nonlethal and primarily meant for civilian end use. Such 'dual-use' exports have included, for example, construction equipment for foreign militaries to use to build roads. EXIM's Engineering and Environment Division, with assistance from the bank's Office of General Counsel, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Office of Policy Analysis and International Relations, implements EXIM's dual-use authority."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08-27
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Private Health Coverage: Results of Covert Testing for Selected Offerings
From the Document: "Millions of Americans obtain health insurance coverage in the individual market, which consists mainly of private plans sold directly to consumers without access to group coverage. While generally regulated by states, starting in 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) established a number of new federal requirements for individual health insurance coverage. For example, PPACA prohibited insurers from excluding coverage or charging higher premiums for pre-existing conditions and required that individual market plans cover a set of essential health benefits, including coverage for mental health and substance abuse disorder services, prescription drugs, and maternity and newborn care. Certain types of health coverage arrangements that can be sold directly to consumers do not have to comply with some or all of PPACA's individual market requirements and, as a result, may be less expensive, but also offer more limited benefits compared to PPACA-compliant plans. For example, short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI), which was primarily designed to fill gaps in coverage, is excluded from the definition of individual health insurance under federal law and is therefore generally not subject to PPACA's requirements for the individual market."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Bagdoyan, Seto J.; Arp, Howard
2020-08-24
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GAO Audits Involving DOD: Status of Efforts to Schedule and Hold Timely Entrance Conferences
From the Document: "GAO's [Government Accountability Office] agency protocols govern GAO's relationships with audited entities. These protocols, coordinated with federal agencies including the Department of Defense (DOD), assist GAO in scheduling an entrance conference within 14 days of receiving notice of a new audit.1 Entrance conferences provide GAO an opportunity to communicate its audit objectives and enable agencies to assign key points of contact to support its work. In past years, DOD has experienced difficulty in meeting the protocol target for the timely facilitation of entrance conferences."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08-14
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Department of Homeland Security--Legality of Service of Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and Service of Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
From the Document: "The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 (Vacancies Reform Act) provides for temporarily filling vacant executive agency positions that require presidential appointment with Senate confirmation. [...] GAO's [Government Accountability Office] role under the Vacancies Reform Act is to collect information agencies are required to report to GAO, and GAO uses this information to report to Congress any violations of the time limitations on acting service imposed by the Vacancies Reform Act. [...] As part of this role, we issue decisions on agency compliance with the Vacancies Reform Act when requested by Congress. The Vacancies Reform Act is generally the exclusive means for filling a vacancy in a presidentially appointed, Senate confirmed position unless another statute provides an exception. [...] The Homeland Security Act of 2002 provides an order of succession outside of the Vacancies Reform Act when a vacancy arises in the position of Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08-14
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Social Security Disability: Information on Wait Times, Bankruptcies, and Deaths Among Applicants Who Appealed Benefit Denials
From the Document: "The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages two large disability benefit programs, Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In fiscal year 2019, these programs received more than 2.34 million applications and provided about $185 billion in benefits; as of December 2019, approximately 12.3 million adults with disabilities and their eligible dependents received benefits. SSA uses a five-step process to determine if an applicant qualifies for disability benefits. An applicant who is dissatisfied with the initial determination on their disability benefits application can appeal the decision to multiple escalating levels of review. From fiscal years 2008 through 2019, SSA received approximately 9 million appeals of initial DI or SSI decisions. We have previously reported that applicants who appeal a benefits denial can potentially wait years to receive a final decision, during which time an applicant's health or financial situation could deteriorate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08-13
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Information Technology: Federal Agencies and OMB Need to Continue to Improve Management and Cybersecurity, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Government Operations, Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Each year, the federal government invests over $90 billion in IT [information technology]. Even so, IT investments have too often failed or contributed little to mission-related outcomes. Increasingly sophisticated threats and frequent cyber incidents also underscore the need for effective information security. To focus attention on these concerns, GAO [Government Accountability Office] has included both the management of IT acquisitions and operations and cybersecurity on its high-risk list. For this statement, GAO summarized its key related reports and assessed agencies' progress in implementing the reports' recommendations. Specifically, GAO reviewed the implementation of recommendations on (1) CIO [Chief Information Officer] responsibilities, (2) IT acquisition review requirements, (3) data center consolidation, (4) the management of software licenses, and (5) cybersecurity."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Harris, Carol C.
2020-08-03
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Defense Workforce: DOD Needs to Assess Its Use of Term and Temporary Appointments, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "DOD employs term and temporary personnel as a part of its overall civilian workforce. Recently, DOD extended the maximum duration of term appointments to 8 years with further extensions considered on a case-by-case basis, and temporary appointments to 3 years. House Report 116-120 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review DOD's use of term and temporary hiring authorities. GAO's report (1) identifies changes in the number of DOD term and temporary personnel from fiscal years 2016 through 2019, and (2) assesses the extent to which DOD modified term and temporary appointments and completed and submitted a statutorily required report assessing those modifications."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Substance Use Disorder: Medicaid Coverage of Peer Support Services for Adults, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "SUD [substance use disorders] treatment can help individuals reduce or stop substance use and improve their quality of life. In 2007, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recognized that peer providers could be an important component of effective SUD treatment, and provided guidance to states on how to cover peer support services in their Medicaid programs. However, states have flexibility in how they design and implement their Medicaid programs, and coverage for peer support services is an optional benefit. The Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on peer support services under Medicaid. This report describes, among other objectives, the extent to which state Medicaid programs covered peer support services for adult beneficiaries with SUDs nationwide, and how selected state Medicaid programs offered peer support services for adult beneficiaries with SUDs."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Natural Gas Exports: Updated Guidance and Regulations Could Improve Facility Permitting Processes, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "As U.S. natural gas production has increased, exports of natural gas have increased as well, and in 2017, the nation became a net exporter of natural gas. In 2019, about 39 percent of natural gas exports were transported by ship as LNG [liquefied natural gas], and exports of LNG are expected to grow. FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission], MARAD [Maritime Administration], and the Coast Guard issue permits required for companies to construct or operate an LNG export facility. The Coast Guard, along with PHMSA [Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration], also has issued regulations on safety and technology requirements for these facilities. These regulations incorporate technical standards that are developed and updated by standards-developing organizations. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review how federal agencies manage the permitting processes. This report examines, among other things, the extent to which (1) federal agencies collaborate in the permitting processes for LNG export facilities and (2) regulations for such facilities incorporate current technical standards."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Native American Youth: Agencies Incorporated Almost All Leading Practices When Assessing Grant Programs That Could Prevent or Address Delinquency, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Federal and other studies have noted that exposure to violence and substance abuse make Native American youth susceptible to becoming involved with the justice system. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine federal and tribal efforts to address juvenile delinquency and the barriers tribes face in doing so. This report examines (1) federal financial assistance targeting tribes that could prevent or address juvenile delinquency; (2) the extent to which federal agencies assess the performance of selected grant programs and incorporate leading practices; and (3) the juvenile delinquency challenges tribes report facing."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Opioid Use Disorder: Treatment with Injectable and Implantable Buprenorphine, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "In 2018, SAMHSA [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration] estimated that about one-quarter of the estimated 2 million people with OUD [opioid use disorder] had received some form of substance use treatment in the prior year. One form of treatment--medication-assisted treatment (MAT)-- combines behavioral therapy with the use of certain medications. HHS has identified expanding access to treatment for OUD as an important strategy for reducing opioid morbidity and mortality, which includes increasing the number of injectable and implantable buprenorphine prescriptions. Congress included a provision in the SUPPORT [Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities] Act for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review access to and the potential for the diversion of controlled substances administered by injection or implantation. This report focuses on injectable and implantable controlled substances that can be used to treat OUD and specifically, describes the process for treating OUD with injectable and implantable buprenorphine and what is known about their use."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Next Generation Combat Vehicles: As Army Prioritizes Rapid Development, More Attention Needed to Provide Insight on Cost Estimates and Systems Engineering Risks, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The Army views the NGCV [Next Generation Combat Vehicles] portfolio as one of its most critical and urgent modernization priorities, as many current Army ground combat vehicles were developed in the 1980s or earlier. Past efforts to replace some of these systems failed at a cost of roughly $23 billion. In November 2017, the Army began new efforts to modernize this portfolio. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the Army's plans for modernizing its fleet of ground combat vehicles. This report examines (1) the acquisition approaches and contracting strategies the Army is considering for the NGCV portfolio, (2) the extent to which the Army's efforts to balance schedule, cost, and technology are reducing acquisition risks for that portfolio, and (3) how the Army is communicating internally and externally to reduce acquisition risks."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Aviation Safety: Actions Needed to Evaluate Changes to FAA's Enforcement Policy on Safety Standards, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] supports the safety of the U.S. aviation system by ensuring air carriers, pilots, and other regulated entities comply with safety standards. In 2015, FAA announced a new enforcement policy with a more collaborative and problem-solving approach called the Compliance Program. Under the program, FAA emphasizes using compliance actions, for example, counseling or training, to address many violations more efficiently, according to FAA. Enforcement actions such as civil penalties are reserved for more serious violations, such as when a violation is reckless or intentional. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 included a provision that GAO [Government Accountability Office] review FAA's Compliance Program. This report examines (1) how FAA implemented and used the Compliance Program and (2) how FAA evaluates the effectiveness of the program. GAO analyzed FAA data on enforcement actions agency-wide and on compliance actions for three selected offices for fiscal years 2012 to 2019 (4 years before and after program start). GAO also reviewed FAA guidance and interviewed FAA officials, including those from the eight offices that oversee compliance with safety standards."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Cybersecurity: DHS and Selected Agencies Need to Address Shortcomings in Implementation of Network Monitoring Program, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "In 2013, DHS established the CDM [Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation] program to strengthen the cybersecurity of government networks and systems by providing tools to agencies to continuously monitor their networks. The program, with estimated costs of about $10.9 billion, intends to provide capabilities for agencies to identify, prioritize, and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review agencies' continuous monitoring practices. This report (1) examines the extent to which selected agencies have effectively implemented key CDM program requirements and (2) describes challenges agencies identified in implementing the requirements and steps DHS has taken to address these challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Immigration Detention: ICE Should Enhance Its Use of Facility Oversight Data and Management of Detainee Complaints, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is the lead agency responsible for providing safe, secure, and humane confinement for detained foreign nationals in the United States. ICE has established standards for immigration detention related to complaint processes, medical care, and other areas. The joint explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review ICE's management and oversight of detention facilities and detention-related complaints. This report examines ICE and other DHS entities' mechanisms for (1) overseeing compliance with immigration detention facility standards and how ICE uses oversight information to address any identified deficiencies; and (2) receiving and addressing detainee complaints, and how ICE uses complaint information."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Interagency Council on Homelessness: Governance Responsibilities Need Further Clarification, 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 create partnerships with the private sector and state and local governments to reduce and end homelessness. The joint explanatory statement related to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the management and governance structure of USICH, including the Council's ability to oversee the Executive Director and USICH operations. This report (1) describes the structure and practices for USICH operations and (2) evaluates the extent to which roles and responsibilities for the governance of USICH have been defined and documented."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Transportation Research: Additional Actions Could Improve DOT's Internal Collaboration and Reliability of Information on Research Activities, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "DOT's [Department of Transportation] research activities are critical to DOT's mission to make the nation's transportation system safer and more efficient. To meet current research needs and prepare for emerging technologies, DOT partners with public and private entities. In fiscal year 2018, DOT funded about 2,300 partners and had a research budget exceeding $1 billion. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review DOT's research activities. This report addresses: (1) how DOT prioritizes and selects which research activities it will undertake; (2) the extent to which DOT facilitates research collaboration with external stakeholders and across the department; and (3) the extent to which DOT ensures its Research Hub database contains complete and accurate project information."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Navy Shipyards: Actions Needed to Address the Main Factors Causing Maintenance Delays for Aircraft Carriers and Submarines, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "For fiscal years 2015 through 2019, the Navy spent $2.8 billion in capital investments to address shipyard performance, among other things. However, the shipyards continue to face persistent and substantial maintenance delays that hinder the readiness of aircraft carriers and submarines. The Senate Armed Services Committee, in a report accompanying a bill for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, included a provision for GAO to review Navy shipyards' performance. GAO evaluated the extent to which the Navy (1) completed maintenance at its shipyards on time on aircraft carriers and submarines in fiscal years 2015 through 2019, (2) has identified the main factors leading to maintenance delays, and (3) has addressed the main factors affecting any delays in that maintenance. GAO reviewed data related to Navy shipyard maintenance for fiscal years 2015 through 2019, analyzed factors contributing to delays and plans to address them, visited all four Navy shipyards, and met with Navy and shipyard officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Aircraft Noise: Information on a Potential Mandated Transition to Quieter Airplanes, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Although advances in technology have led to quieter aircraft capable of meeting increasingly stringent noise standards, airport noise remains a concern. FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] regulates aircraft noise by ensuring compliance with relevant noise standards. [...] The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 included a provision for GAO to review a potential phase-out of stage 3 airplanes--the loudest aircraft currently operating in the United States. This report describes (1) the proportion of stage 3 airplanes in the U.S. fleet, and what proportion of these stage 3 airplanes are able to meet more stringent noise standards and (2) selected stakeholders' views on the potential benefits, costs, and challenges of phasing out stage 3 airplanes."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Internet of Things: Information on Use by Federal Agencies, Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "IoT [Internet of Things] generally refers to devices--from sensors in vehicles to building thermostats-- that collect information, communicate it to a network, and may complete a task based on that information. Although IoT technologies may present an opportunity for the federal government to operate more efficiently and effectively, federal agencies may also face challenges in acquiring and using IoT. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the federal government's experience with IoT. This report describes (1) IoT technologies selected federal agencies are using, (2) the benefits and challenges of using IoT technologies, and (3) policies and guidance selected agencies follow in using and acquiring IoT technologies. GAO surveyed 115 Chief Information Officers (CIO) and senior IT [information technology] officials at federal agencies and subcomponents based on, in part, agency membership in the federal CIO Council; 90 responded."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Intellectual Property: Additional Agency Actions Can Improve Assistance to Small Businesses and Inventors, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Small businesses employ about half of the U.S. private workforce and create approximately two-thirds of the nation's jobs. For many small businesses, intellectual property aids in building market share and creating jobs. Among the federal agencies assisting small businesses with intellectual property are USPTO [U.S. Patent and Trademark Office], which grants patents and registers trademarks, and SBA [Small Business Administration], which assists small businesses on a variety of business development issues, including intellectual property. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review resources available to help small businesses and inventors protect intellectual property, and their effectiveness. This report examines, among other things, (1) the extent to which USPTO evaluates the effectiveness of its efforts to assist small businesses and (2) SBA's coordination with USPTO to assist small businesses."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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COVID-19: Brief Update on Initial Federal Response to the Pandemic
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "As of August 20, 2020, the U.S. had over 5.5 million cumulative reported cases of COVID-19, and 158,000 reported deaths, according to federal agencies. The country also continues to experience serious economic repercussions and turmoil. Four relief laws, including the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act, were enacted between March and July 2020 to provide appropriations for the response to COVID-19. The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO to report bimonthly on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to COVID-19. This second report examines federal spending on the COVID-19 response; indicators for monitoring public health and the economy; and the status of matters for congressional consideration and recommendations from GAO's June 2020 report (GAO20-625). GAO reviewed data through June 30, 2020 (the latest available) from USAspending.gov, a government website with data from government agencies. GAO also obtained, directly from the agencies, spending data, as of July 31, 2020, for the six largest spending areas, to the extent available. To develop the public health indicators, GAO reviewed research and federal guidance. To understand economic developments, GAO reviewed data from federal statistical agencies, the Federal Reserve, and Bloomberg Terminal, as well as economic research. To update the status of matters for congressional consideration and recommendations, GAO reviewed agency and congressional actions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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Federalism: Opportunities Exist to Improve Coordination and Consultation with State and Local Governments, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Federal programs fulfilling national goals in education, health care, transportation infrastructure, and homeland security, among other issues, are implemented through a complex partnership between federal, state, and local governments. E.O. 13132, 'Federalism', outlines principles and criteria to guide the formulation and implementation of policies and the appropriate division of responsibilities between levels of government. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review intergovernmental affairs activities at executive branch agencies. This report (1) identifies intergovernmental affairs offices' key responsibilities and activities at selected federal agencies and how these offices are organized, and (2) assesses state and local government officials' interaction with intergovernmental affairs offices, including their reported strengths and challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
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2020 Census: Recent Decision to Compress Census Timeframes Poses Additional Risks to an Accurate Count, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "'The 2020 Decennial Census is underway after pausing operations in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] national emergency. As the Bureau resumes its operations, it faces a new set of operational and public safety challenges as a result of COVID-19. These delays, the resulting compressed timeframes, implementation of untested procedures, and additional challenges such as COVID-19 could adversely impact downstream operations, escalate census costs and undermine the overall quality of the count. In recent years, GAO has identified challenges to the Bureau's ability to conduct a cost-effective count of the nation, including new innovations, acquisition and development of IT systems, and other challenges. In 2017, these challenges led GAO to place the 2020 Census on its HighRisk list. Over the past decade, GAO has made 112 recommendations specific to the 2020 Census. To date, the Bureau has implemented 90 and GAO has closed 1 recommendation as not implemented. As of August 2020, 21 of the recommendations had not been fully implemented.'"
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-08
