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Postal Service: Key Considerations for Restoring Fiscal Sustainability, Statement of Lori Rectanus, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, Testimony Before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives
"USPS [United States Postal Service] is a critical part of the nation's communication and commerce, delivering 154 billion pieces of mail in fiscal year 2016 to 156 million delivery points. However, USPS's mission of providing prompt, reliable and efficient universal services to the public is at risk due to its poor financial condition. USPS's net loss was $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2016, its tenth consecutive year of net losses. At the end of fiscal year 2016, USPS had $121 billion in unfunded liabilities, mostly for retiree health and pensions, and debt--an amount equal to 169 percent of USPS's revenues. In July 2009, GAO [Government Accountability Office] added USPS's financial condition to its list of high-risk areas needing attention by Congress and the executive branch. USPS's financial condition remains on GAO's High-Risk List. In previous reports, GAO has identified strategies and options for USPS to generate revenue, reduce costs, increase the efficiency of its delivery operations, and restructure the funding of USPS pension and retiree health benefits. GAO has also previously reported that a comprehensive package of actions is needed to improve USPS's financial viability. This testimony discusses (1) factors affecting USPS's deteriorating financial condition, (2) USPS's ability to make required retiree health and pension payments, and (3) considerations and choices Congress faces in addressing USPS's financial challenges. This testimony is based primarily on past GAO work that has examined USPS's financial condition--including its liabilities--and updated USPS financial information for fiscal years 2016 and 2017."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-07
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High-Risk Series: Progress on Many High-Risk Areas, While Substanial Efforts Needed on Others, Statement of Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, Testimony Before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives
"United States Government Accountability Office Highlights of GAO-17-375T, a statement before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives. [...] The federal government is one of the world's largest and most complex entities: about $3.9 trillion in outlays in fiscal year 2016 funded a broad array of programs and operations. GAO's [Government Accountability Office] high-risk program identifies government operations with greater vulnerabilities to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement or the need for transformation to address economy, efficiency, or effectiveness challenges. This biennial update describes the status of high-risk areas listed in 2015 and actions that are still needed to assure further progress, and identifies new high-risk areas needing attention by Congress and the executive branch. Solutions to high-risk problems potentially save billions of dollars, improve service to the public, and strengthen government performance and accountability. GAO uses five criteria to assess progress in addressing high-risk areas: (1) leadership commitment, (2) agency capacity, (3) an action plan, (4) monitoring efforts, and (5) demonstrated progress. [...] This report contains GAO's views on progress made and what remains to be done to bring about lasting solutions for each high-risk area. Perseverance by the executive branch in implementing GAO's recommended solutions and continued oversight and action by Congress are essential to achieving greater progress."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-15
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Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Collection of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Aerostats Data, Report to Congressional Requesters
"As the lead federal agency charged with securing U.S. borders, the Department of Homeland Security's(DHS) CBP [Customs and Border Protection] has employed a variety of technologies and assets to assist with its border security efforts. In support of its mission, CBP operates a fleet of remotely piloted Predator B UAS [unmanned aerial systems] and uses aerostats, including tactical aerostats and TARS [Tethered Aerostat Radar System]. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review CBP's use of UAS and aerostats for border security. This report addresses the following questions: (1) How does CBP use UAS and aerostats for border security activities, and to what extent has CBP developed and documented procedures for UAS coordination? and (2) To what extent has CBP taken actions to assess the effectiveness of its UAS and aerostats for border security activities? GAO reviewed CBP documents; analyzed Predator B UAS, tactical aerostat, and TARS data on use and effectiveness from fiscal years 2013 through 2016; interviewed field and headquarters officials; and conducted site visits to observe CBP's use of UAS and aerostats along U.S. borders. GAO is making five recommendations,
including that CBP document coordination procedures for Predator B operations in all operating locations, update guidance and implement training for collection of Predator B mission data, and update Border Patrol's data collection practices for aerostat asset assists. CBP concurred and identified planned actions to address the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02
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Federal Courthouses: Actions Needed to Enhance Capital Security Program and Improve Collaboration, Report to Congressional Requesters
"The variety of civil and criminal cases tried in 400-plus federal courthouses can pose security risks. The CSP [Capital Security Program] was started in 2012 and was designed to be a less costly alternative to building new federal courthouses by adding key security features to existing courthouses. Congress has provided $20 million in obligational authority for the program in each of the fiscal years that it has been funded. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review physical security at federal courthouses. This report discusses (1) the extent to which federal stakeholders have identified
security concerns; (2) how the CSP addresses courthouse security concerns; and (3) what actions federal agencies could take, if any, to improve courthouse security. GAO reviewed agency documents, AOUSC [Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts] security scores, and interviewed officials from the Marshals Service, FPS [Federal Protective Service], GSA [General Services Administration], and AOUSC. GAO also visited eight courthouses to include six locations selected for CSP projects, and two that were considered but not selected. Although these site visits cannot be generalized to all CSP project locations or all federal courthouses, they provide insight into federal agencies' practices to secure courthouses. GAO recommends that (1) the Marshals Service and FPS improve the courthouse security information they collect; (2) GSA and AOUSC improve the CSP's transparency and collaboration through better documentation; and (3) GSA establish a working group or other forum to enhance coordination. The agencies concurred with GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02
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Southwest Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Better Assess Fencing's Contributions to Operations and Provide Guidance for Identifying Capability Gaps, Report to Congressional Requesters
"In fiscal years 2013 through 2015, Border Patrol recorded a total of 2.1 million estimated known illegal entries between ports of entry along the southwest border. In an effort to secure the border between ports of entry, CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] spent approximately $2.4 billion between fiscal years 2007 and 2015 to deploy TI [tactical infrastructure] - fencing, gates, roads, bridges, lighting, and drainage infrastructure-along the nearly 2,000 mile southwest border. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the use of border fencing along the southwest border. In this report, GAO examines (1) border fencing's intended contributions to border security operations and the extent to which CBP has assessed these contributions and (2) the extent that CBP has processes in place to ensure sustainment and deployment of TI along the southwest border and challenges in doing so. GAO reviewed CBP documentation and data and interviewed officials in headquarters and three southwest border locations. These locations were selected based on CBP's extensive investments in TI in such areas. GAO recommends that Border Patrol develop metrics to assess the contributions of pedestrian and vehicle fencing to border security along the southwest border and develop guidance for its process for identifying, funding, and deploying TI assets for border security operations. DHS concurred with the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02
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Department of Homeland Security: Important Progress Made, but More Work Remains to Strengthen Management Functions, Statement of Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
"GAO [Government Accountability Office] has regularly reported on government operations identified as high-risk because of their increased vulnerability to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, or the need for transformation to address economy, efficiency, or effectiveness challenges. In 2003, GAO designated implementing and transforming DHS as high-risk because DHS had to transform 22 agencies into one department, and failure to address associated risks could have serious consequences for U.S. national and economic security. Challenges remain for DHS across its range of missions, but it has made considerable progress. As a result, in its 2013 high-risk update, GAO narrowed the scope of the high-risk area to strengthening and integrating DHS management functions (human capital, acquisition,
financial, and information technology). This statement discusses, among other things, DHS's progress and actions remaining in strengthening and integrating its management functions. This statement is based on GAO's 2017 high-risk update and reports and testimonies from September 2011 through mid-February 2017. Among other things, GAO analyzed DHS strategies and interviewed DHS officials. Since 2003, GAO has made about 2,500 recommendations to DHS to strengthen its management efforts, among other things. DHS has implemented more than 70 percent of these recommendations and has actions under way to address others."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-16
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Information Technology: HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) Needs to Address Significant Weaknesses in Its Cost Estimating Practices, Report to Congressional Committees
"HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) relies extensively on IT to deliver services and manage programs in support of its mission. For fiscal year 2017, HUD requested $36 million for IT investments intended to deliver modernized enterprise-level capabilities that better support the department's mission. Critical to the success of such efforts is the department's ability to develop reliable cost estimates that project life-cycle costs and provide the basis for, among other things, informed decision making and realistic budget formulation. The joint explanatory statement that accompanied the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, included a provision for GAO (Government Accountability Office) to evaluate HUD's cost estimating practices. This review determined the extent to which HUD implemented cost estimating best practices for selected IT investments. GAO selected four IT modernization investments with the largest portion of requested funding for fiscal year 2017, interviewed relevant agency officials, and analyzed and compared each investment's cost estimate to best practices in the Cost Guide. This guide states that, when most or all of the practices are 'fully' or 'substantially' met, an estimate is considered reliable."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02
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Veterans Affairs Information Technology: Management Attention Needed to Improve Critical System Modernizations, Consolidate Data Centers, and Retire Legacy Systems, Statement of Statement of David A. Powner, Director Information Technology Management Issues, Testimony Before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives
"The use of IT is crucial to helping VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) effectively serve the nation's veterans, and each year, the department spends over $4 billion on IT. However, over many years, VA has had difficulty managing its information systems, raising questions about the effectiveness of its operations and its ability to deliver intended outcomes needed to help advance the department's mission. GAO (Government Accountability Office) has previously reported on a number of the department's IT initiatives. This statement summarizes results from key GAO reports related to increasing electronic health record interoperability between VA and DOD; system challenges that have contributed to GAO's designation of VA health care as a high-risk area; and VA's development of its system for processing disability benefits, data center consolidation, and legacy systems."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-07
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Drug-Free Communities Support Program: Agencies Have Strengthened Collaboration but Could Enhance Grantee Compliance and Performance Monitoring, Report to Congressional Committees
"In 2015, approximately 2.2 million adolescents aged 12 to17 were current users of illicit drugs. The Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997 (DFC) established the DFC Support Program-a federal grant program supporting drug abuse prevention efforts that engage schools, law enforcement, and other sectors of a community. The program targets reductions in the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and the illicit use of prescription drugs. The Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006 (ONDCP) includes a provision that GAO [Government Accountability Office] routinely assess ONDCP's programs and operations. This report addresses: (1) the extent to which ONDCP and SAMHSA [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration] use leading practices to coordinate program administration and the types of activities funded; and (2) the extent to which ONDCP's and SAMHSA's' operating procedures both ensure DFC grantees comply with governing statutes and provide a basis for performance monitoring. To conduct this work, GAO analyzed agency policies from 2013-2015 (most recent available); interviewed agency officials; and analyzed coordination efforts against relevant key practices GAO identified previously. GAO reviewed files obtained from a non-generalizable random sample of 30 grantees and interviewed a random subset of 10. GAO recommends that SAMHSA develop an action plan with time frames to strengthen DFC grant monitoring and ensure it sends complete and accurate information to ONDCP. SAMHSA concurred with these recommendations and identified actions to address them."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-07
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Federal Disaster Assistance: FEMA's Progress in Aiding Individuals with Disabilities Could Be Further Enhanced, Report to Congressional Requesters
"In 2005, individuals with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, and families with children were disproportionately affected by Hurricane Katrina. For example, some of those who had to abandon their wheelchairs could not evacuate because they were unable to wait in long lines for evacuation buses. The Post-Katrina Act required FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] and other entities to take certain actions to assist these individuals, such as through the establishment of a Disability Coordinator within FEMA. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine implementation of the Post-Katrina Act. This report assesses the extent to which FEMA and other entities provide disaster services to individuals with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, and children in need of family reunification. GAO examined federal, state, and local disaster assistance efforts for six major disasters that occurred from March 2014 through October 2015, where federal response and recovery efforts included assistance to the three target groups and that varied in location and type of disaster. GAO interviewed relevant officials, visited three of the six sites, and analyzed emergency operations plans and disaster summary reports. FEMA should establish written procedures for involving ODIC [Office of Disability Integration and Coordination] in regional activities; set goals for the number of state and local emergency managers who will take a key training on disability integration; and evaluate alternative delivery methods for the training. FEMA concurred with all of the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-07
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Capitol Police Board: Fully Incorporating Leading Governance Practices Would Help Enhance Accountability, Transparency, and External Communication, Report to Congressional Requesters
"The Board is charged with overseeing and supporting the Capitol Police. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the Board's operations, including the Board's accountability and level of communication. This report examines (1) the roles and responsibilities of the Board and the Police Chief and the comparability of the Board's scope to other law enforcement oversight entities; (2) the extent to which the Board's Manual incorporates leading practices for accountability, transparency, and external communication, and how the Board implements these practices; and (3) Congressional stakeholder perspectives on the Board's approaches and adjustments to enhance them. To complete this review, GAO analyzed relevant statutes and Board governing documents and operations. GAO also used internal control and corporate governance standards to articulate the key principles of accountability, transparency, and effective external communication; identified six leading practices that facilitate these principles; and analyzed the Board's Manual against each. GAO also interviewed Board members and staff, Congressional stakeholders, and experts selected for their knowledge of law enforcement oversight. GAO recommends that the Board revise its Manual to fully incorporate leading practices, including evaluating its performance, and engage with stakeholders and incorporate their views, as appropriate, on any changes. The Board did not state whether it concurred with the recommendation."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-07
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Critical Infrastructure Protection: Additional Actions by DHS Could Help Identify Opportunities to Harmonize Access Control Efforts, Report to Congressional Committees
"Critical infrastructure protection access controls limit access to those with a legitimate need. DHS [Department of Homeland Security] is the lead federal agency for coordinating critical infrastructure protection efforts with other federal agencies, and partnering with nonfederal stakeholders. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review critical infrastructure access control efforts. This report examines (1) key characteristics of selected federally administered critical infrastructure access control efforts and factors that have an impact on stakeholders' use of them; (2) the extent to which DHS has taken actions to harmonize efforts across critical infrastructure sectors; and (3) the extent to which DHS's SCO [Screening Coordination Office] has taken actions to harmonize access control efforts across DHS. GAO examined six federally-administered access control efforts across three federal departments. Efforts were selected, among other things, to represent a range of efforts that groups of users-such as truck drivers-may encounter while accessing multiple facilities. GAO interviewed DHS, NRC [Nuclear Regulatory Commission], and DOD officials and users and operators affected by the efforts and reviewed relevant documents. GAO recommends that (1) DHS work with partners to identify any opportunities to harmonize access control efforts across critical infrastructure sectors and (2) SCO establish goals and objectives to support its broader strategic framework for harmonization. DHS concurred with both recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-07
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Cybersecurity: DHS's National Integration Center Generally Performs Required Functions but Needs to Evaluate Its Activitites More Completely, Report to Congressional Committees
"Cyber-based intrusions and attacks on federal systems and systems supporting our nation's critical infrastructure, such as communications and financial services, have become more numerous, damaging, and disruptive. GAO [Government Accountability Office] first designated information security as a government-wide high-risk area in 1997. This was expanded to include the protection of critical cyber infrastructure in 2003 and protecting the privacy of personally identifiable information in 2015. The National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014 and the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 require NCCIC [National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center] to perform 11 cybersecurity-related functions, including sharing information and enabling real-time actions to address cybersecurity risks and incidents at federal and non-federal entities. The two acts also contained provisions for GAO to report on NCCIC's implementation of its cybersecurity mission. For this report, GAO assessed the extent to which the NCCIC was performing the 11 required functions. To do this, GAO analyzed relevant program documentation, interviewed officials, and conducted a non-generalizable survey of 2,792 federal and nonfederal recipients of NCCIC products and services. GAO recommends nine actions to DHS for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of NCCIC, including to determine the applicability of the implementing principles and establish metrics and methods for evaluating performance; and address identified impediments. DHS concurred with GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-01
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Medical Devices: Cancer Risk Led FDA to Warn Against Certain Uses of Power Morcellators and Recommend New Labeling, Report to Congressional Requesters
"In December 2013, media reports raised concerns regarding the use of power morcellators in the surgical treatment of women with uterine fibroids. These concerns focused on the spread of an unsuspected uterine cancer after such use of the devices. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review power morcellator medical devices. This report examines (1) the number of 510(k) submissions for power morcellators FDA [Food and Drug Administration] cleared, and the extent to which the agency determined the devices had new intended uses or new technological characteristics; (2) FDA's understanding of any concerns with the use of power morcellators to treat uterine fibroids prior to receiving adverse event reports, and the actions FDA has taken in response to these reports; and (3) the professional standards and guidance for physicians regarding the use of power morcellators, and the information device manufacturers provided. GAO reviewed documentation of FDA's decision-making and guidance and manufacturers' device labeling, and interviewed FDA officials. In addition, GAO reviewed documents and contacted officials from 10 professional societies and other organizations that have a potential interest in the use of power morcellators, and three health care providers that performed gynecological procedures that could involve the use of the devices. GAO also contacted all 12 manufacturers for the power morcellators FDA cleared for the U.S. market. The Department of Health and Human Services provided technical comments on a draft of this report, which were incorporated as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-07
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Supply Chain Security: Providing Guidance and Resolving Data Problems Could Improve Management of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Program, Report to the Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
"The economic well-being of the United States depends on the movement of millions of cargo shipments throughout the global supply chain-the flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers or other end users. However, cargo shipments can present security concerns. CBP [Customs and Border Protection] is responsible for administering cargo security and facilitating the flow of legitimate commerce. CBP has implemented several programs as part of a risk-based approach to supply chain security. One such program, C-TPAT, [Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism] is a voluntary program in which CBP staff validate that members' supply chain security practices meet minimum security criteria. In return, members are eligible to receive benefits, such as a reduced likelihood their shipments will be examined. This report assesses the extent to which (1) CBP is meeting its security validation responsibilities, and (2) CTPAT members are receiving benefits. GAO [Government Accountability Office] reviewed information on security validations, member benefits, and other program documents. GAO also interviewed officials at CBP headquarters and three C-TPAT field offices chosen for their geographical diversity; as well as select C-TPAT members and trade industry officials. GAO is recommending that CBP develop (1) standardized guidance for field offices regarding the tracking of information on security validations, and (2) a plan with milestones and completion dates to fix the Dashboard so the C-TPAT program can produce accurate data on C-TPAT member benefits. DHS concurred with GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-08
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Electricity: Federal Efforts to Enhance Grid Resilience, Report to the Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Oversight, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives
"In light of increasing threats to the nation's electricity grid, national policies have stressed the importance of enhancing the grid's resilience-its ability to adapt to changing conditions; withstand potentially disruptive events, such as the loss of power lines; and, if disrupted, to rapidly recover. Most of the electricity grid is owned and operated by private industry, but the federal government has a significant role in promoting the grid's resilience. DOE [Department of Energy] is the lead agency for federal grid resiliency efforts and is responsible for coordinating with DHS and other relevant federal agencies on these
efforts. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal efforts to enhance the resilience of the electricity grid. This report (1) identifies grid resiliency efforts implemented by federal agencies since 2013 and the results of these efforts and (2) examines the extent to which these efforts were fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative, and the extent to which agencies had coordinated the efforts. GAO reviewed relevant laws and guidance; identified a list of federal grid resiliency efforts; sent a questionnaire to officials at DOE, DHS, and FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] to
collect information on each effort and its results; analyzed questionnaire responses and agency documents to assess whether federal efforts were fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative and how agencies coordinated those efforts; and interviewed agency officials and industry group representatives. This report contains no recommendations. DOE, DHS, and FERC provided technical comments, which GAO incorporated as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-01
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Federal Reserve System: Potential Implications of Modifying the Capital Surplus Account and Stock Ownership Requirement, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives
"Member banks of the Federal Reserve must purchase stock in their regional Reserve Bank, but historically received a 6 percent dividend annually on paid-in stock. A provision of the 2015 FAST [Fixing America's Surface Transportation] Act modified the dividend rate formula for 85 larger member banks-and currently reduces the amount these banks receive. The FAST Act also capped the surplus capital the Reserve Banks could hold and directed that any excess be transferred to Treasury's general fund. Congress offset payments into the Highway Trust Fund by, among other things, instituting the Reserve Bank surplus account cap. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to report on the effects of these changes and the policy implications of modifying the stock ownership requirement. Among its
objectives, this report (1) examines the effects of capping the Reserve Banks' aggregate surplus account and reducing the Reserve Bank stock dividend rate, and (2) evaluates the potential policy implications of modifying the stock ownership requirement for member banks under three scenarios. GAO reviewed legislative history and relevant literature about the Federal Reserve, prior GAO reports, and interviewed academics and current and former officials of the Board of Governors, Reserve Bank, other banking regulators, and industry associations. In addition, GAO conducted structured interviews with
17 commercial banks, selected based on bank size and regulator. GAO makes no recommendations in this report. GAO requested comments from the banking regulators and Treasury, but none were provided."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02
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Cybersecurity: Actions Needed to Strengthen U.S. Capabilities, Statement of Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives
"Cyber-based intrusions and attacks on federal systems and systems supporting our nation's critical infrastructure, such as communications and financial services, are evolving and becoming more sophisticated. GAO [Government Accountability Office] first designated information security as a government-wide high-risk area in 1997. This was expanded to include the protection of cyber critical infrastructure in 2003 and protecting the privacy of personally identifiable information in 2015. This statement (1) provides an overview of GAO's work related to cybersecurity of the federal government and the nation's critical infrastructure and (2) identifies areas of consistency between GAO recommendations and those recently made by the Cybersecurity Commission and CSIS [Center for Strategic & International Studies]. In preparing this statement, GAO relied on previously published work and its review of the two recent reports issued by the Commission and CSIS. [...] Over the past several years, GAO has made about 2,500 recommendations to federal agencies to enhance their information security programs and controls. As of February 2017, about 1,000 recommendations had not been implemented."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-14
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High-Risk Series: Progress on Many High-Risk Areas, While Substanial Efforts Needed on Others, Report to Congressional Committees
"The federal government is one of the world's largest and most complex entities: about $3.9 trillion in outlays in fiscal year 2016 funded a broad array of programs and operations. GAO's [Government Accountability Office] high-risk program identifies government operations with greater vulnerabilities to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement or the need for transformation to address economy, efficiency, or effectiveness challenges. This biennial update describes the status of high-risk areas listed in 2015 and actions that are still needed to assure further pr ogress, and identifies new high-risk areas needing attention by Congress and the executive branch. Solutions to high-risk problems potentially save billions of dollars, improve service to the public, and strengthen government performance and accountability. GAO uses five criteria to assess progress in addressing high-risk areas: (1) leadership commitment, (2) agency capacity, (3) an action plan, (4) monitoring efforts, and (5) demonstrated progress. [...] This report contains GAO's views on progress made and what remains to be done to bring about lasting solutions for each high-risk area. Perseverance by the executive branch in implementing GAO's recommended solutions and continued oversight and action by Congress are essential to achieving greater progress."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-15
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Food Safety: A National Strategy is Needed to Address Fragmentation in Federal Oversight, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Although the U.S. food supply is generally considered safe, foodborne illness remains a common, costly, yet largely preventable public health problem. The safety and quality of food involves 16 federal agencies. For more than 4 decades, GAO [Government Accountability Office] has reported on the fragmented federal food safety oversight system. Because of potential risks to the economy and to public health and safety, food safety has remained on GAO's list of high-risk areas since 2007. GAO was asked to examine efforts toward and options for addressing fragmentation in the federal food safety oversight system. This report (1) describes the actions HHS [Department of Health and Human Services], USDA [United States Department of Agriculture], and OMB [Office of Management and Budget] have taken since 2014 to address fragmentation and evaluates the extent to which these agencies have addressed two prior GAO recommendations for government-wide planning and (2) assesses actions that food safety and other experts suggest are needed to improve the federal food safety oversight system. GAO convened an expert meeting, reviewed agency documents, and interviewed agency officials. […] GAO recommends that the appropriate entities within the EOP, in consultation with stakeholders, develop a national strategy to guide the federal food safety oversight system and address ongoing fragmentation. HHS, OMB, and the Domestic Policy Council did not comment on the recommendation. USDA disagreed with the need for a national strategy but cited factors to consider should changes be proposed. GAO believes the recommendation should be implemented."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-01-13
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Defense Civil Support: DOD, HHS, and DHS Should Use Existing Coordination Mechanisms to Improve Their Pandemic Preparedness, Report to the Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives
From the document: "The U.S. Army estimates that if a severe infectious disease pandemic were to occur today, the number of U.S. fatalities could be almost twice the total number of battlefield fatalities in all of America's wars since the American Revolution in 1776. A pandemic occurs when an infectious agent emerges that can be efficiently transmitted between humans and has crossed international borders. DOD's day-to-day functioning and the military's readiness and operations abroad could be impaired if a large percentage of its personnel are sick or absent, and DOD's assistance to civil authorities might be limited. House Report 114-102 included a provision for GAO (Government Accountability Office) to assess DOD's planning and coordination to support civil authorities during a pandemic. This report assesses the extent to which (1) DOD has guidance and plans for supporting civil authorities in the event of a domestic outbreak of a pandemic disease and (2) HHS (Health and Human Services) and DHS have plans to respond to a pandemic if DOD support capabilities are limited, and they have mechanisms to coordinate their pandemic preparedness and response. GAO reviewed agency pandemic guidance and plans, interagency coordination mechanisms, and pandemic-related exercises and after-action reports"
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02
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Bioforensics: DHS Needs to Conduct a Formal Capability Gap Analysis to Better Identify and Address Gaps, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the document: "The ability to attribute the source of an intentionally released biological threat agent and quickly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrator is essential to our nation's safety. However, questions remain about whether DHS's and the FBI's capabilities have improved since the 2001 anthrax attack. GAO (Government Accountability Office) was asked to report on DHS's and the FBI's bioforensics capabilities. This report examines the (1) extent to which DHS and the FBI have identified gaps in their bioforensics capabilities since 2010, (2) bioforensics needs experts have identified, and (3) actions, if any, DHS and the FBI have taken to enhance their ability to attribute the source of a biological attack, and to identify any challenges to enhancing bioforensics capabilities. GAO's review focused on the agencies' efforts since 2010, when the FBI's investigation of the 2001 anthrax attack was closed. GAO analyzed relevant agency documents and interviewed agency officials and scientists on issues related to bioforensics. GAO also convened a meeting of experts with NAS's (National Academy of Sciences) assistance to discuss potential bioforensics needs."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-01
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Sexual Assault: Better Resource Management Needed to Improve Prevention and Response in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Report: "Sexual assault in the Army is often discussed in terms of its incidence among active-duty forces. Sexual assault is a crime that similarly confronts the more than 550,000 members who collectively serve in the Guard and Reserve, who together reported 604 sexual assault incidents in fiscal year 2015; however, sexual assault is generally an underreported crime. Congress included a provision in statute for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review sexual assault prevention and response in the Army's reserve components. This report addresses the extent to which (1) the Guard and Reserve face any challenges implementing programs to prevent and respond to sexual assault; and (2) medical and mental health-care services are available to victims in the Guard and Reserve. GAO reviewed DOD and Army policies; administered two web-based surveys; conducted site visits to four installations; and interviewed officials. What GAO Recommends GAO is making six recommendations, including that DOD evaluate program staffing structure, communicate and develop budget guidance, assess the Guard's investigation timeliness and resources, and develop an expedited process for determining Reserve eligibility for healthcare services. DOD concurred with three recommendations partially concurred with two, and did not concur with assessing Guard investigation timeliness, stating that the Army has limited authority over OCI [Office of Complex Administrative Investigations]. GAO continues to believe that actions are needed to fully address the two recommendations, and redirected the OCI recommendation to the Guard, as recommended by DOD."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-27
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Border Security: DHS Has Made Progress in Planning for a Biometric Air Exit System and Reporting Overstays but Challenges Remain, Report to the Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. Senate
From the Report: "Each year, millions of visitors come to the United States. Overstays are individuals lawfully admitted on a temporary basis who then remain in the country beyond their authorized period of admission. DHS has primary responsibility for identifying and addressing overstays. In 2004, DHS was required to develop a plan to accelerate full implementation of an automated biometric entry-exit system. In various reports, GAO [Government Accountability Office] identified a range of long-standing challenges DHS has faced in its efforts to develop and deploy this capability and to use entry and exit data to identify overstays. For example, in 2013, GAO recommended that DHS establish timeframes and milestones for a biometric air exit evaluation framework and document the reliability of its overstay data. DHS concurred with the recommendations and addressed them. GAO was asked to review DHS's progress in developing a biometric exit capability. This report examines DHS's efforts since GAO's 2013 report to (1) develop and implement a biometric exit capability and (2) report on and address potential overstays. GAO reviewed statutes and DHS documents and interviewed DHS officials about biometric exit capability development and overstays reporting. GAO also observed four biometric entry and exit pilot programs and analyzed overstay data for fiscal years 2013 through 2015 (most recent at time of review). GAO is not making any new recommendations in this report. In its comments, DHS stated that it is using a biometric verification system to confirm the departure of selected travelers at one airport and plans to release its 2016 overstays report in late February 2017."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-27
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Environmental Litigation: Information on Endangered Species Act Deadline Suits, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representative
"To receive protection under the ESA [Endangered Species Act]-enacted to conserve at risk species-a species must first be added to one of the federal lists of threatened or endangered species. FWS [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service] and NMFS [National Marine Fisheries Service] jointly administer the ESA and have programs that encompass actions related to Section 4 of the ESA. Some of these actions-such as making findings on petitions filed by a person or group requesting addition or removal of species from one of the lists-must be completed by specific statutory deadlines. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review deadline litigation brought under Section 4 of the ESA. This report examines (1) the number and scope of deadline suits filed against the Services during fiscal years 2005 through 2015 under Section 4 of the ESA, and (2) the outcomes of these suits and the effect, if any, the suits had on the Services' implementation of their Section 4 programs. GAO reviewed the ESA and agency documents; obtained a list of Section 4-related suits filed during fiscal years 2005 through 2015 from the Department of Justice, which is responsible for representing the Services; identified from the list those that were deadline suits and compared the list with other sources to confirm reliability; analyzed the suits, including documentation on how they were resolved; and interviewed Justice, FWS, and NMFS officials. The agencies provided technical comments on this report."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-02-28
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Immigration Detention: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Management and Oversight of Facility Costs and Standards, Report to Congressional Requesters
"DHS has reported that the number of non-citizens in immigration detention has increased from about 230,000 in fiscal year 2005 to about 440,600 in fiscal year 2013. ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] applies various sets of detention standards--such as medical services--at over 250 facilities owned by ICE or private contractors, or owned by or contracted to state and local governments. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine differences in cost, standards, and oversight across types of facilities. This report addresses the extent to which (1) ICE has processes to track costs, (2) standards vary across facility types and the reasons for any differences, and (3) oversight and the results of that oversight vary across facility types. GAO reviewed ICE data and information on costs, detention population, standards, and oversight for 166 facilities that held detainees for 72 hours or more, from fiscal years 2011 through 2013, reviewed facility contracts, and interviewed federal contractors and DHS and ICE officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-10
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Personal Information: Data Breaches Are Frequent, but Evidence of Resulting Identity Theft is Limited; However, Full Extent is Unknown
"GAO [Government Accountbility Office] was asked to examine (1) the incidence and circumstances of breaches of sensitive personal information; (2) the extent to which such breaches have resulted in identity theft; and (3) the potential benefits, costs, and challenges associated with breach notification requirements. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed available reports on data breaches, analyzed 24 large data breaches, and gathered information from federal and state government agencies, researchers, consumer advocates, and others."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2007-06
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Information Security: Federal Agencies Need to Enhance Responses to Data Breaches, Statement of Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director Information Security Issues, Testimony Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
"The federal government collects large amounts of PII from the public, including taxpayer data, Social Security information, and patient health information. It is critical that federal agencies ensure that this information is adequately protected from data breaches, and that they respond swiftly and appropriately when breaches occur. Since 1997, GAO [Government Accountability Office] has designated information security as a government-wide high-risk area. Further, data breaches at federal agencies have raised concerns about the protection of PII [personally identifiable information]. Federal laws and other guidance specify the responsibilities of agencies in securing their information and information systems and in responding to data breaches. This testimony addresses federal agencies' efforts to secure their information and respond to data breaches. In preparing this statement, GAO relied primarily on previously published and ongoing work in this area. […] In its December 2013 report, GAO made 22 recommendations to the agencies included in its review aimed at improving their data breach response activities. GAO also recommended that OMB [Office of Management and Budget] update its guidance on federal agencies' responses to PII-related data breaches. Agency responses to GAO's recommendations varied."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-04-02
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Electronic Health Records: HHS Needs to Improve Planning and Evaluation of Its Efforts to Increase Information Exchange in Post-Acute Care Settings, Report to Congressional Requester
From the Report: "Many patients who leave hospitals receive care in post-acute settings such as skilled nursing facilities and long-term care hospitals. Exchange of accurate and timely health information is particularly important in these transitions, and technology like EHRs [Electronic Health Records] could help to improve quality and reduce costs. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review issues related to the use of EHRs in postacute care settings. With regard to post-acute settings, GAO (1) described factors that affect EHR use and electronic exchange of health information and (2) examined HHS [Department of Health and Human Services] efforts to promote EHR use and electronic information exchange. GAO reviewed HHS planning and related documents and best practices for planning identified in prior GAO work. GAO also interviewed HHS officials, and through those interviews and background research identified and interviewed a non-generalizable selection of individuals representing 20 relevant stakeholder groups, including experts, vendors, and professional associations. GAO recommends that HHS (1) evaluate the effectiveness of its key efforts to increase the use of EHRs and electronic information exchange, and (2) comprehensively plan for how to achieve the department's goal regarding the use of EHRs and electronic information exchange in post-acute care settings. HHS concurred with GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-01-27
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Changes Planned to Budget Structure and Justification, Report to Congressional Committees
"NRC [Nuclear Regulatory Commission] is an independent agency that regulates civilian uses of nuclear materials in the United States. From fiscal years 2005 to 2010, NRC's budget and workforce increased by about 59 percent and about 27 percent, respectively, in anticipation of growth in the commercial nuclear industry. When this growth did not occur, NRC made plans to reduce its budget and workforce. However, Congress and licensees--the companies regulated by NRC--have expressed confusion about the annual budget request for NRC, and they say they cannot determine specifically how NRC plans to spend its appropriations. The explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review NRC's budget formulation process. This report examines (1) how NRC formulates its budget and how it s budget structure changed for fiscal years 2010 through 2017 and (2) the extent to which NRC's budget justification aligns with its budget execution and reflects the agency's use of funds for prior years. GAO reviewed NRC documentation, interviewed NRC and Office of Management and Budget staff, and interviewed a nongeneralizable sample of 13 industry stakeholders and 1 non-industry stakeholder. GAO also analyzed N RC budget and obligation data to assess trends from fiscal year s 2010 through 2015. [...] GAO is not making recommendations. NRC generally agreed with GAO's findings."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-03-08
