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International Mail Security: Costs and Benefits of Using Electronic Data to Screen Mail Need to Be Assessed, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Expanding international use of ecommerce has increased the volume of global trade, potentially increasing threats sent to the United States via international mail and express cargo. Some in Congress have called for additional measures to identify prohibited items, such as increased collection of EAD [electronic advance data] that may provide CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] with information to better focus its screening efforts by targeting mail for inspection. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the security of inbound international mail. In this report, GAO addresses, among other objectives, (1) how inbound international items are inspected as they arrive in the United States; and (2) what options exist to collect EAD and the costs and benefits of using it to target mail for inspection. GAO reviewed documentation and interviewed officials from CBP, USPS [U.S. Postal Service], the U.S. Department of State, and, based on 2015 inbound international volume, the three largest express consignment operators. GAO also conducted site visits to all of USPS's International Service Centers and two express consignment operators' facilities, to observe screening operations and interview officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-08
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Aviation Security: Actions Needed to Systematically Evaluate Cost and Effectiveness Across Security Countermeasures, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, TSA [Transportation Security Administration] has spent billions of dollars on aviation security programs. However, recent attacks involving aircraft and airports in other countries underscore the continued threat to aviation and the need for an effective aviation security program. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review TSA's passenger aviation security countermeasures. This report examines the extent to which TSA has (1) information on the effectiveness of selected passenger aviation security countermeasures and (2) systematically analyzed the cost and effectiveness tradeoffs among countermeasures. GAO reviewed TSA documentation on the effectiveness of six passenger aviation security countermeasures in fiscal year 2015--the most recent year for which data were available. GAO selected these countermeasures because they involve direct interaction with passengers, their belongings, or their personal information, and are largely operated and funded by TSA. GAO also reviewed TSA documents and interviewed TSA officials regarding efforts to systematically analyze cost and effectiveness tradeoffs across countermeasures. [...] GAO recommends that TSA (1) explore and pursue methods to assess the deterrent effect of TSA's passenger aviation security countermeasures, with FAMS [U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service] as a top priority to address, and (2) systematically evaluate the potential cost and effectiveness tradeoffs across aviation security countermeasures. DHS concurred with these recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-09
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Telecommunications: FCC Updated Its Enforcement Program, but Improved Transparency Is Needed, Report to Congressional Requesters
"FCC's [Federal Communications Commission] Enforcement Bureau is primarily responsible for ensuring the telecommunications industry's compliance with federal statutes and the Commission rules and orders designed to protect consumers, ensure public safety, and encourage competition. Some industry stakeholders have raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the Enforcement Bureau. GAO [Government Accountability Office]was asked to review FCC's management of its enforcement program. In this report, GAO addresses: (1) actions FCC has taken in the last 5 years to update its enforcement program, (2) FCC's enforcement performance goals and measures, and (3) selected stakeholders' views on FCC's enforcement program and external communications. GAO reviewed FCC's enforcement policies and procedures; analyzed FCC's performance measures and spoke with officials of similarly sized independent agencies with enforcement missions; and interviewed FCC officials and 22 stakeholders from public and private organizations who were knowledgeable of the Enforcement Bureau and the communications industry. FCC should establish and publish: (1) quantifiable performance goals and related measures for its enforcement program; and (2) a communications strategy outlining its enforcement program for external stakeholders. FCC concurred with the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-09
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Army Corps of Engineers: Better Data Needed on Water Storage Pricing, Report to Congressional Requesters
"The Corps is to implement the water storage provisions of the Water Supply Act of 1958 at Corps' projects, such as reservoirs, across the United States. Under the act, the Corps enters into agreements with M&I [municipal and industrial] water users, such as local water utilities, for storage space in the projects. As part of these agreements, the Corps includes the terms of repayment to cover the cost to construct, operate, and maintain the project. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the Corps' process for setting M&I water storage agreement prices. Among other objectives, this report examines (1) what is known about the variability of these prices and (2) M&I water users' and stakeholders' views on water storage prices and how the Corps sets M&I water storage prices. GAO reviewed the M&I water storage agreement data stored in OMBIL [Operations and Maintenance Business Information Link] and assessed the reliability of the data, in part, by comparing information in agreements with data in OMBIL and interviewed Corps officials in headquarters and the Kansas City, Savannah, and Tulsa districts and a nongeneralizable sample of 26 M&I water users and 14 stakeholders such as industry groups, all selected for such factors as number of storage agreements. GAO recommends that the Corps systematically review and correct its data on M&I water storage agreements and develop policy and guidance for conducting such reviews; and collect and analyze data on the time it takes to complete reallocation agreements. The agency concurred with the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-08
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Defense Infrastructure: More Accurate Data Would Allow DOD to Improve the Tracking, Management, and Security of Its Leased Facilities, Report to Congressional Committees
"Overreliance on costly leasing is one of the major reasons that federal real property management remains on GAO's [Government Accountability Office] high-risk list. GAO's prior work has shown that owning buildings often costs less than operating leases, especially where there are long-term needs for space. House Report 113-102 included a provision that GAO review DOD's management of leased space. For fiscal years 2011 and 2013, this report evaluates the extent to which DOD (1) has accurate and complete data on the number, size, and costs of its leases; (2) has taken actions to reduce its reliance on leased space; and (3) has oversight of the status of security assessments conducted for leased facilities contracted through GSA [General Services Administration]. GAO analyzed lease data from the real property systems kept by DOD, the military departments, WHS [Washington Headquarters Services], and GSA, and facility security assessment data from FPS [Federal Protective Service] and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency; reviewed guidance; and interviewed cognizant officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-03
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Critical Defense Materials: Government Collected Data Are Sufficiently Reliable to Assess Tantalum Availability, Report to Congressional Committees
"The United States relies on foreign
mine production of tantalum, a
corrosion-resistant metal that is used in
commercial and defense applications.
Having reliable information on the
global supply of tantalum is important
for defense planning, particularly in
determining if it is necessary to
stockpile in case of future shortages.
The House Armed Services Committee
Report on a bill for the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2016 included a provision for
GAO [Government Accountability Office] to examine the global tantalum
supply chain, with a focus on why data
reported by the government and by
industry vary.
This report addresses (1) how tantalum
supply data reported by government
sources differ from industry data, and
(2) the extent to which DOD has
assessed the availability of tantalum
during emergency planning scenarios.
GAO reviewed data compiled by the
USGS [United States Geological Survey]-DOD's primary source for
tantalum production data-and by a
tantalum industry organization that
makes its information publicly
available. GAO interviewed DOD and
industry officials about the reporting
and collection methods for the data;
examined the data DOD uses to
determine potential shortfalls of
materials, including data for its biennial
Strategic and Critical Materials Reports
on Stockpile Requirements; and
discussed with DOD officials steps
they have taken to assess the reliability
of the data used in the analyses. GAO is not making recommendations.
Neither DOD nor the Department of the
Interior provided written comments."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-03
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Drinking Water: EPA Needs to Collect Information and Consistently Conduct Activities to Protect Underground Sources of Drinking Water, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Since the early 2000s, increased oil and gas production has resulted in an increase in wastewater that must be managed properly. The majority of wastewater from oil and gas production is injected into underground wells known as class II wells. These wells are regulated to protect drinking water sources under EPA's [Environmental Protection Agency] UIC [Underground Injection Control] class II well program and approved state class II programs. EPA oversees state programs, and EPA regions manage programs in states without approval. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review EPA's oversight of programs' inspection and enforcement information and activities. This report examines the extent to which EPA has collected inspection and enforcement information and conducted oversight activities needed to assess that class II programs protect underground sources of drinking water. GAO reviewed federal and state laws and regulations and EPA guidance and analyzed a nongeneralizable sample of significant violations. GAO interviewed EPA and state officials from programs in a nongeneralizable sample of eight states selected based on shale oil and gas regions, among other factors."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-02
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Information Security: IRS Needs to Further Improve Controls over Financial and Taxpayer Data, Report to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue
"The IRS has a demanding responsibility in collecting taxes, processing tax returns, and enforcing the nation's tax laws. It relies extensively on computerized systems to support its financial and missionrelated operations and on information security controls to protect the financial and sensitive taxpayer data that resides on those systems. As part of its audit of IRS's fiscal year 2015 and 2014 financial statements, GAO [Government Accountability Office] assessed whether controls over key financial and tax processing systems were effective in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of financial and sensitive taxpayer information. To do this, GAO examined IRS information security policies, plans and procedures; interviewed key agency officials; and tested controls over key financial applications at four locations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-03
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NASA: Assessments of Major Projects, Report to Congressional Committees
"This report provides GAO's [Government Accountability Officev] annual snapshot of how well NASA is planning and executing its major acquisition projects. In March 2015, GAO found that projects continued a general positive trend of limiting cost and schedule growth, maturing technologies, and stabilizing designs, but that NASA faced several challenges that could affect its ability to effectively manage its portfolio. The explanatory statement of the House Committee on Appropriations accompanying the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 included a provision for GAO to prepare project status reports on selected large-scale NASA programs, projects, and activities. This is GAO's eighth annual assessment of NASA's major projects. This report describes (1) the cost and schedule performance of NASA's portfolio of major projects, (2) the maturity of technologies and stability of project designs at key milestones, and (3) NASA's progress in implementing initiatives to manage acquisition risk and potential challenges for project management and oversight. This report also includes assessments of NASA's 18 major projects, each with a life-cycle cost of over $250 million. To conduct its review, GAO analyzed cost, schedule, technology maturity, design stability, and other data; reviewed monthly project status reports; and interviewed NASA officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-03
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DOD Major Automated Information Systems: Improvements Can Be Made in Reporting Critical Changes and Clarifying Leadership Responsibility, Report to Congressional Committees
"The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to select, assess, and report on DOD MAIS [major automated information system] programs annually through March 2018. MAIS programs are intended to help the department sustain its key operations. This report: (1) evaluates DOD's implementation of statutory reporting requirements for MAIS programs experiencing a critical change; (2) describes the extent to which selected MAIS programs have changed their planned cost and schedule estimates, and met performance targets; (3) assesses the extent to which selected MAIS programs have used key IT [information technology] acquisition best practices, including requirements and risk management; and (4) determines the extent to which MAIS programs are represented on the Dashboard. GAO compared information on programs with a critical change to the reporting requirements. GAO selected three programs based on factors, such as representation from each military service (Air Force, Army, and Navy), identified changes to cost, schedule, and performance, and assessed them against selected best practices. GAO traced the programs to the Dashboard and reviewed relevant processes."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-03
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Terrorism Risk Insurance: Market Challenges May Exist for Current Structure and Alternative Approaches, Report to Congressional Committees
"After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, insurers generally stopped covering terrorism risk because losses could be too high relative to the premiums they could charge. Congress enacted TRIA [Terrorism Risk Insurance Act] to share losses from a certified act of terrorism between insurers and the government, address market disruptions, and help ensure widespread availability and affordability of terrorism coverage. TRIA does not include an up-front federal charge for the government's share of potential losses. The act mandates that, when private industry's losses are below a certain amount, the federal government recoups some or all of the federal share of losses through policyholder surcharges. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review alternative funding approaches for TRIA. Among other things, this report examines (1) how insurers manage their terrorism exposure and federal recoupment of losses, (2) how alternative funding approaches could be designed and implemented, and (3) the potential effects of these approaches as well as the current structure. To assess these funding approaches, GAO reviewed related studies, analyzed several terrorism loss scenarios for each funding approach to estimate potential effects on market participants, and interviewed industry participants. Treasury and NAIC [National Association of Insurance Commissioners] provided technical comments on a draft of this report, which GAO incorporated as appropriate. GAO also incorporated technical comments received from selected third parties, as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-01-12
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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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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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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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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: Improved Planning of Future Rehabilitation Projects Could Prevent Limitations Identified with SafeTrack, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Recent inquiries into WMATA's [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority] Metrorail system have revealed a range of serious safety issues. In response to some of these issues, as well as a backlog of track maintenance, WMATA announced in May 2016 that it was undertaking SafeTrack, a large-scale rehabilitation project. The SafeTrack project is overseen by FTA [Federal Transit Administration]. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review a range of safety and oversight issues regarding WMATA. This report examines the extent to which WMATA's (1) planning and (2) implementation of SafeTrack was consistent with leading project management practices as well as (3) the steps taken by FTA to oversee SafeTrack. GAO reviewed documentation on WMATA's planning and project implementation, and FTA's oversight of SafeTrack. GAO also interviewed officials from WMATA, FTA, and local jurisdictions, and compared WMATA's planning and implementation of SafeTrack to leading project management practices developed by professional organizations. GAO recommends that WMATA develop a policy that requires and includes procedures for it to, prior to starting future large-scale rehabilitation projects: (1) use asset data to develop project objectives; (2) analyze alternatives; and (3) develop a project management plan for those projects that may not be designated as major capital projects. WMATA agreed with GAO's findings and said that it is working to address the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-03
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Antibiotic Resistance: More Information Needed to Oversee Use of Medically Important Drugs in Food Animals
"According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health. CDC [Centers for Disease Control] estimates antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause at least 2 million human illnesses in the United States each year, and there is strong evidence that some resistance in bacteria is caused by antibiotic use in food animals (cattle, poultry, and swine). HHS [Department of Health and Human Services] and USDA [United States Department of Agriculture] are primarily responsible for ensuring food safety, including safe use of antibiotics in food animals. In 2011, GAO [Government Accountability Office] reported on antibiotic use and recommended addressing gaps in data collection. GAO was asked to update this information. This report (1) examines actions HHS and USDA have taken to manage use of antibiotics in food animals and assess the impact of their actions, (2) identifies actions selected countries and the EU have taken to manage use of antibiotics in food animals, and (3) examines the extent to which HHS and USDA conducted on-farm investigations of foodborne illness outbreaks from antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animal products. GAO reviewed documents and interviewed officials and stakeholders. GAO selected three countries and the EU [European Union] for review because they have taken actions to mitigate antibiotic resistance."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-03
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Defense Logistics: Improved Performance Measures and Information Needed for Assessing Asset Visibility Initiatives
"GAO [Government Accountability Office] designated DOD's supply chain management as a high-risk area in 1990 and in February 2011 reported that limitations in asset visibility make it difficult to obtain timely and accurate information on assets that are present in a theater of operations. DOD defines asset visibility as the ability to provide timely and accurate information on the location, quantity, condition, movement, and status of items in its inventory. In 2015, GAO found that DOD had demonstrated leadership commitment and made considerable progress in addressing weaknesses in its supply chain management. This report addresses the extent to which DOD has (1) identified performance measures that allow it to monitor the progress of selected asset visibility initiatives identified in its Strategies; and (2) addressed the five criteria--leadership commitment, capacity, corrective action plan, monitoring, and demonstrated progress--for removing asset visibility from the High Risk List. GAO reviewed documents associated with selected initiatives, surveyed DOD officials, and observed demonstrations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-03
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Offshore Seismic Surveys: Additional Guidance Needed to Help Ensure Timely Reviews, Statement of Jon Ludwigson, Acting Director, Natural Resources and Environment, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives
"Ships conduct seismic surveys by shooting soundwaves into the ocean floor to collect data, including on geology that might indicate oil and gas. Applicants wishing to conduct oil and gas surveys must get a permit from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and, if the survey could harm marine mammals, they must obtain authorization from one or two federal wildlife agencies. Some applicants have questioned the speed of the permit process. We examined the permit process and time frames in different regions. In the report on which this testimony is based, we recommended that wildlife agencies clarify their processes to ensure timely reviews."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Ludwigson, Jon R.
2018-01-19
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Space Acquisitions: DoD Faces Substantial Challenges in Developing New Space Systems, Statement of Cristina T. Chaplain, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate
"Despite a growing investment in space, the majority of large-scale acquisition programs in the Department of Defense's (DOD) space portfolio have experienced problems during the past two decades that have driven up cost and schedules and increased technical risks. The cost resulting from acquisition problems along with the ambitious nature of space programs has resulted in cancellations of programs that were expected to require investments of tens of billions of dollars. Along with the cost increases, many programs are experiencing significant schedule delays-at least 7 years-resulting in potential capability gaps in areas such as positioning, navigation, and timing; missile warning; and weather monitoring. […] In preparing this testimony, GAO relied on its body of work in space and other programs, including previously issued GAO reports on assessments of individual space programs, common problems affecting space system acquisitions, and DOD's acquisition policies."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Chaplain, Cristina T.
2009-05-20
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Department of Justice: Continued Action Needed to Address Incarceration Challenges and Offenders' Reentry, Statement of Diana Maurer, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives
"BOP's [Bureau of Prisons] rising costs and offender recidivism present incarceration challenges to both DOJ [Department of Justice] and the nation. For example, BOP's operating costs have generally increased over time, and in fiscal year 2017 amounted to more than $6.9 billion, or 24 percent of DOJ's total discretionary budget. In addition, from 1980 through 2013, BOP's prison population increased by almost 800 percent, from 24,640 to 219,298. While the prison population began to decline in 2013, DOJ has continued to identify prison crowding as a critical issue. GAO [Government Accountability Office] has examined a number of DOJ efforts to slow the growth of the prison population and to reduce recidivism through the use of reentry programs to help offenders successfully return to the community."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Maurer, Diana
2017-12-13
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Space Acquisitions: DOD Continues to Face Challenges of Delayed Delivery of Critical Space Capabilities and Fragmented Leadership, Statement of Cristina T. Chaplain, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forced, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate
"DOD's space systems provide critical capabilities that support military and other government operations and can take a long time to develop, produce, and launch. These systems can also be expensive to acquire and field, amounting to billions of dollars each year. Given the time and resource demands of DOD's space systems and the need to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively, especially in light of today's constrained government budget environment, it is essential that DOD manage system acquisitions carefully and avoid repeating past problems. This statement focuses on (1) the current status and cost of major DOD space system acquisitions, (2) GPS [Global Positioning System], which is the only large DOD satellite program with systems currently in the development cycle, and (3) leadership for space acquisitions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Chaplain, Cristina T.
2017-05-17
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Transportation Security Administration: Surface Transportation Inspector Activities Should Align More Closely with Identified Risks, Report to Congressional Requesters
"The global terrorist threat to surface transportation - freight and passenger rail, mass transit, highway, maritime and pipeline systems - has increased in recent years, as demonstrated by the 2017 London vehicle attacks and a 2016 thwarted attack on mass transit in the New York area. TSA is the primary federal agency responsible for securing surface transportation in the United States. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review TSA surface inspector activities. This report addresses (1) how TSA surface inspectors implement the agency's surface transportation security mission, and (2) the extent to which TSA has used a risk-based approach to prioritize and implement surface inspector activities. GAO analyzed TSA data on surface inspector activities from fiscal year 2013 through March 24, 2017, reviewed TSA program and risk documents and guidance, and observed surface inspectors conducting multiple activities. GAO also interviewed TSA officials in 17 of 49 surface field offices and 15 industry stakeholders. [...] GAO recommends that TSA (1) address limitations in its data system to collect complete information, (2) ensure inspector activities more closely align with the results of risk assessments, (3) identify and prioritize entities and locations for its risk mitigation program, and (4) define measurable and clear objectives for the program. TSA concurred with these recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-12
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Identity Theft: Improved Collaboration Could Increase Success of IRS Initiatives to Prevent Refund Fraud, Report to Congressional Committees
"IRS [Internal Revenue Service] estimates that fraudsters attempted at least $14.5 billion in IDT [identity theft] tax refund fraud in tax year 2015. Since 2015, GAO's [Government Accountability Office] High-Risk List has included IRS's efforts to address IDT refund fraud. Starting with its March 2015 Security Summit, IRS has partnered with state tax administrators and tax preparation companies, among others, on initiatives aimed at better preventing and detecting IDT refund fraud. GAO was asked to examine IRS's efforts to collaborate with these partners. This report, among other things, (1) describes actions taken to implement the ISAC [ Identity Theft Tax Refund Fraud Information Sharing and Analysis Center] and RRT [Rapid Response Team], (2) evaluates the extent to which the ISAC pilot aligns with leading practices for pilot design, and (3) identifies actions, if any, that IRS could take to improve the ISAC pilot."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-11
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Housing Choice Voucher Program: Limited Indications of Potential Fraud Against Participants Identified, Report to Congressional Requesters
"With the goal of providing safe, decent, affordable housing, HUD [Department of Housing and Urban Development] provides rental assistance to low-income households through its HCV [Housing Choice Voucher] program, administered locally by approximately 2,200 PHAs [Public Housing Agency] around the country. In fiscal year 2016, the HCV program received approximately $20 billion in funding and provided rental assistance to approximately 2.4 million households. Local demand in the program may exceed voucher supply, and individuals may wait years before receiving a voucher. After receiving a voucher, participants have a limited amount of time to secure a rental. Accordingly, PHAs have issued alerts about criminals targeting program participants with fraud schemes, such as by claiming to offer admission to the program for a fee"
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-12
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Counternarcotics: Overview of U.S. Efforts in the Western Hemisphere, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives
"Western Hemisphere nations such as Mexico and Colombia are major sources of illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Precursor chemicals used in the production of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous synthetic drugs often originate in China but typically enter the United States through Canada and Mexico. U.S. agencies implementing the National Drug Control Strategy conduct several activities to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs and dismantle the organizations that control them (see fig.). In December 2016, Congress established the Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission to, among other things, evaluate the U.S.-funded counternarcotics programs in the Western Hemisphere. In this context, GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review key issues related to U.S. counternarcotics efforts in the Western Hemisphere. This report examines (1) U.S. agencies' spending for counternarcotic efforts in the Western Hemisphere during fiscal years 2010- 2015, the most recent data available; (2) how agencies are gathering and sharing best practices and lessons learned from their counternarcotics efforts domestically and internationally; and (3) mechanisms U.S. agencies have used to address changing drug threats. GAO analyzed agencies' data and documents, interviewed agency officials, and conducted fieldwork at the U.S. Southern Command and Joint Interagency Task Force South in Florida. GAO is not making any recommendations in this report. Several agencies provided technical comments on a draft of this report which we incorporated as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-10-13
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Low-Dose Radiation: Interagency Collaboration on Planning Research Could Improve Information on Health Effects, Report to Congressional Requesters
"According to EPA, exposure to low doses of radiation does not cause immediate health effects but may increase a person's cancer risk. Federal agencies fund research on cancer risk, but uncertainties remain about risk assessments that federal agencies use to develop radiation protection regulations and guidance. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine federal agencies' radiation protection requirements and guidance and related research. This report (1) describes how selected federal agencies have developed and applied radiation protection requirements and guidance and (2) examines the extent to which federal agencies have funded and collaborated on research on low-dose radiation's health effects for fiscal years 2012 to 2016. GAO selected four federal agencies, based on their development of requirements or guidance for settings in which radiation exposure to workers and the public can occur. GAO reviewed agency documentation and interviewed agency officials on the development of the requirements and guidance. GAO also collected and examined federal-funding data for low-dose radiation research from seven agencies that fund this research. [...] GAO recommends DOE [U.S. Department of Energy] lead development of a mechanism for interagency collaboration on research on low-dose radiation's health effects. DOE disagreed, stating that agencies set their own research priorities. GAO continues to believe that DOE is in the best position to lead such an effort, as discussed in the report."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-09
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Aviation Security: TSA Uses Current Assumptions and Airport-Specific Data for Its Staffing Process and Monitors Passenger Wait Times Using Daily Operations Data, Report to Congressional Committees
"TSA employs about 43,000 TSOs who screen over 2 million passengers and their baggage each day at airports in the United States. TSA allocates TSOs [transportation security officers] to airports using both a computer-based staffing model and information from airports that are intended to provide each airport with the optimum number of TSOs. In the spring of 2016, long screening checkpoint lines at certain U.S. airports raised questions about TSA's process for allocating TSOs to airports. The Aviation Security Act of 2016 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review TSA's process for allocating TSOs. This report examines how (1) TSA modifies staffing assumptions and tailors staffing levels to airports' needs, (2) TSA monitors wait times and throughput and adjusts resources accordingly, and (3) TSA shares information with stakeholders about staffing and related screening procedures at airports. GAO reviewed TSA documentation describing how the agency modifies staffing assumptions and manages stakeholder coordination. GAO also analyzed passenger wait time and throughput data from January 2015 through May 2017 for the 28 airports monitored by headquarters. GAO visited eight airports selected on the basis of passenger volume and other factors and interviewed TSA officials and stakeholders at those locations. GAO is not making any recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-02
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Biodefense: Federal Efforts to Develop Biological Threat Awareness, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Biological threats come from a variety of sources and can pose a catastrophic danger to public health, animal and plant health, and national security. Threat awareness, which consists of activities such as collecting and analyzing intelligence, developing risk assessments, and anticipating future threats , is vital to help federal agencies identify necessary biodefense capabilities and ensure investments are prioritized to make effective use of federal funds. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review how key federal agencies develop and share threat awareness information, and how that information informs further investments in biodefense. This report describes : (1) the types of actions that key federal agencies have taken to develop biological threat awareness, and how that information is used to support investment decisions; (2) the extent to which these agencies have developed shared threat awareness; and (3) how DHS's NBACC [National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center] determines what additional threat characterization knowledge to pursue. GAO analyzed federal policies, directives, and strategies related to biodefense, as well as agency documents such as threat assessments and modeling studies. We identified five key biodefense agencies based on review of the roles designated in these documents. GAO interviewed officials from these agencies about threat awareness activities, and reviewed prior GAO work and related biodefense studies. Each of the key agencies reviewed a draft of this report and provided technical comments that GAO incorporated as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-10-11
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Physical Security: NIST and Commerce Need to Complete Efforts to Address Persistent Challenges, Report to Congressional Requesters
"NIST [National Institute of Standards and Technology] is the United States' national physical laboratory, which among other matters is responsible for developing measurement standards. In 2017, NIST, located within Commerce [Department of Commerce], employed approximately 3,500 federal personnel and hosted about 4,000 associates, who include guest researchers and facility users, among others. Assessments in 2015 found issues with NIST's security culture. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to conduct a comprehensive review of the physical security of NIST's campuses. This report examines the extent to which: (1) NIST incorporated key practices to transform the security program and address security vulnerabilities; (2) the security program's organizational structure reflect s best practices; and (3) the risk management process aligns with ISC [Interagency Security Committee] standards . GAO reviewed risk assessments and related documents; interviewed officials from Commerce and NIST; conducted a generalizable survey of NIST staff; and performed covert vulnerability testing, which provided illustrative examples. [...] GAO is making four recommendations: NIST should incorporate elements of key practices into its ongoing security efforts; Commerce, in coordination with NIST, should evaluate the current physical security management structure; and Commerce and NIST should both finalize and implement coordinated risk management policies. Commerce concurred with all four recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-10-11
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Water Pollution: Some States Have Trading Programs to Help Address Nutrient Pollution, but Use Has Been Limited, Report to the Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senate
"Nutrient pollution--caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus entering water bodies --poses significant risks to the nation's water quality. Nutrients can enter water bodies from point sources and nonpoint sources. The Clean Water Act establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants, including excess nutrients. Under the act, authorized states -- assisted and overseen by EPA --set limits on nutrients impairing a water body and limits on point source discharges. EPA encourages states to use nutrient credit trading to address nutrient pollution. According to EPA, trading allows a point source to meet nutrient discharge limits by buying pollutant credits from a source that has reduced its discharges more than required. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to examine nutrient credit trading programs. This report describes (1) the extent to which nutrient credit trading programs have been used and what the outcomes of the programs have been, (2) how states and EPA oversee nutrient credit trading programs, and (3) what key factors stakeholders view as affecting participation in nutrient credit trading. GAO reviewed EPA documents and interviewed EPA officials to gather information on trading programs. GAO then selected a nongeneralizable sample of three programs with the most trades in 2014 (based on the most recent available data); reviewed program documents; and interviewed EPA, state, and program officials and other stakeholders about the programs."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-10-16
