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Records, Computers, and the Rights of Citizens: Report of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Automated Personal Data Systems, 1973
"This is a report about changes in American society which may result from using computers to keep records about people. Its central concern is the relationship between individuals and record keeping organizations. It identifies key issues and makes specific recommendations for action. Computers linked together through high-speed telecommunications networks are destined to become the principal medium for making, storing, and using records about people. Innovations now being discussed throughout government and private industry recognize that the computer-based record, keeping system, if properly used, can be a powerful management tool. Nonetheless, it is important to be aware, as we embrace this new technology, that the computer, like the automobile, the skyscraper, and the jet airplane, may have some consequences for American society that we would prefer not to have thrust upon us without warning. Not the least of these is the danger that some record keeping applications of computers will appear in retrospect to have been oversimplified solutions to complex problems, and that their victims will be some of our most disadvantaged citizens."
United States. Government Printing Office
1973-07
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Project and Expenditure Report User Guide: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
From the Overview: "This document provides information on using Treasury's Portal to submit the required Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Project and Expenditure (P&E) reports. It is a supplement to the Compliance and Reporting Guidance (Reporting Guidance [hyperlink]), which contains relevant information and guidance on the reporting requirements. Additionally, you should visit Treasury's SLFRF home page [hyperlink] for the latest guidance and updates on programmatic and reporting topics, as well as information on Treasury's Interim Final Rule [hyperlink] (IFR). Each SLFRF recipient is required to submit periodic reports with current performance and financial information including background information about the SLFRF projects that are the subjects of the reports; and financial information with details about obligations, expenditures, direct payments, and subawards."
United States. Department of the Treasury
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Native American Issues: Federal Agency Efforts and Challenges Repatriating Cultural Items, Statement of Anna Maria Ortiz, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, Testimony Before the Committee on Indian Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "When NAGPRA [Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act] was enacted in 1990, it was estimated that federal agencies and museums had tens of thousands of Native American human remains, funerary objects, and sacred objects in their possession. Such cultural items were added to collections through archeological excavations intended to advance scientific knowledge and preserve cultural items or through discoveries during federal construction projects. The items also have a long history of being stolen from federal and tribal lands and being added to private or institutional collections. Among other things, NAGPRA requires federal agencies and museums to return certain Native American unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony unless the museum or federal agency can provide that it has a right of possession to the objects. The National NAGPRA Program, within the Department of the Interior's National Park Service, facilitates government-wide implementation of NAGPRA. This testimony provides information on (1) federal agencies' efforts to implement NAGPRA; and (2) challenges related to NAGPRA's implementation. It is based on reports GAO issued related to implementation and enforcement of NAGPRA from July 2010 through March 2021. It also includes information about consultation requirements under NAGPRA."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Ortiz, Anna Maria
2022-02-02
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 1275, Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021
This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as reported by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on July 27, 2021. From the Document: "S. 1275 would reauthorize and amend programs authorized by the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), including the FVPSA program, the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances (DELTA) program, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Although the authorizations for those programs expired at the end of 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have continued to allocate funds for them, including $201 million in 2021. The bill also would amend FVPSA to authorize new programs and activities, including grants for tribal domestic violence coalitions, a national Indian domestic violence hotline, grants to assist underserved populations, and grants for culturally specific services for domestic violence victims. S. 1275 also would reauthorize and amend teen violence prevention grants authorized by the Public Health Service Act."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-02
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Diplomatic Security: Options for Locating a Consolidated Training Facility
From the Document: "The Department of State's (State) Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment for the successful conduct of U.S. foreign policy. This responsibility includes developing and delivering training programs to protect U.S. government personnel and their families under chief-of-mission authority at diplomatic and consular posts overseas. DS currently provides training in hard skills (e.g., firearms, driving, and explosives) and soft skills (e.g., classroom-based training in counterintelligence, cybersecurity, and law) to a diverse student population (see fig. 1). […] This report updates preliminary information we provided to your staff in July 2015. Enclosure I examines (1) key site requirements critical to providing DS training and the extent to which the FASTC [Foreign Affairs Security Training Center] and FLETC [Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers] proposals meet these requirements and (2) the estimated capital and recurring costs of these proposals and the extent to which the capital cost estimates conform to leading practices for reliable cost estimates. We reviewed documents on the requirements for DS's training facility and proposals to meet these requirements from State, DHS, and GSA [General Services Administration] and conducted site visits to Fort Pickett, FLETC, and three of DS's current training venues. We interviewed officials at these agencies and at OMB about the proposals and spoke with officials from agencies that DS identified as its training partners. We focused on four requirements of the center that our analysis indicated were critical to providing basic and advanced DS training courses. We did not assess whether the training elements identified by DS were necessary for DS to accomplish its mission; however, we confirmed that DS currently conducts and plans to continue to conduct training that includes these elements."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2015-09-09
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Information Security: Agencies Need to Improve Cyber Incident Response Practices, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The number of cyber incidents reported by federal agencies increased in fiscal year 2013 significantly over the prior 3 years (see figure). An effective response to a cyber incident is essential to minimize any damage that might be caused. DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and US-CERT [the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team] have a role in helping agencies detect, report, and respond to cyber incidents. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal agencies' ability to respond to cyber incidents. To do this, GAO reviewed the extent to which (1) federal agencies are effectively responding to cyber incidents and (2) DHS is providing cybersecurity incident assistance to agencies. To do this, GAO used a statistical sample of cyber incidents reported in fiscal year 2012 to project whether 24 major federal agencies demonstrated effective response activities. In addition, GAO evaluated incident response policies, plans, and procedures at 6 randomly-selected federal agencies to determine adherence to federal guidance. GAO also examined DHS and US-CERT policies, procedures, and practices, and surveyed officials from the 24 federal agencies on their experience receiving incident assistance from DHS."
United States. General Accounting Office
2014-04
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Critical Infrastructure Protection: More Comprehensive Planning Would Enhance the Cybersecurity of Public Safety Entitites' Emerging Technology, Report to the Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Individuals can contact fire, medical, and police first responders in an emergency by dialing 911. To provide effective emergency services, public safety entities such as 911 call centers use technology including databases that identifies phone number and location data of callers. Because these critical systems are becoming more interconnected, they are also increasingly susceptible to cyberbased threats that accompany the use of Internet-based services. This, in turn, could impact the availability of 911 services. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal coordination with state and local governments regarding cybersecurity at public safety entities. The objective was to determine the extent to which federal agencies coordinated with state and local governments regarding cybersecurity efforts at emergency operations centers, public safety answering points, and first responder organizations involved in handling 911 emergency calls. To do so, GAO analyzed relevant plans and reports and interviewed officials at (1) five agencies that were identified based on their roles and responsibilities established in federal law, policy, and plans and (2) selected industry associations and state and local governments."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-01
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Cybersecurity: A Better Defined and Implemented National Strategy is Needed to Address Persistent Challenges, Statement of Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, Testimony Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "Federal government agencies and the nation's critical infrastructures have become increasingly dependent on computerized information systems and electronic data to carry out their operations. While creating significant benefits, this can also introduce vulnerabilities to cyber-threats. Pervasive cyber attacks against the United States could have a serious impact on national security, the economy, and public health and safety. The number of reported cyber incidents has continued to rise, resulting in data theft, economic loss, and privacy breaches. Federal law and policy assign various entities responsibilities for securing federal information systems and protecting critical infrastructures. GAO [Government Accountability Office] has designated federal information security as a high-risk area since 1997 and in 2003 expanded this to include cyber critical infrastructure protection. GAO was asked to testify on its recent report on challenges facing the government in effectively implementing cybersecurity and the extent to which the national cybersecurity strategy includes desirable characteristics of a national strategy. In preparing this statement, GAO relied on the report, as well as related previous work. […] In its report, GAO recommended that an integrated national strategy be developed that includes milestones and performance measures; costs and resources; and a clear definition of roles and responsibilities. It also stated that Congress should consider clarifying federal cybersecurity oversight roles through legislation."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2013-03-07
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Review of U.S. Coast Guard's Fiscal Year 2021 Detailed Accounting Report for Drug Control Funds
From the Highlights: "The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Circular, 'National Drug Control Program Agency Compliance Reviews', requires National Drug Control Program agencies to submit to the ONDCP Director by February 1 each year a detailed accounting of all funds expended for National Drug Control Program activities during the previous fiscal year. At least every 3 years, the Office of Inspector General is required to review the agency's submission and provide a conclusion about the reliability of each assertion in the report. [...] Williams, Adley & Company - DC, LLP [limited liability partnerships] (Williams Adley), under contract with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, issued an Independent Accountant's Report on U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) Detailed Accounting Report. USCG management prepared the Table of FY 2021 Drug Control Obligations and related assertions to comply with the requirements of the ONDCP Circular, 'National Drug Control Program Agency Compliance Reviews', dated September 9, 2021. Based on its review, nothing came to Williams Adley's attention that caused it to believe that the Coast Guard's FY 2021 Detailed Accounting Report and related assertions are not presented in conformity with criteria in the Circular. Williams Adley did not make any recommendations as a result of its review."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2022-01-28
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 2794, Supporting Families of the Fallen Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on December 15, 2021. From the Document: "S. 2794 would increase the maximum amount of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) that a service member may carry from $400,000 to $500,000. The bill would similarly increase the maximum coverage amount available to veterans through the Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the administrator of both programs, would be required to confirm that the programs remain actuarially sound after the increases to the maximum coverage amounts and premiums. SGLI and VGLI are funded through premiums paid by service members and veterans. Balances in the federal account for the program earn interest but premiums have been sufficient to pay all benefit claims. Service members may elect SGLI coverage in increments of $50,000. Current monthly premiums for SGLI are set at $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage. Service members also pay $1 per month for additional traumatic injury insurance. Thus, service members electing the maximum $400,000 under current law will pay $300 per year in SGLI premiums. Increasing the coverage limit to $500,000 would increase maximum annual premiums for service members to $372. Under current law, the Department of Defense (DoD) is required to reimburse service members for SGLI premiums when they serve in a combat zone. Those reimbursements are made from appropriated funds."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-01
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2681, Integrity Committee Transparency Act of 2021
This is the Congressional Budget Office [CBO] Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on May 13, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 2681 would broaden the responsibilities of the Integrity Committee of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE). The bill would require the committee to provide more information to the Congress about its investigations of Members and its investigations of allegations of wrongdoing by inspectors general and their staff members. Finally, H.R. 2681 would require a former inspector general to be appointed to the committee. Using information from CIGIE, CBO estimates that implementing H.R 2681 would cost less than $500,000 annually and about $1 million over the 2022-2026 period. The costs would primarily stem from the appointment of a former inspector general to the committee. On June 16, 2021, CBO provided a cost estimate for H.R. 2662, the IG [Inspectors General] Independence and Empowerment Act, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on May 25, 2021. H.R. 2681 is similar to title IV in H.R. 2662 and the estimated costs are the same for both provisions."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-01
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CBP Families and Children Care Panel Final Report
From the Executive Summary: "The fiscal year that just ended on September 30, 2019 saw the largest increase in the number of illegal crossings at our nation's border with Mexico since 2007. The United States (U.S.) Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) Border Patrol apprehended 851,508 migrants who had crossed the U.S. border unlawfully, over double the number in FY 2018. Almost all of this increase was driven by an extraordinary and unprecedented 400 percent increase in the number of family units (FMUs), usually one parent with a child, who made the perilous journey through Mexico, guided and exploited by human smuggling organizations. A total of 473,682 members of FMUs, primarily from Guatemala and Honduras, were taken into custody by the Border Patrol this past year, including 84,000 in May 2019 alone, at the peak of this humanitarian and border security crisis. This is over four times the previous annual high. [...] In our Interim Report issued in April 2019, our politically bipartisan Panel made a set of emergency recommendations including changes to asylum processing at the border. [...] In this final report, we supplement our Interim Emergency recommendations from April with additional recommendations that taken together warrant action."
President's Homeland Security Advisory Council (U.S.)
2019-11-14
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International Space Station Transition Report Pursuant to Section 303(c)(2) of the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-10)
From the Document: "This report is an update to the 'International Space Station Transition Report,' dated March 30, 2018. This version updates the plan to transition the LEO [ low-Earth orbit] activities of United States Government agencies, ISS [International Space Station] International Partners, ISS National Laboratory (ISSNL) users, researchers, industry, academia, and other ISS commercial partners off the ISS and onto Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs) by 2030. It details the goals for the next decade of ISS operations leading to a smooth transition to commercial services, the steps being taken to develop both the supply and demand side of the LEO commercial economy, and the technical steps and budget required for ISS transition. The ISS is the world's preeminent orbital microgravity research platform for research and development. [...] The ISS is now entering its third and most productive decade of utilization, including research advancement, commercial value, and global partnership. [...] Meanwhile, NASA's [National Aeronautics and Space Administration's] research and development activities aboard are advancing the technologies and procedures that will be necessary to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon and the first humans to Mars."
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2022-01
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Debris Estimating Field Guide [September 2010]
From the Introduction: "Timely, accurate, and consistent estimates of debris quantities and types are an important aspect of FEMA debris operations. FEMA uses debris estimates obtained during Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) activities to provide part of the basis for its recommendation as to whether a disaster declaration should be approved. FEMA also uses PDA debris estimates to identify potential needs for Mission Assignments for Technical and Direct Federal Assistance to PA applicants. The FEMA PA Debris Task Force Leader (DTFL) relies on PDA debris estimates to make informed decisions concerning staffing levels, required technical expertise, organizational structure, and geographic distribution of the FEMA PA Debris Task Force. The DTFL also uses debris estimates to update senior FEMA management, the State, applicants, and the general public regarding the status of debris operations. Finally, the FEMA PA Debris Task Force relies heavily on accurate debris estimates to define eligible scopes of work during project formulation and Project Worksheet development for an applicant's debris-related activities."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2010-09
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On Common Ground - Law Enforcement Training Video on Sikhism [video]
From the Video Description: "The training film 'On Common Ground' serves as a valuable tool in educating law enforcement officials, airport personnel, and various communities across United States on cultural and religious practices associated with Sikhism. Awareness of cultural and religious observations, including those of Sikhism, can help avoid misunderstanding and tension, assisting the public in understanding the challenges and realizing the contributions of the Sikh community in America."
United States. Community Relations Service
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Power of Hello Guide for Houses of Worship: Promoting Staff Vigilance Through the Power of Hello
From the Document: "Used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. Simply saying 'Hello' can prompt a casual conversation with a new person, providing an opportunity to observe and establish a connection. The OHNO approach-Observe, Initiate a Hello, Navigate the Risk, and Obtain Help-enables staff to observe and evaluate suspicious behaviors, empowering them to lower risk and obtain help when necessary. OBSERVE[:] Be vigilant of your surroundings[.] INITIATE A HELLO[:] Acknowledging a risk can deter a potential threat[.] NAVIGATE THE RISK[:] Determine if observed behavior is threatening or suspicious[.] OBTAIN HELP[:] Obtain help from management or authorities[.] The OHNO approach describes activities and behaviors that may be suspicious or indicative of criminal activity. These activities may be constitutionally protected and should be reported only when there are articulable facts to support a rational conclusion that the behavior is suspicious. Do not report based solely on protected activities, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or a combination of only such factors."
United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
2020-11-30?
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CISA Tabletop Exercise Package: Faith-Based Organizations
From the Overview: "The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides CISA Tabletop Exercise Packages [hyperlink] (CTEPs) as a comprehensive resource designed to assist stakeholders in conducting their own exercises. Following the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program [hyperlink] (HSEEP) framework, CTEPs include pre-developed scenarios and module questions to discuss information sharing, response, and recovery elements. Organizations can use CTEPs to initiate discussions to assess their preparedness and security posture in relation to a variety of threats and incidents. Each package is customizable and includes sample exercise objectives, scenarios, and discussion questions along with a collection of references and resources to assist exercise planners. Available scenarios cover a broad array of physical security and cybersecurity topics pertinent to the critical infrastructure community generally, and the faith-based community specifically."
United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
2022-01-31?
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Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool [website]
From the Website: "This eTool* will help small, low-hazard service or retail businesses implement an emergency action plan, and comply with OSHA's [Occupational Safety and Health Administration's] emergency standards. [...] Businesses that deal with hazardous substances (such as Ethylene Oxide, Methylenedianiline, or Butadiene), or that are subject to the provisions of the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, Hazardous Waste Operations, or Grain Handling standards may also need to develop an emergency action plan in compliance with 29 CFR [Code of Federal Regulations] 1910.38(a). However, these businesses are beyond the scope of this eTool. [...] *eTools are stand-alone, interactive, highly illustrated web-based training tools on occupational safety and health topics. Some use expert system modules, which enable users to answer questions and receive reliable advice on how OSHA regulations apply to their work site. Some provide guidance information for developing a comprehensive safety and health program and include other recommended practices that often go beyond specific OSHA requirements. As indicated in the disclaimer, eTools do not create new OSHA requirements."
United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship - Security Guide [factsheet]
From the Overview: "Acts of targeted violence against houses of worship are a real--and potentially growing--problem in the United States and a top priority for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As the Nation's risk advisor, CISA has prepared the 'Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship - Security Guide' based on original analysis to help houses of worship develop a comprehensive security strategy to mitigate future incidents." The full guide can be accessed here: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=848290]
United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
2020-12-04?
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 24, Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2017
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on March 28, 2017. From the Document: "H.R. 24 would amend federal law regarding audits of the Federal Reserve System. Specifically, the bill would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to prepare, within 12 months of enactment, an audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve banks. The bill would also repeal prohibitions under current law that prevent GAO from auditing the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and any of the Federal Reserve's transactions involving a foreign central bank, the government of a foreign country, or a nonprivate international financing organization. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] expects that the removal of those prohibitions would result in future requests from Members of Congress for GAO to conduct additional oversight and analysis of the Federal Reserve System on a periodic basis."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2017-04-18
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Faith-Based Community Self-Assessment User Guide
From the Document: "This user guide provides a step-by-step sequence for navigating the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Houses of Worship (HOW) security self-assessment. The assessment, when completed, will provide an easy to follow road map for implementing suggested voluntary options for consideration. These options are based on current best practices designed to improve facility security and preparedness[.]"
United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
2020-12-02
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Webinar: Arson During Civil Unrest -- An Unjustifiable Crime [video]
From the Video Description: "This Arson Awareness Week 2021 webinar contains 4 presentations that include discussion on historic civil unrest responses, mutual aid agreements, risk management, civil unrest response strategies, federal arson statutes and sentencing, and dealing with multiple scenes." The duration of this video is 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 59 seconds.
United States Fire Administration
2021-06-02
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Executive Education Program: Federalism During a Global Pandemic [video]
From the Video Description: "During this webinar, John Yoo, Heller Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley, explores the constitutional allowances/case precedents re: the roles and responsibilities of federal, state and local government in national emergencies like COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]." The duration of this video is 49 minutes and 39 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Wilson, Dawn; Yoo, John
2020-04-03
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Architect of the Capitol: Incorporating All Leading Practices Could Improve Accuracy and Credibility of Projects' Cost Estimates, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "AOC [Architect of the Capitol] is responsible for the maintenance, renovation, and new construction of the U.S. Capitol complex, which comprises more than four dozen facilities. Reliable cost estimates for projects are crucial to AOC's capital-planning and construction processes. The House Appropriations Committee report accompanying the fiscal year 2014 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill mandated that GAO [Government Accountability Office] review AOC's cost-estimating methodology. This report addresses the extent to which AOC's policies and guidance for developing cost estimates adheres to leading practices. GAO analyzed AOC's cost-estimating guidance, interviewed AOC officials, and compared AOC's cost-estimating guidance and documentation and two projects' cost estimates to leading practices in GAO's 'Cost Guide'. When most or all of the practices associated with each characteristic of a high-quality, reliable estimate are followed, GAO considers the characteristic to be 'fully' or 'substantially' met. When, in turn, all four characteristics are at least 'fully' or 'substantially' met, GAO considers a cost estimate to be reliable. […] GAO recommends that AOC incorporate additional leading practices into its cost-estimating guidance and submit the confidence levels of project estimates to Congress. AOC concurred with the recommendations and provided context and clarification on its cost-estimating guidance and policies."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-03
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Federal Real Property: GSA Should Better Target Its Use of Swap-Construct Exchanges
From the Document: "Since 2000, the General Services Administration (GSA) has completed two 'swap-construct' exchanges--transactions in which the agency exchanges title to federal property for constructed assets or construction services, such as renovation work--in response to private sector interest in specific federal properties. In both completed exchanges, GSA used the value of federal properties it determined were underutilized to acquire new parking garages. The recipients of the federal properties told us that the exchanges took longer than expected (about 3 years for one of the exchanges and 5 years for the other). In response, GSA noted its lack of experience with swap-construct exchanges at the time. Since 2012, GSA has proposed six swap-construct exchanges. After reviewing responses to its solicitations, GSA is actively pursuing three, including a potential exchange of the existing Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) headquarters for construction of a new FBI headquarters building. Respondents to the three solicitations that GSA is not actively pursuing noted concerns, including the amount of investment needed in the federal properties and the lack of detail regarding GSA's construction needs in an exchange. Swap-construct can result in an exchange of equally valued assets or services or can result in the government or a property recipient paying for a difference in value."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-07
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Federal Courthouse Construction: Nationwide Space and Cost Overages Also Apply to Miami Project, Statement of Mark L. Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructures, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Government Operations, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "From 2000 to 2010, GSA [General Services Administration] and the judiciary coordinated to construct 33 courthouses, including the Ferguson Courthouse that was completed in 2008 at a cost of approximately $163 million. However, rising costs and other budget priorities slowed the overall construction program. This statement discusses the Ferguson Courthouse and the other 32 federal courthouses completed from 2000 to March 2010, particularly (1) whether the courthouses contain extra space and any costs related to that space, (2) how the actual sizes of the courthouses compare with the congressionally authorized sizes, (3) how courthouses space based on the judiciary's estimates compares with the actual number of judges, and (4) whether the level of courtroom sharing supported by data from the judiciary's study could have changed the amount of space needed in these courthouses. This testimony is primarily based on GAO's June 2010 report on federal courthouse construction. For the 2010 report, GAO [Government Accountability Office] analyzed documents related to the 33 courthouses completed from 2000 to 2010. […] GAO recommended that GSA establish controls to help ensure courthouses remain within their authorized size and that the judiciary should improve its estimation of future judgeships and expand courtroom sharing policies to reflect actual scheduling and use of district courtrooms. GSA and the judiciary agreed to implement these recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2013-03-08
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VA Construction: Additional Actions Needed to Decrease Delays and Lower Costs of Major Medical-Facility Projects, Statement of Lorelei St. James, Director, Physical Infrastructure, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives
From the Document: "I am pleased to be here today to discuss our recent work examining cost increases and schedule delays at the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) major medical-facility construction projects. According to VA's fiscal year 2013 budget submission to Congress, the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) existing infrastructure does not fully align with the current health care needs of the veteran population. To help address this situation, VA has 50 major medical-facility projects under way, including new construction and the renovation of existing medical facilities, at a cost of more than $12 billion. Although VA has taken steps to improve its process for managing these construction projects, opportunities exist for VA to improve its efforts. This testimony discusses VA construction management issues, specifically (1) the extent to which the cost, schedule, and scope for selected new medical-facility projects have changed since they were submitted to Congress and the reasons for these changes, (2) actions VA has taken to improve its construction management practices, and (3) the opportunities that exist for VA to further improve its management of the costs, schedule, and scope of these construction projects. This testimony is based on our April 2013 report. In that report, we discuss VA's current 50 major medical-facility projects, including the original cost estimates and completion dates and the projects' current status according to November 2012 data."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2013-05-07
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Capitol Power Plant: Architect of the Capitol Should Update Its Long-term Energy Plan before Committing to Major Energy Projects, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "AOC's [Architect of the Capitol] CPP [Capitol Power Plant] heats and cools 25 buildings in the complex, including the Capitol and House and Senate office buildings. CPP does not have the infrastructure to distribute electricity to the buildings it serves. CPP buys fossil fuels (mostly natural gas) to run boilers that make steam and buys electricity to run chillers that make chilled water. CPP distributes the steam and chilled water for heating and cooling using a network of tunnels. AOC seeks to install a 'cogeneration' system that would produce steam and electricity. The House of Representatives report accompanying the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, 2014 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to analyze potential cost savings at CPP. GAO analyzed (1) measures AOC implemented since 2008 to manage the energy-related costs of the complex and opportunities, if any, to further manage these costs, and (2) how AOC decided to procure a cogeneration system and the extent to which AOC followed leading capital planning practices. GAO analyzed AOC budgets and plans; reviewed federal guidance on capital planning; and interviewed AOC staff and other stakeholders, including other heating and cooling plant operators."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2015-09
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To Detain or Not to Detain: The Legal, Financial, and Humanitarian Ramifications of Detaining All Migrants Without a Lawful Status
From the thesis Abstract: "This thesis analyzes the implications--legal, financial, and humanitarian--arising from immigrant detention in the United States. The methods used are as follows: legal analysis, both international and domestic; cost analysis of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities and private prisons; and comparative analysis of actual immigrant detention conditions to international norms and ICE's self-imposed standards. This thesis finds the following: immigrant detention is legal in the United States with limited constitutional protections; the financial costs for immigrant detention are difficult to estimate accurately; U.S. immigrant detention practices appear to violate international norms; and ICE's self-imposed standards are hard to meet. This thesis concludes policies that more clearly define the requirements for immigrant detention in the United States should be limited in use and scope. Furthermore, the U.S. government should either implement new laws and regulations or modify existing ones to establish a more consistent standard regarding which migrants without a lawful status should be detained pending criminal or administrative proceedings."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Davis, Valerie A.
2021-12
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Homeland Security: Action Needed to Better Assess Cost-Effectiveness of Security Enhancements at Federal Facilities, Report to the Honorable Patrick Meehan, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Since September 11, 2001, civilian federal entities have made improvements to the physical security at their buildings. The total cost of these enhancements is unknown. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review changes in physical security in federal facilities and related cost issues. This report examines (1) the types of physical security enhancements selected civilian federal entities have made to their facilities since September 11, 2001; (2) how these entities pay for and track costs of such enhancements; and (3) the actions these entities have taken to manage costs, including determining the cost effectiveness of enhancements and using performance measures. GAO conducted site visits and interviewed headquarters and field officials from five selected entities that have implemented a range of security enhancements at federal facilities. Information obtained during the site visits and interviews is not generalizable and cannot be used to represent the opinions of all agency officials. GAO also collected and reviewed documentation on the management of physical security across these entities' facilities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2015-03
