Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Navy LPD-17 Flight II (LX[R]) Amphibious Ship Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 3, 2018]
"This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the LPD-17 Flight II amphibious ship program, previously known as the LX(R) program. The Navy had planned to procure the first LPD-17 Flight II ship in FY2020. Congress, as part of its action on the Navy's proposed FY2018 budget, accelerated the procurement of the first LPD17 Flight II ship to FY2018. The Navy's FY2019 budget submission programs the procurement of the second LPD17 Flight II ship for FY2020. Decisions Congress makes on the LPD-17 FLIGHT II program will affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-03
-
Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 2, 2018]
"This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The TAO-205 program was previously known as the TAO(X) program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests the procurement of the third and fourth ships in the program. Issues for Congress for FY2019 regarding the TAO-205 program include the following: whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2019 procurement funding request for the program; the number of oilers the Navy will require in coming years to support its operations; and whether to encourage or direct the Navy to build TAO-205s with more ship self-defense equipment than currently planned by the Navy. Decisions that Congress makes regarding the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-03
-
Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [July 3, 2018]
"This report presents background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer programs. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests funding for the procurement of three DDG-51s. Decisions that Congress makes concerning destroyer procurement could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-03
-
Navy Frigate (FFG[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 3, 2018]
"This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's FFG(X) program, a program to procure a new class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). The Navy wants to procure the first FFG(X) in FY2020. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests $134.8 million in research and development funding for the program. The FFG(X) program presents several potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base. This report focuses on the FFG(X) program. A related Navy shipbuilding program, the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, is covered in a separate CRS report. Other CRS reports discuss the strategic context within which the FFG(X) program and other Navy acquisition programs may be considered."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-03
-
Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) [July 3, 2018]
"The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is an interagency body comprised of nine Cabinet members, two ex officio members, and other members as appointed by the President, that assists the President in overseeing the national security aspects of foreign direct investment in the U.S. economy. While the group often operated in relative obscurity, the perceived change in the nation's national security and economic concerns following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the proposed acquisition of commercial operations at six U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World in 2006 placed CFIUS's review procedures under intense scrutiny by Members of Congress and the public. Prompted by this case, some Members of Congress questioned the ability of Congress to exercise its oversight responsibilities given the general view that CFIUS's operations lacked transparency. The current CFIUS process reflects changes Congress initiated in the first session of the 110th Congress, when the House and Senate adopted S. 1610, the Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007 (FINSA). In the 115th Congress, the House and Senate adopted measures that would mark the most comprehensive reform of CFIUS since FINSA in 2007 (S. 2987/H.R. 5515), the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2017)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2018-07-03
-
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [Unclassified Findings on Russian Interference with Elections]
"The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) is conducting a bipartisan investigation into a wide range of Russian activities relating to the 2016 U.S. presidential election. While elements of the investigation are ongoing, the Committee is releasing initial, unclassified findings on a rolling basis as distinct pieces of the investigation conclude. The Committee has concluded an in-depth review of the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) produced by CIA, NSA [National Security Agency], and FBI in January of 2017 on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election (Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent U.S. Elections; declassified version released January 6, 2017) and have initial findings to share with the American people."
United States. Congress. Senate. Select Committee on Intelligence
2018-07-03
-
Mexico: Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Organizations [July 3, 2018]
"Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) pose the greatest crime threat to the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) National Drug Threat Assessment published in October 2017. These organizations have for years been identified for their strong links to drug trafficking, money laundering, and other violent crimes. These criminal groups have trafficked heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and, increasingly, the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. U.S. overdoses due to opioid consumption sharply increased to a record level in 2016, following the Mexican criminal syndicates expanded control of the heroin and synthetic opioids market. The major DTOs and new crime groups have furthered their expansion into such illicit activity as extortion, kidnapping, and oil theft that costs the government's oil company more than a billion dollars a year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.
2018-07-03
-
Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [July 2, 2018]
"Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. In December 2014, however, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift, moving away from sanctions toward a policy of engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-07-02
-
FY2019 Funding for CCS and Other DOE Fossil Energy R&D [July 2, 2018]
"Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS, sometimes called carbon capture and storage) is a process that aims to capture man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) at its source and store it to prevent its release to the atmosphere. CCS could reduce the amount of CO2 emitted to the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants and other large, industrial facilities. An integrated CCS system would include three main steps: (1) separating CO2 from other gases and capturing it; (2) purifying, compressing, and transporting the CO2 to the sequestration site; and (3) injecting the CO2 into subsurface geological reservoirs. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has supported research and development (R&D) of aspects of the three main steps leading to an integrated CCS system since 1997. From FY2012 to FY2018, Congress has provided more than $4 billion in appropriations for CCS activities at DOE. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act(P.L. 111-5)provided an additional $3.4 billion to that total."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)
2018-07-02
-
Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 2, 2018]
"This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) class aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests a total of $1,598.2 million in procurement funding for the program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-02
-
Supreme Court Nomination: CRS Products [July 2, 2018]
"On June 27, 2018, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy announced his retirement from the Supreme Court, effective July 31, 2018, ending a thirty-year tenure on the Court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nolan, Andrew
2018-07-02
-
Partisan Gerrymandering: Supreme Court Provides Guidance on Standing and Maintains Legal Status Quo [July 2, 2018]
"In a redistricting case that some predicted could have resulted in a 'blockbuster' ruling, Gill v. Whitford, the Supreme Court issued a more limited, yet still consequential decision. On June 18, 2018 the Supreme Court ruled that in order to establish standing to sue upon a claim of unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering on the basis of vote dilution, challengers must allege injuries to their interests as voters in individual districts. (Vote dilution arises when district boundaries devalue one citizen's vote as compared to others and is accomplished by 'packing' certain voters into a few districts, so that they win elections by large margins, and 'cracking' certain voters among several districts, so that they fail to achieve a voting majority.) Because the challengers in Gill alleged statewide harm to voters of a particular political party--that is, to voters throughout the state who support the Democratic Party--without establishing proof of injury to specific voters within a particular district, the Supreme Court ruled that they failed to establish standing, and in an atypical move, remanded the case to the district court for reargument. On the same day the Court issued Gill, the Court also decided Benisek v. Lamone, holding that a district court did not abuse its discretion by denying a preliminary injunction to challengers claiming that a Maryland congressional district was an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whitaker, L. Paige
2018-07-02
-
Federal Quantum Information Science: An Overview [July 2, 2018]
"Combining elements of mathematics, computer science, engineering, and physical sciences, quantum information science (QIS) has the potential to provide capabilities far beyond what is possible with the most advanced technologies available today. This In Focus provides an overview of QIS technologies, including examples of their existing and future applications; brief summaries of funding and selected initiatives in research and development (R&D) in the United States and elsewhere around the world; a description of U.S. congressional activity; and a discussion of related policy considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2018-07-02
-
Defense Acquisitions: How and Where DOD Spends Its Contracting Dollars [July 2, 2018]
"The Department of Defense (DOD) has long relied on contractors to provide the U.S. military with a wide range of goods and services, including weapons, vehicles, food, uniforms, and operational support. Without contractor support, the United States would not be able to arm and field an effective fighting force. Costs and trends associated with contractor support provide Congress more information upon which to make budget decisions and weigh the relative costs and benefits of different force structures and different military operations--including contingency operations and maintaining bases around the world. This report examines (1) how much money DOD obligates on contracts, (2) what DOD is buying, and (3) where that money is being spent. This report also examines the extent to which these data are sufficiently reliable to use as a factor when developing policy or analyzing government operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwartz, Moshe; Sargent, John F., Jr.; Mann, Christopher T.
2018-07-02
-
Private Flood Insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program [July 2, 2018]
"Congress is currently considering reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as the 2018 hurricane season begins, while still dealing with the financial impact of the 2017 hurricane season. Total losses (insured and uninsured) for the 2017 hurricane season are estimated at a record $270.9 billion, with losses for Hurricane Harvey estimated at $126.3 billion, Hurricane Maria at $90.9 billion, and Hurricane Irma at $50.5 billion. FEMA projects total NFIP claims for the three hurricanes at more than $9.7 billion. The NFIP is designed to borrow money from the Treasury to cover claims for extreme events; however, the 2017 losses would have pushed the program over its authorized borrowing limit. Rather than increase the borrowing limit, Congress canceled $16 billion of NFIP debt to allow the program to pay claims."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Webel, Baird
2018-07-02
-
Report of the Attorney General's Cyber Digital Task Force
"Cyber-enabled attacks are exacting an enormous toll on American businesses, government agencies, and families. Computer intrusions, cybercrime schemes, and the covert misuse of digital infrastructure have bankrupted firms, destroyed billions of dollars in investments, and helped hostile foreign governments launch influence operations designed to undermine fundamental American institutions. The Department of Justice's primary mission is to keep the American people safe. We play a critical role in the federal government's shared effort to combat malicious, cyber-enabled threats."
United States. Department of Justice
2018-07-02?
-
Equal Rights Amendment: Close to Adoption? [July 2, 2018]
"Illinois' recent ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution has revived questions about the potential for the amendment to be adopted. First presented to the states in 1972, the ERA provides that '[e]quality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.' 37 states have now ratified the ERA, and some supporters of the amendment maintain that ratification by just one additional state could result in its adoption. After ratification by one more state, the ERA will have been ratified by three-fourths of the states, as required by Article V of the Constitution. Whether the ERA can be so adopted, however, is not entirely certain. Questions concerning the expiration of Congress's original ratification deadline without approval by three-fourths of the states, and the rescission of ratifications by five states between 1973 and 1978, would likely have to be addressed before the ERA would be formally adopted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shimabukuro, Jon O.
2018-07-02
-
Personnel Security Training Program for Clinicians: Phase I
From the Abstract: "Prior DoD personnel security research identified interest in a cadre of personnel-security-trained clinicians (i.e., psychologists and psychiatrists) to consult on mental-health-related background investigation and adjudication issues (Senholzi et al., 2016; Shedler & Lang, 2015). The current initiative assessed this point further by (1) characterizing specific use of and need for clinicians under current mental health vetting procedures, (2) assessing current clinician workload to inform future resource needs, and (3) identifying preexisting personnel security training resources for potential clinician use. Findings confirmed that a cadre of readily accessible consulting clinicians can improve interactions with subjects' mental health providers, interpretation of mental health records, identification of psychological evaluators (particularly for contract employees), and receipt of psychological evaluations based on personnel-security-centric assessment. [...] Finally, three preexisting personnel security resources were identified to inform future clinician training program implementation efforts. These three resources are described further in this report along with various 'next step' recommendations to move this initiative toward an implementable training solution."
Defense Personnel Security Research Center (U.S.)
Dickerhoof, Rene M.; Baweja, Jessica A.; Osborn, Marie M. . . .
2018-07
-
No-Notice Incidents: Emergency Medical Systems Considerations
"ASPR TRACIE [Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange's] has developed a series of tip sheets for hospitals and other healthcare providers planning for no-notice incident response. Our traditional concepts and approaches have not kept pace with real-world incidents in the U.S. and other countries or the challenges the healthcare system faces in managing extremely large numbers of casualties. The tip sheets are based on discussions ASPR NHPP [National Health Physics Program] and ASPR TRACIE had with healthcare personnel who were involved in the October 2017 mass shooting response in Las Vegas and supplemented with information from other recent no-notice incidents. While there is great variance in the scope and healthcare needs resulting from no-notice incidents, these tip sheets focus on some of the identified challenges."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
2018-07
-
Warming and Warnings: Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability in the Rocky Mountain Region
"The Rocky Mountain Research Station recently published a general technical report addressing climate change vulnerability in the Rocky Mountain Region. This report, entitled Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems in the US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region, focuses on six ecosystems. Scientists evaluated each ecosystem based on several factors, including their current extent, exposure to climate change, sensitivity and adaptability to climate change, the ability of the ecosystem to shift geographically, and non-climate stressors such as recreational use, air pollution and infrastructure development. Of the six categories, all were seen as vulnerable to climate change, although the level of vulnerability varied. The three aquatic systems evaluated (Great Plains streams and riparian areas; aquatic, riparian and wetland ecosystems in glaciated valleys, and low-gradient mountain stream reaches) were rated as the most vulnerable: 'highly vulnerable.' One terrestrial ecosystem (alpine turf and dwarf-shrublands) was also rated as having high vulnerability to climate change. Finally, two ecosystems were classified as moderately vulnerable to climate change (ponderosa pine woodlands and savannas and subalpine spruce-fir forests). The report, which is summarized in this companion document, provides detailed insights on vulnerability to climate change along with interactions with non-climate stressors for each ecosystem type."
United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)
2018-07
-
Current Russia Military Affairs: Assessing and Countering Russian Strategy, Operational Planning, and Modernization
From the Editor's Note: "This compendium of essays is based on the presentations delivered at a one-day workshop sponsored jointly by the U.S. Army War College and the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) with additional funding generously provided by the U.S. Army War College Foundation. The invitation-only event by was held on May 1, 2018 at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC and included North American and European experts from the policy making community, academica, think tanks, the intelligence community, and the military services. These individuals gathered together to address Russia's geopolitical strategy, its operational capacity and capabilities, and its military modernization efforts, all in an effort to inform EUCOM and U.S. Department of Defense planning as well as strengthen allied deterrence in Europe."
Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute
Deni, John R.
2018-07
-
Mental Health and Help-Seeking in the U.S. Military: Survey and Focus Group Findings
From the Abstract: "Despite policies that aim to reduce stigma and access to mental health care within the military, almost half of Service members who may be in need do not seek mental health support. The current study builds on past research on barriers to seeking help for mental health concerns, particularly for suicidal ideation or suicide attempt, by examining factors that promote or prevent help-seeking from the perspective of Service members and suicide prevention gatekeepers. Data from the '2016 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members' were analyzed to estimate the prevalence of non-help-seeking, and individual, occupational, and barrier factors associated with non-help-seeking. Focus group interviews with military suicide prevention gatekeepers provided context and further insight into the findings from the survey. In addition, gatekeepers discussed strategies for promoting help-seeking for mental health concerns. Findings from this study indicate that non-help-seeking Service members tend to be male, officers, less knowledgeable about suicide prevention skills, and more concerned about the impact of seeking mental health care on their career. Recommendations include: (1) conducting effective suicide prevention training and mental health awareness campaigns, and evaluating their implementation, (2) establishing programs to encourage Officers to seek help for mental health concerns, and (3) addressing Service members' concerns that seeking help will have an adverse impact on their careers."
Defense Personnel Security Research Center (U.S.)
Ho, Tiffany E.; Hesse, Christina M.; Osborn, Marie M. . . .
2018-07
-
Joint Task Force Guantanamo: Mission and History
This report provides an overview of detention operations, treatment of detainees, services provided, and a brief history of the Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO). "JTF-GTMO conducts safe, humane, and legal detention operations; collects, analyzes and reports intelligence; and supports legal and administrative proceedings in order to protect the United States and its interests."
United States. Joint Task Force Guantánamo; United States. Department of Defense; United States. Department of the Army . . .
2018-07
-
Trauma-Informed Approaches for Programs Serving Fathers in Re-Entry: A Review of the Literature and Environmental Scan, A Special Topics Study of the Parents and Children Together Evaluation
From the Introduction: "A large proportion of incarcerated persons in the U.S. are low-income men of color who are fathers. Evidence is growing that many such men have experienced trauma early in life, and that experiencing trauma may complicate their efforts to reconnect with and support their families after incarceration. This report explores trauma in the reentry population and how responsible fatherhood programs, including those funded by the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) in the Administration for Children and Families, can take a trauma-informed approach to the services they offer."
United States. Administration for Children and Families. Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation
Dion, Robin; LaFlair, Lareina; Azur, Melissa J., 1972- . . .
2018-07
-
Going Darker 2.0: Policy Recommendations for Law Enforcement, the Intelligence Community and the Private Sector
From the Executive Summary: "The public and private sectors face a growing national security concern resulting from the ability of criminals, terrorists, and state actors to obfuscate their activities by 'going dark' through encryption or other means. Strong encryption ensures digital communications are protected for secure commerce and trade to strengthen cybersecurity and to safeguard private information, national security, and the global economy. Unfortunately, rapidly evolving technological advancements--particularly in digital and communications security--impede the ability of US law enforcement and the intelligence community to collect and analyze information that is critical to thwarting potential threats. The recommendations put forth in this paper are intended to help the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) tackle the going dark problem and help mitigate potential threats with help from the private sector."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Intelligence and Analysis
Kaul, Krystle; Tucker, Michelle; McNamara, G.S. . . .
2018-07
-
'Radar Contact!' The Beginnings of Army Air Forces Radar and Fighter Control
From the Preface: "When and how was radar first developed? When was it first employed to direct fighters against approaching enemy aircraft? These two questions began the research that serves as the foundation for this book. After being selected for an AFHRA [Air Force Historical Research Agency] research grant in 1990, three years were spent attempting to answer those two primary questions using AFHRA's impressive historical archives collocated with the Fairchild Research Information Center at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The AFHRA staff have a tremendous amount of information for, and patience with, those new to the world of archival research. To put this book in its proper context, this is a story that takes place within an Army environment before the beginning of the US Air Force. As the history of radar's research and development unfolds, we will see the Army Signal Corps urgently attempting to develop cutting-edge radar technology. Moreover, as the air defense mission grows, we will see the Army Air Corps struggling to define its new roles and effectively organize itself."
Air University (U.S.). Press
DeGering, Randall R.
2018-07
-
Voices of First Responders -- Identifying Public Safety Communication Problems, Findings from User-Centered Interviews, Phase 1, Volume 1
From the Abstract: "The public safety community is in the process of transitioning from the use of land mobile radios (LMR) to a technology ecosystem including a variety of broadband data sharing platforms. Successful deployment and adoption of new communication technology relies on efficient and effective user interfaces based on a clear understanding of first responder needs, requirements and contexts of use. This project employs a two-phased data collection approach for an in-depth look at the population of first responders, along with their work environment, their tasks, and their communication needs. This report documents the data collection of Phase 1 and the resulting data analysis. Phase 1, the qualitative component, focuses on interviews with approximately 200 first responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency medical services, communications/dispatch) across the country. The results include user needs and requirements expressed by first responders. These needs and requirements have been organized into five categories of technology opportunities. Further analysis identified six user-centered design guidelines for technology development. Finally, the importance the role of trust plays in first responders' adoption and use of communication technology is presented."
National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.)
Choong, Yee-Yin; Dawkins, Shanee; Furman, Susanne M. . . .
2018-07
-
Aviation Security: Basic Training Program for Transportation Security Officers Would Benefit from Performance Goals and Measures, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "TSA [Transportation Security Administration] is responsible for ensuring that all airline passengers and their property are screened for items that could pose a threat to airplanes and passengers at 440 airports across the United States. Since 2016, TSO [Transportation Security Officer] Basic Training-- initial training for newly hired TSOs, including both TSA-employed and private screeners--has consisted of an intensive two-week course at the TSA Academy located at FLETC [Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers]. TSA has obligated about $53 million for the program from its inception through March 2018. In 2015 and 2017, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General raised questions about the effectiveness of checkpoint screening, which prompted concerns about training. GAO was asked to review TSA's training of new TSOs. This report (1) describes the reasons why TSA established the TSO Basic Training program; (2) discusses factors OTD [Office of Training and Development] considers when updating TSO Basic Training curriculum; and (3) assesses the extent to which TSA evaluates its TSO Basic Training program. GAO [Government Accountability Office] reviewed documents on the development and modification of TSO Basic Training curriculum; visited FLETC; interviewed TSA officials; and compared TSA's program evaluation to leading practices. [...] GAO recommends that TSA establish specific goals and performance measures for the TSO Basic Training program. TSA concurred with the recommendation."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-07
-
Public Transit Partnerships: Additional Information Needed to Clarify Data Reporting and Share Best Practices, Report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "The public transit landscape is changing, as advances in technology have enabled more on-demand mobility services, such as ride-sourcing and bike-share services. In response, some transit agencies have started to partner with private mobility companies with the aim of offering public transit riders more efficient and convenient options through on-demand services. FTA [Federal Transit Administration] supports public transportation systems through a variety of federal grant programs. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review various issues related to such partnerships. This report examines, among other things: (1) the types of partnership projects that selected transit agencies have initiated with private mobility companies and (2) how DOT's [Department of Transportation] efforts and funding and federal requirements may impact such partnerships. GAO interviewed DOT officials and reviewed DOT documents; interviewed 16 local transit agencies and 13 private mobility companies involved in transit partnerships; and reviewed 22 projects initiated by the selected partners, including 5 funded by the Mobility on Demand Sandbox grant program. GAO selected these partners to represent a range of service types and geographic locations; the results are non-generalizable."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-07
-
NASA Commercial Crew Program: Plan Needed to Ensure Uninterrupted Access to the International Space Station, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "In 2014, NASA awarded two firm-fixed-price contracts to Boeing and SpaceX, worth a combined total of up to $6.8 billion, to develop crew transportation systems and conduct initial missions to the ISS [International Space Station]. In February 2017, GAO [Government Accountability Office] found that both contractors had made progress, but their schedules were under mounting pressure. The contractors were originally required to provide NASA all the evidence it needed to certify that their systems met its requirements by 2017. A House report accompanying H.R. 5393 included a provision for GAO to review the progress of NASA's human exploration programs. This report examines the Commercial Crew Program, including (1) the extent to which the contractors have made progress towards certification and (2) how NASA's certification process addresses safety of the contractors' crew transportation systems. GAO analyzed contracts, schedules, and other documentation and spoke with officials from NASA, the Commercial Crew Program, Boeing, SpaceX, and two of NASA's independent review bodies that provide oversight."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-07
