People

Ten years later, e-gov compliance is still incomplete

Agencies have done much of what the E-Gov act asked of them, but trouble spots remain.

Modernization

Technology to clear FOIA backlog underused, GAO finds

Releasing documents under Freedom of Information Act requests is part of an agency's mission, but some agencies are not making the most of tools that could help do it faster.

People

DOD, State, USAID say 'enough' to wartime contracting reforms

Three agencies have implemented some of the recommendations of the Wartime Contracting Commission, but now say they don't want to do more. Some senators are considering making it mandatory.

People

Current laws miss key points in protecting data

GAO says advancing technology has rendered many privacy rules inadequate and outdated, creating new risks.

People

EPA, GAO spar on IT cost estimates

GAO concludes that EPA estimates for an IT project lacked supporting documentation, but the environmental agency is objecting to the audit's findings.

Acquisition

Acquisition chiefs need clearer roles and responsibilities, GAO says

Without clearly-defined duties, the CAO may not have a strong basis for more permanent inclusion in an organization's leadership structure, auditors conclude.

Modernization

GAO: Agencies need standard guide for measuring consolidation

The government risks overspending and missed deadlines without a clear measuring stick for data center consolidations, audit finds.

Cybersecurity

Frivolous security clearances could diminish government transparency

Does everyone who has a security clearance really need it? At least one lawmaker argues that they don't, and says the effort to issue unneeded clearances comes with a significant cost.

People

BRAC bleeding DOD by the billions

The 2005 round of base realignment has cost $14 billion more than planned, so far, according to the GAO.

Cybersecurity

Government at high risk of economic espionage

With cyber theft and other crime on the rise, agencies must get aggressive in defense, according to the GAO.

Digital Government

Congress: Do we need all those GAO reports?

GAO and its many reports face renewed scrutiny as budget pressure heats up in Washington.

People

How agencies can ease congressional meetings

Meeting with the right congressional staff members who share an agency's goals can make briefings so much smoother, GAO says.

People

Is the military draft system on the chopping block?

The Selective Service System, which would administer a military draft if needed, hasn't been reevaluated in nearly 20 years, according to a GAO report.

People

GAO urges involving more partners in cross-cutting initiatives

Setting good goals is only part of the solution where programs that span multiple agencies are concerned, GAO says.

Acquisition

VA failed to set aside work for vets, GAO finds

A bid protest charged that VA officials didn’t comply with the law and regulations when awarding an emergency notification services contract.

Modernization

Tight budgets should not stall innovation, VanRoekel says

The public sector may have unique challenges but it could learn a thing or two from the industry.

People

Can DOD handle its business?

DOD has long been troubled by poor financial management, but 2012 could be the year it turns itself around.

Digital Government

FAA undermines its safety efforts with inadequate data, GAO says

The FAA is trying to improve its assessments of accidents and crashes, but a lack of good data is handicapping the effort.

People

Zients: Why streamlining government makes sense

Senior official at OMB lays out why reorganization authority is "common sense and good management."

Modernization

GAO sting operation exposes pervasive counterfeit parts problem

GAO finds it's all too easy to get fake electronics for military weapons systems.