Digital Government
Senators ask watchdog to probe IRS Free File program
The IRS is relying on the Free File partnership with tax prep companies to offer most Americans a free way to file online after cancelling Direct File, a government-run alternative.
Digital Government
Treasury missed security controls in giving DOGE system access, GAO finds
The finding is among the first oversight reports Congress’ watchdog has released about the controversial cost-cutting team.
Artificial Intelligence
Agencies are missing a step to share information on better AI acquisition, GAO finds
A new oversight report that sampled four federal agencies underscored several hindrances to effective AI adoption, including a lack of policies for collecting lessons learned in the technology’s acquisition.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmaker calls for GAO review of threat actors weaponizing AI
In a letter to the federal watchdog, Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, warned that “the nature and scope of the challenges associated with countering these AI-enabled threats are not well understood.”
Policy
Vought takes aim at GAO in new guidance
This is not the first time the head of the Office of Management and Budget has pushed back against Congress’ watchdog.
Artificial Intelligence
Republican lawmakers ask GAO to review current AI regulatory landscape
Leaders in the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee have asked the Government Accountability Office to examine the regulatory landscape at both the state and federal level.
People
Exit interview: GAO’s Gene Dodaro talks impoundments, tenure and retirement priorities
The outgoing comptroller general reflects on leading the agency through national crises, building a skilled workforce and guiding federal oversight before his term ends Dec. 29.
Modernization
Dave Powner returns to GAO, this time to advocate for its bipartisan, cost-saving work
“We are the watchdog for the Congress, and it's really important that they collectively know our value,” congressional relations official Dave Powner told Nextgov/FCW.
Emerging Tech
Emerging tech can be a ‘double-edged-sword’ for agencies, experts warn
Safely incorporating emerging systems like artificial intelligence and quantum computing demand the overhaul of legacy systems and rigorous cyber hygiene, federal officials say.
Artificial Intelligence
Agency AI use doubled in 2024, GAO finds
Results from a 2023 to 2024 survey indicate rapid growth of mission support-oriented artificial intelligence tools in federal workplaces.
Cybersecurity
National Cyber Director should lead quantum cyber preparations, GAO says
Marisol Cruz Cain, the watchdog’s head of cybersecurity and information, told lawmakers that the Office of the National Cyber Director remains GAO’s pick to coordinate a national post-quantum strategy.
Artificial Intelligence
AI use in financial services could add to bias risks, GAO warns
A new Government Accountability Office report suggests federal regulators offer updated guidance to weed out bias in financial institutions' artificial intelligence systems.
Digital Government
Legislative watchdog rebuffs DOGE efforts to install on-site team
“DOGE’s attempted intrusion into an independent, nonpartisan legislative branch agency is a direct assault on our nation’s sacred separation of powers,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee.
Modernization
Consolidating IT systems can lead to over $100M in cost savings, GAO finds
The Government Accountability Office’s latest duplication and overlap report said improved federal IT portfolio management could achieve such savings “by reducing duplicative IT investments and halting or terminating investments, when appropriate.”
Cybersecurity
Watchdog cites potential improvements for State’s cyber diplomacy office amid agency reorg
The Government Accountability Office noted that the reorganization of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy could remove it from the direct line to leadership it enjoyed while under the Deputy Secretary’s office.
Modernization
VA needs updated cost estimate and rollout schedule for EHR, watchdog says
The Government Accountability Office said VA is making “incremental improvements” to its new electronic health record system during an operational pause on additional deployments but added that “much more remains to be done.”
Policy
GSA reverses lease terminations for some GAO offices doing national security work
The Atlanta, Huntsville and Norfolk offices have been removed from a termination list tied to a DOGE effort to reduce purported government spending waste on building leases.
Policy
GSA lease terminations hit GAO offices doing national security work
Some of the terminated leases include buildings with spaces designed to exchange classified information on defense programs.
Cybersecurity
Coast Guard workforce lacks maritime cyber expertise, watchdog says
The maritime service says it will develop “competency requirements” for relevant personnel by the end of December. It’s also planning new procedures to document maritime cyber incidents.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity