People
Missing data hampers contract inventories
Agencies are supposed to maintain contract inventories to give management a clear picture of where their money goes, but some critical data is difficult to get.
Digital Government
Senate votes to lighten GAO workload
A bill that passed the Senate unanimously would take some reports off the audit agency's docket.
Modernization
OPM's Berry finds it 'incredibly crazy' that claims process not automated yet
OPM's retirement claims processing could see a long-awaited makeover in spring 2013, according to the agency's head.
Cybersecurity
GAO, OPM: IT skills gap remains a critical concern
First designated as high risk 11 years ago, human capital management is still on the front burner.
Cybersecurity
DHS’ IT overhaul is paying off, but challenges lie ahead
GAO finds some shortcomings in DHS's information sharing efforts, alomg with budget challenges, that could hamper further progress on the ambitious undertaking.
People
GAO: Agencies rarely use waiver to bring back retired feds at full pay
Rehired federal employees who draw annuity payments could be paid full salaries as well, despite a rule against it, but agencies are rarely using their waiver power, GAO finds.
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GAO says advancing technology has rendered many privacy rules inadequate and outdated, creating new risks.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