Slowing the Pace of Innovation: GAO Calls on DOD to Reboot Weapon System Acquisition
GAO’s 2025 Weapon Systems Annual Assessment urges the DOD to overhaul its acquisition strategy. With nearly $2.4 trillion at stake, the report warns of increasing delays, cost overruns, and failure to implement leading practices. GAO recommends early integration of speed and innovation into new defense programs.
Improving Mental Health Screening at Military Separation: GAO Finds Gaps in Validation and Implementation
GAO's June 2025 report reveals gaps in the validation of mental health screening tools used during military separation. While VA has implemented a joint screening program, key tools for alcohol use, PTSD, and violence risk lack validation, putting service member care at risk.
Army’s Long-Range Fires Modernization Falls Short Without Iterative Development Practices
GAO’s June 2025 report on Army modernization finds that inconsistent application of iterative development and digital engineering practices undermines efforts to field modern artillery and missile systems.
AI in Financial Services: GAO Report Highlights Benefits, Risks, and Oversight Gaps
The GAO’s May 2025 report examines the use of artificial intelligence in financial services, outlining its benefits, associated risks, and the oversight mechanisms in place. It highlights regulatory gaps, especially at the National Credit Union Administration, and suggests paths forward for ensuring trustworthy AI deployment.
Veterans Affairs Faces Critical Gaps in Software License Management
GAO finds the Department of Veterans Affairs is failing to track and reconcile software licenses, risking over-purchasing and cloud migration delays. The report urges immediate reforms.
GAO Urges NRC Action on Radiological Security, Cost Estimates, and Climate Risks
GAO’s May 2025 report highlights nine priority recommendations to the NRC focused on radioactive material security, cost estimate reliability, and climate change data integration. The report underscores risks of inaction and urges legislative oversight to improve public safety and regulatory effectiveness.
Strengthening Patent Quality: GAO Urges USPTO to Rebalance Efficiency and Rigor
A new GAO report calls on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to reassess its examination and quality procedures, citing longstanding challenges that may undermine patent validity, examiner performance, and public confidence in innovation.
GAO Examines Potential Variables for New Highway Funding Formulas
GAO's May 2025 report explores variables for new federal highway formula grant programs, identifying 27 supported metrics and assessing available federal data, while highlighting challenges and stakeholder preferences.
Fishery Disaster Relief Program Struggles With Delays Despite Legislative Reform
A new GAO report reveals that while legislative reforms have aimed to improve the timeliness of fishery disaster assistance, the National Marine Fisheries Service still faces long processing times, staffing shortfalls, and communication gaps. These issues delay recovery efforts for communities hit by marine disasters.
GAO Report Highlights Gaps in HHS Oversight of Human Genomic Data Security
A new GAO report reveals that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must improve its tracking of foreign testing entities and enforcement of security measures to protect Americans' genomic data from national security risks.
GAO Highlights GSA’s Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Inflation Reduction Act Funds
GAO’s April 2025 report reveals that while GSA has made progress in using Inflation Reduction Act funds for sustainability projects, significant improvements are needed in project selection frameworks, performance tracking, and transparency.
GAO Finds State Department Must Improve Civilian Harm Response for U.S. Arms Transfers
The GAO’s April 2025 report reveals that the State Department’s civilian harm tracking process for U.S. arms transfers is incomplete and understaffed, risking gaps in accountability and human rights protections.
GAO Warns of Hidden Costs and Risks of Generative AI in New Environmental and Human Impact Report
The GAO’s latest report warns of significant environmental and human risks from generative AI, urging improved data transparency, risk management, and policy reform to protect public interests.
GAO Urges OMB to Modernize Burden Reduction Guidance for Federal Benefit Programs
GAO urges OMB to revise outdated guidance to reduce administrative burdens on federal benefit applicants, highlighting missed opportunities to improve access and equity in service delivery.BEFT
GAO Report Finds Oversight Gaps in Offshore Wind Development, Calls for Stronger Tribal and Fisheries Engagement
A new GAO report identifies oversight gaps in offshore wind energy development, citing insufficient tribal consultation, fisheries engagement, and regional oversight. It urges BOEM and BSEE to act and calls for congressional support to ensure sustainable and equitable development.
GAO Report Reveals Persistent Oversight Gaps in Federal Oil and Gas Program
A new GAO report highlights the Department of the Interior’s ongoing challenges in effectively managing federal oil and gas resources, including gaps in royalty collection, IT system failures, insufficient financial assurances, and workforce shortages. The report outlines reforms needed to protect taxpayer interests and strengthen oversight.
2024 GAO Report Highlights Steady Lobbying Compliance and Continued Enforcement Challenges
GAO's 2024 report reveals high lobbyist compliance with disclosure rules but flags ongoing issues like incomplete reporting of covered positions. Enforcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office remains robust, emphasizing transparency in lobbying practices.
GAO Highlights Gaps in SBA’s Fraud Detection During COVID-19 Relief Programs
A March 2025 GAO report criticizes the SBA’s delayed and ineffective fraud controls in the COVID-19 PPP and EIDL loan programs, raising concerns over billions in potentially fraudulent loans.
Private Sector Insights for Smarter Cloud Adoption in Government
GAO’s March 2025 report highlights how private sector best practices in cloud acquisition, cybersecurity, and workforce development can inform smarter cloud adoption across federal agencies, offering lessons in cost control, risk management, and strategic alignment.
The Evolving Role of Brokers in Federal Leasing: Key Takeaways from GAO’s Latest Report
GAO's latest report on federal real property leasing reveals a decline in broker involvement due to shifting agency needs and telework trends. While brokers met performance targets, a temporary exemption from competition failed to yield cost savings. With GSA leases expiring by 2027, future strategies must balance efficiency, competition, and cost avoidance. Read the key insights here.