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.
The Persistent Shadow of Bad Public Policy
Explore Bad Public Policy by Howlett, Leong, and Legrand—a powerful critique of policy failures driven by malign intent, non-compliance, and institutional flaws. This essential analysis urges a shift from naïve optimism to vigilant, values-based policy design. A must-read for understanding the risks behind today’s public policy decisions.
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 Denies Protest Over USDA's Strict Formatting Rejection in RiverNorth Case
GAO denies RiverNorth’s protest after USDA rejected its proposal for violating font size formatting rules. The ruling stresses the importance of strict RFQ compliance and clarifies what does and does not constitute unequal treatment or required SBA referral.
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 Dismisses 4K Global-ACC JV's Request for Reconsideration on PLA Protest
The GAO dismissed 4K Global-ACC JV’s request for reconsideration of a protest related to a PLA requirement, emphasizing that new court decisions issued after a protest ruling do not establish errors of fact or law warranting reversal.
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.
2023 Investigation Reveals U.S. Military Members’ Personal Data Being Sold to Overseas Buyers
A West Point-backed study reported by Politico finds that U.S. servicemembers’ personal data is being sold to foreign buyers by data brokers, posing serious national security threats.
GAO Denies Protest by BAE Systems Over USS Russell Contract Award
GAO denies BAE Systems' protest of the USS Russell maintenance contract, finding the Navy reasonably evaluated dry dock capacity and manpower in selecting CMSD. The decision affirms compliance with FY 2024 NDAA Section 126 and solicitation criteria.
Rising Costs and Shifting Competition: A GAO Review of TRICARE Contracts
GAO's 2025 review of TRICARE contracts reveals rising costs, reduced competition, and structural changes in DOD healthcare agreements worth $168 billion. The report highlights trends in pricing, contract modifications, and oversight challenges.
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
Powering Intelligence: How Energy and AI Are Transforming Each Other
This IEA special report explores the growing interdependence between artificial intelligence and energy, examining the electricity demands of AI data centers, the energy sector’s adoption of AI, and the implications for sustainability, investment, and innovation.
GAO Sustains Protest by Anika Systems Over USCIS Task Order Award
The GAO has sustained a protest by Anika Systems, Inc., finding USCIS's evaluation of proposals flawed and inconsistent with procurement regulations in a data strategy support contract. Key issues included disparate technical evaluation and failure to reasonably assign proposal strengths.
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.
FAR Reform presidential order
A new executive order from the White House aims to overhaul the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), streamlining federal procurement by removing outdated, unnecessary provisions and emphasizing simplicity, speed, and fiscal responsibility.
Major FAR Rewrite Looms: Simplicity, Flexibility, and Legal Uncertainty
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy is preparing a major rewrite of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to simplify procurement and boost industry participation, raising legal and practical implications across federal contracting.
Cutting $5 Billion in DoD Contracts: Secretary of Defense Orders Major Terminations
On April 10, 2025, the Secretary of Defense issued a sweeping memo terminating over $5 billion in IT, DEI, and consulting contracts, shifting focus to in-sourcing, cost control, and mission-critical priorities.
GAO Upholds Dismissal in Leadership and Performance Strategies Reconsideration Request
GAO denies reconsideration request by Leadership and Performance Strategies regarding Marine Corps contract, emphasizing clarity of solicitation criteria and procedural compliance in federal contracting protests.
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.