GAO Releases this week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as defense acquisitions, aviation and the environment, and intellectual property. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Aviation and the Environment: FAA's and NASA's Research and Development Plans for Noise Reduction Are Aligned but the Prospects of Achieving Noise Reduction Goals Are Uncertain. GAO-08-384, February 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-384
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08384high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Progress Made in Fielding Missile Defense, but Program Is Short of Meeting Goals. GAO-08-448, March 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-448
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08448high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Termination Costs Are Generally Not a Compelling Reason to Continue Programs or Contracts That Otherwise Warrant Ending. GAO-08-379, March 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-379
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08379high.pdf
• Intellectual Property: Federal Enforcement Has Generally Increased, but Assessing Performance Could Strengthen Law Enforcement Efforts. GAO-08-157, March 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-157
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08157high.pdf
• Tax Policy: Tax-Exempt Status of Certain Bonds Merits Reconsideration and Apparent Noncompliance with Issuance Cost Limitations Should Be Addressed. GAO-08-364, February 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-364
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08364high.pdf
• U.S. Coins: The Federal Reserve Banks Are Fulfilling Coin Demand, but Optimal Inventory Ranges Are Undefined. GAO-08-401, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-401
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08401high.pdf
• Vehicle Donations: Selected Charities Reported Mixed Experiences after Changes in Vehicle Donation Rules. GAO-08-367, February 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-367
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08367high.pdf

Testimony

• District of Columbia Public Schools: While Early Reform Efforts Tackle Critical Management Issues, a District-Wide Strategic Plan Would Help Guide Long-Term Efforts, by Cornelia M. Ashby, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-549T, March 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-549T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08549thigh.pdf

Correspondence

• Global War on Terrorism: Reported Obligations for the Department of Defense. GAO-08-557R, March 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-557R
• The Nation's Long-Term Fiscal Outlook: January 2008 Update. GAO-08-591R, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-591R