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 terrorism, health care, homeland defense, and the 2010 Census. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Combating Terrorism: The United States Lacks Comprehensive Plan to Destroy the Terrorist Threat and Close the Safe Haven in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas. GAO-08-622, April 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-622
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08622high.pdf
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Pending Legislation Would Apply U.S. Immigration Law to the CNMI with a Transition Period. GAO-08-466, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-466
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08466high.pdf
• Freedom of Information Act: Agencies Are Making Progress in Reducing Backlog, but Additional Guidance Is Needed. GAO-08-344, March 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-344
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08344high.pdf
• Health-Care-Associated Infections in Hospitals: Leadership Needed from HHS to Prioritize Prevention Practices and Improve Data on These Infections. GAO-08-283, March 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-283
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08283high.pdf
• Highlights of a Forum Convened by the Comptroller General of the United States: Improving the Federal Government's Financial Management Systems. GAO-08-447SP, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-447SP
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08447sphigh.pdf
• Highlights of a Forum Convened by the Comptroller General of the United States: Strengthening the Use of Risk Management Principles in Homeland Security. GAO-08-627SP, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-627SP
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08627sphigh.pdf
• Homeland Defense: Steps Have Been Taken to Improve U.S. Northern Command's Coordination with States and the National Guard Bureau, but Gaps Remain. GAO-08-252, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-252
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08252high.pdf
• Homeland Defense: U.S. Northern Command Has Made Progress but Needs to Address Force Allocation, Readiness Tracking Gaps, and Other Issues. GAO-08-251, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-251
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08251high.pdf

Correspondence

• Defense Management: Observations on DOD's FY 2009 Budget Request for Corrosion Prevention and Control. GAO-08-663R, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-663R

Testimonies

• 2010 Census: Census at Critical Juncture for Implementing Risk Reduction Strategies, by Mathew Scire, director, strategic issues; and David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-685T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-685T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08685thigh.pdf
• Capitol Visitor Center: Update on Status of Project's Schedule and Cost as of April 15, 2008, by Terrell G. Dorn, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-677T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-677T
• Defense Travel System: Overview of Prior Reported Challenges Faced by DOD in Implementation and Utilization, by McCoy Williams, managing director, financial management and assurance, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-649T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-649T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08649thigh.pdf
• Department of Defense: Observations on the National Industrial Security Program, by Ann Marie Calvaresi Barr, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-695T, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-695T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08695thigh.pdf
• Drinking Water: The District of Columbia and Communities Nationwide Face Serious Challenges in Their Efforts to Safeguard Water Supplies, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-687T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-687T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08687thigh.pdf
• Health-Care-Associated Infections in Hospitals: Leadership Needed from HHS to Prioritize Prevention Practices and Improve Data on These Infections, by Cynthia A. Bascetta, director, health care, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-673T, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-673T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08673thigh.pdf
• Homeland Security: Federal Efforts Are Helping to Address Some Challenges Faced by State and Local Fusion Centers, by Eileen R. Larence, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-636T, April 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-636T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08636thigh.pdf
• Humane Methods of Handling and Slaughter: Public Reporting on Violations Can Identify Enforcement Challenges and Enhance Transparency, by Lisa R. Shames, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-686T, April 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-686T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08686thigh.pdf
• Internal Revenue Service: Assessment of the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, and James R. White, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, Senate Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-620T, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-620T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08620thigh.pdf
• Transportation Security: Efforts to Strengthen Aviation and Surface Transportation Security Continue to Progress, but More Work Remains, by Cathleen A. Berrick, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-08-651T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-651T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08651thigh.pdf

Presentation By The Acting Comptroller General

• "Working to Improve Accountability in an Evolving Environment," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States, before the 2008 Maryland Association of CPAs' Government and Not-for-Profit Conference, in College Park, Maryland. GAO-08-720CG, April 18. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08720cg.pdf

Maps, data, oh what more do you need?

If you have read this blog with any sort of regularity I am sure you have noticed that I am a big fan of new and interesting ways of accessing data. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided me with a new resource to play with and share with all of you. The IMF Data Miner has maps and data from the world and on country level.

So why should ya care? Well, you can map and chart a variety of economic statistics from GDP to information on government statistics such as taxes collected. While the information comes in maps and charts, when you export you have the option to take it as an excel table. Have fun and feel free to share comments on the site.

Taxes are due by 12 tonight!!!!!

Now I know (because I worked the reference desk here in the library last night) that many of you have not finished your taxes yet. Well, unfortunately the procrastination needs to end today. Your tax returns must be postmarked (or submitted online) by 12 tonight. But, do not despair, here are a few resources to help you get through the day:

• In Boulder? Don't want to print out a 60 page instruction booklet? We have the paper tax forms here in the Government Publications Library, check out this list.
• Need more time? Check out the IRS's helpful page on filing an extension.
• All done, but it is after 5? Many post offices are open late, but not all. Check out 9News handy guide to who is open.
• If you make less then $54,000 you are eligible to file online for free! So if you want to save the stamp, check out this site.
• Where does that check you just wrote go? Well, quite a bit of it goes out in contracts, grants, and federal assistance. Check out how much and where at USAspending.gov.
  

Good luck!

This week from the Congressional Research Service

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us CRS reports on theIraq, violence against women, and virtual reality, and much more. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:

• Tibet: Problems, Prospects, and U.S. Policy
• Judicial Review of Removal Orders
• Avatars, Virtual Reality Technology, and the U.S. Military: Emerging Policy Issues
• International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues
• Awards of Attorneys’ Fees by Federal Courts and Federal Agencies
• The Executive Office of the President: An Historical Overview
• Freedom of Speech and Press: Exceptions to the First Amendment
• United States Military Casualty Statistics: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
• Iraqi Civilian Deaths Estimates

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at the Boulder campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports back to 1916.

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

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 government purchase card fraud and mine safety. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Electronic Government: Additional OMB Leadership Needed to Optimize Use of New Federal Employee Identification Cards. GAO-08-292, February 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-292
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08292high.pdf
  
• Governmentwide Purchase Cards: Actions Needed to Strengthen Internal Controls to Reduce Fraudulent, Improper, and Abusive Purchases. GAO-08-333, March 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-333
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08333high.pdf
• International Trade: U.S. Trade Preference Programs Provide Important Benefits, but a More Integrated Approach Would Better Ensure Programs Meet Shared Goals. GAO-08-443, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-443
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08443high.pdf
• Media Ownership: Economic Factors Influence the Number of Media Outlets in Local Markets, While Ownership by Minorities and Women Appears Limited and Is Difficult to Assess. GAO-08-383, March 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-383
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08383high.pdf
• Mine Safety: Additional Guidance and Oversight of Mines' Emergency Response Plans Would Improve the Safety of Underground Coal Miners. GAO-08-424, April 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-424
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08424high.pdf

Correspondence

• Millennium Challenge Corporation: Analysis of Compact Development and Future Obligations and Current Disbursements of Compact Assistance. GAO-08-577R, April 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-577R
• United Nations: Renovation Schedule Accelerated after Delays, but Risks Remain in Key Areas. GAO-08-513R, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-513R
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08513rhigh.pdf

Testimonies

• Census 2010: Census at Critical Juncture for Implementing Risk Reduction Strategies, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, and Mathew J. Scire, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-659T, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-659T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08659thigh.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: 2009 Review of Future Combat System Is Critical to Program's Direction, by Paul L. Frances, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-638T, April 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-638T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08638thigh.pdf
• Department of Homeland Security: Progress Made in Implementation of Management Functions, but More Work Remains, by Norman J. Rabkin, managing director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-08-646T, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-646T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08646thigh.pdf
• Employee Security: Implementation of Identification Cards and DOD's Personnel Security Clearance Program Need Improvement, by Linda D. Koontz, director, information management issues, and Brenda S. Farrell, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-551T, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-551T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08551thigh.pdf
• Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request: U.S. Government Accountability Office, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-616T, April 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-616T
• Force Structure: Restructuring and Rebuilding the Army Will Cost Billions of Dollars for Equipment but the Total Cost Is Uncertain, by Janet A. St. Laurent, managing director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-669T, April 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-669T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08669thigh.pdf
• Internet Sales: Undercover Purchases on eBay and Craigslist Reveal a Market for Sensitive and Stolen U.S. Military Items, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-644T, April 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-644T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08644thigh.pdf
• VA Health Care: Recruitment and Retention Challenges and Efforts to Make Salaries Competitive for Nurse Anesthetists, by Marjorie E. Kanof, managing director, health care, before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-08-647T, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-647T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08647thigh.pdf

Reissued Product

• DOD Pharmacy Program: Continued Efforts Needed to Reduce Growth in Spending at Retail Pharmacies. GAO-08-327, April 4. [Revised to correct the first sentence under "Why GAO Did This Study" on the highlights page to read "estimated to reach $15 billion by 2015" instead "estimated to reach $15 million by 2015."]
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-327
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08327high.pdf