Series

A collection of defense and security related reports and testimonies issued by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Publishers:

US Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Publications:

Actions Needed to Strengthen Management of Research and Development
Actions Needed to Address Weaknesses in Information Security and Privacy Controls
Combating Nuclear Smuggling
USAID Should Update its Trade Capacity Building Strategy
Monitoring of Dual-Use Exports Should be Improved
Democracy Assistance: Lessons Learned from Egypt Should Inform Future US Plans
Maritime Security: Progress and Challenges with Selected Port Security Programs
Coast Guard: Resources Provided for Drug Interdiction Operations in the Transit Zone, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands
Information Security: Agencies Need to Improve Cyber Incident Response Practices
Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs
Civilian Intelligence Community
US-China Trade
Ammunition Purchases Have Declined since 2009
Defense Headquarters: DOD Needs to Reassess Options for Permanent Location of US Africa Command
Global Food Security
Climate Change: State Should Further Improve Its Reporting on Financial Support to Developing Countries to Meet Future Recquirements and Guidelines
Department of Homeland Security
Central America: US Agencies Considered Various Factors in Funding Security Activities, but Need to Assess Progress in Achieving Interagency Objectives
Defense Acquisitions: Navy Strategy for Unmanned Carrier-Based Aircraft System Defers Key Oversight Mechanisms
Nuclear Terrorism Response Plans
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Missile Defense: Precision Tracking Space System Evaluation of Alternatives
Transportation Security
Defense Acquisition
Border Security: Progress and Challenges in DHS Implementation and Assessment Efforts
Chemical Regulation
Army Industrial Operations
Chemical Assessments
Nuclear Nonproliferation
DOD Procurement of Mi-17 Helicopters
Border Security
National Preparedness
Status of Funding, Equipment, and Training for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
Emergency Preparedness
Information Sharing
Defense Acquisitions
The US Government Accountability Office
Standard Missile-3 Block IIB Analysis of Alternatives
Sub-Saharan Africa: Trends in US and Chinese Economic Engagement
Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Studies of US and Chinese Economic Engagement in Angola, Ghana, and Kenya
Afghanistan: Key Oversight Issues
Iran: US and International Sanctions Have Adversely Affected the Iranian Economy
Security Force Assistance: DOD's Consideration of Unintended Consequences, Perverse Incentives, and Moral Hazards
Diplomatic Security Challenges
Guantánamo Bay Detainees
Combating Nuclear Smuggling
Status of Open World Exchange Program's Efforts to Strengthen Financial Management and Performance Measurement
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Summary of DHS Actions to Better Manage Its Chemical Security Program
Department of Homeland Security: Continued Progress Made Improving and Integrating Management Areas, but More Work Remains
Treasury Continues to Implement Its Oversight Systems for Addressing TARP Conflicts of Interest
Aviation Security: 9/11 Anniversary Observations on TSA’s Progress and Challenges in Strengthening Aviation Security
Maritime Security: Progress and Challenges 10 Years after the Maritime Transportation Security Act
Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Is Taking Action to Better Manage Its Chemical Security Program, but It Is Too Early to Assess Results
Defense Management: The Department of Defense's Annual Corrosion Budget Report Does Not Include Some Required Information
Defense Logistics: Space-Available Travel Challenges May Be Exacerbated If Eligibility Expands
Compact of Free Association: Proposed US Assistance to Palau through Fiscal Year 2024
Homeland Security: DHS Has Enhanced Procurement Oversight Efforts, but Needs to Update Guidance
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Security of Radiological Sources at US Medical Facilities
World Food Program: Stronger Controls Needed in High-Risk Areas
Disaster Relief: Reimbursement to the American Red Cross for Certain 2008 Disaster Assistance
Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Measuring Progress and Addressing Potential Privacy Concerns Would Facilitate Integration into the National Airspace System
Information Sharing: DHS Has Demonstrated Leadership and Progress, but Additional Actions Could Help Sustain and Strengthen Efforts
Homeland Security: DHS Requires More Disciplined Investment Management to Help Meet Mission Needs
Information Technology: Census Bureau Needs to Implement Key Management Practices
Next Generation Enterprise Network
Strategic Sourcing: Improved and Expanded Use Could Save Billions in Annual Procurement Costs
Military Readiness: Navy Needs to Assess Risks to Its Strategy to Improve Ship Readiness
International Food Assistance: Improved Targeting Would Help Enable USAID to Reach Vulnerable Groups
Information Technology: Department of Labor Could Further Facilitate Modernization of States' Unemployment Insurance Systems
Organizational Transformation: Enterprise Architecture Value Needs to be Measured and Reported
Warfighter Support: DOD Should Improve Development of Camouflage Enhance Collaboration Among the Services
Review of FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative as Mandated in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012
Home Energy Assistance for Low-Income Occupants of Manufactured Homes
Department of Defense's Waiver of Competitive Prototyping Requirement for Enhanced Polar System Program
Mine Safety: Reports and Key Studies Support the Scientific Conclusions Underlying the Proposed Exposure Limit for Respirable Coal Mine Dust
LA Courthouse: Initial Project Justification Is Outdated and Flawed
Anticipating and Meeting Accountability Challenges in a Dynamic Environment
Ownership by Minority, Female, and Disadvantaged Firms in the Pipeline Industry
Ensuring Drug Quality in Global Health Programs
Contingency Contracting: Agency Actions to Address Recommendations by the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan
Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices
Medicare: Action Needed to Remove Social Security Numbers from Medicare Cards
MEDICAID Expansion
MEDICARE
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program
Entrepreneurial Assistance
Modernizing the Nuclear Security Enterpise
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Drug Control: Initial Review of the National Strategy and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs
Debt Limit: Analysis of 2011-2012 Actions Taken and Effect of Delayed Increase on Borrowing Costs
Financial Literacy: Overlap of Programs Suggests There May Be Opportunities for Consolidation
Secure Communities
Counternarcotics Assistance
Students With Disabilities
Federal Buildings Fund
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
International Taxation
EPA Regulations and Electricity
Information Security: Environmental Protection Agency Needs to Resolve Weaknesses
Telecommunications: Exposure and Testing Requirements for Mobile Phones Should Be Reassessed
Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle
Medicaid Long-Term Care
Anthrax: DHS Faces Challenges in Validating Methods for Sample Collection and Analysis
Mission Iraq: State and DOD Face Challenges in Finalizing Support and Security Capabilities
Information Security: Cyber Threats Facilitate Ability to Commit Economic Espionage
Disaster Recovery: Selected Themes for Effective Long-Term Recovery
Afghanistan: USAID Oversight of Assistance Funds and Programs
Force Structure: Improved Cost Information and Analysis Needed to Guide Overseas Military Posture Decisions
National Securitry: DOD Should Reevaluate Requirements for the Selective Service System
Intelligence Community Personnel: Strategic Approach and Training Requirements Needed to Guide Joint Duty Program
Surface Transportation: Financing Program Could Benefit from Increased Performance Focus and Better Communication
Federal Workers: Results of Studies on Federal Pay Varied Due to Differing Methodologies
Air Pollution: EPA Needs Better Information on New Source Review Permits
Nonproliferation: Agencies Could Improve Information Sharing and End-Use Monitoring on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Exports
Unconventional Oil and Gas Production
Security Force Assistance: Additional Actions Needed to Guide Geographic Combatant Command and Service Efforts
Combating Terrorism: State Should Enhance its Performance Measures for Assessing Efforts in Pakistan to Counter Improvised Explosive Devices
Uranium Mining: Opportunities Exist to Improve Oversight of Financial Assurances
Terrorist Watchlist: Routinely Assessing Impacts of Agency Actions since the December 25, 2009, Attempted Attack Could Help Inform Future Efforts
Missile Defense: Opportunities Exist to Strengthen Acquisitions by Reducing Concurrency and Improving Parts Quality
Cybersecurity: Threats Impacting the Nation
Border Security: Observations on Costs, Benefits, and Challenges of a Department of Defense Role in Helping to Secure the Southwest Land Border
Federal Reserve Banks: Areas for Improvement in Information Systems Controls
Maritime Security: Coast Guard Efforts to Address Port Recovery and Salvage Response
Defense Biometrics
Nuclear Safety: DOE Needs to Determine the Costs and Benefits of Its Safety Reform Effort
Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Natural Hazard Assessments Could Be More Risk-Informed
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Modernizing the Nuclear Security Enterprise
NASA: Significant Challenges Remain for Access, Use, and Sustainment of the International Space Station
Economic Development: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Fragmented Programs Are Unclear
Space Acquisitions
Joint Strike Fighter
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Further Actions Needed by US Agencies to Secure Vulnerable Nuclear and Radiological Materials
Information Security
Proliferation Security Initiative
Export Controls: Proposed Reforms Create Opportunities to Address Enforcement Challenges
Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs
Cybersecurity: Challenges in Securing the Modernized Electricity Grid
National Nuclear Security Administration
Department of Homeland Security: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Strategic Planning and Management Functions
Defense Logistics
US Import-Export Bank
Humanitarian and Development Assistance
Maritime Security: Coast Guard Needs to Improve Use and Management of Interagency Operations Centers
Air Traffic Control Modernization
Whistleblower Protection
Afghanistan Security: Department of Defense Effort to Train Afghan Police Relies on Contractor Personnel to Fill Skill and Resource Gaps
Afghanistan: Improvements Needed to Strengthen Management of US Civilian Presence
Uncertain Political and Security Situation Challenges US Efforts to Implement a Comprehensive Strategy in Yemen
Homeland Security: DHS Needs Better Project Information and Coordination among Four Overlapping Grant Programs
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Risk Assessments
Arctic Capabilities
Firms Reported in Open Sources to Have Sold Iran Refined Petroleum Products Declined Since June 30, 2010
Actions to Enforce the Iran Sanctions Act and Implement Contractor Certification Requirement
Arleigh Burke Destroyers
Homeland Defense: Continued Actions Needed to Improve Management of Air Sovereignty Alert Operations
Cuba Broadcasting Strategy
Chemical Assessments: Challenges Remain with EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System Program
Taxpayer Privacy
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Cybersecurity Guidance is Available, but More can be Done to Promote its Use
Homeland Defense and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Action Needed to Address NNSA’s Program Management and Coordination Challenges
International Space Station: Approaches for Ensuring Utilization through 2020 Are Reasonable but Should Be Revisited as NASA Gains More Knowledge of On-Orbit Performance
Recovery Act: Progress and Challenges in Spending Weatherization Funds
Persian Gulf
Briefing on US Customs and Border Protection's Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology Fiscal Year 2011 Expenditure Plan
Climate Change Adaption: Federal Efforts to Provide Information Could help Government Decision Making
Cybersecurity Human Capital
Compacts of Free Association
Haiti Reconstruction
International Climate Change Assessments
Port Security Grant Program
Language and Culture Training
Biosurveillance: Nonfederal Capabilities Should Be Considered in Creating a National Biosurveillance Strategy
Maritime Security
International Military Education and Training
Review of US Response to the Honduran Political Crisis of 2009
Foreign Assistance
Gender Pay Differences
Information Sharing: Progress made and Challenges Remaining in Sharing Terrorism-Related Information
Environmental Justice
Instances of Questionable Access to Prescription Drugs
Federal Reserve System: Opportunities Exist to Strengthen Policies and Processes for Managing Emergency Assistance
Medicare Part D: Instances of Questionable Access to Prescription Drugs
Opportunities Exist to Strengthen Policies and Processes for Managing Emergency Assistance
Weaknesses Continue Amid New Federal Effort to Implement Requirements
TSA Has Taken Steps to Enhance Its Foreign Airport Assessments, But Oppotunities Exist to Strenthen the Program
Aviation Security: TSA Has Taken Steps to Enhance its Foreign Airport Assessments, but Opportunities Exist to Strengthen the Program
Warfighter Support: DoD Has Made Progress, but Supply and Distribution Challenges Remain in Afghanistan
Information Security: Weaknesses Continue Amid New Federal Efforts to Implement Requirements
Nuclear Fuel Cycle Options
Financial Crisis
Neutron Detectors
Warfighter Support
Improved Reporting and Member States' Consensus Needed for Food and Agriculture Organization's Reform Plan
Organizational Transformation
DOD Financial Management: Improved Controls, Processes, and Systems Are Needed for Accurate and Reliable Financial Information
Electronic Government
Polar Satellites: Agencies need to Address Potential Gaps in Weather and Climate Data Coverage
DHS and TSA Acquisition and Development of New Technologies
Homeland Security: DHS and TSA Acquisition and Development of New Technologies
Inspectors General
Preventing Sexual Harassment
Weapons Acquisition Reform
Excess Facilities
Iraq Drawdown
TSA Has Made Progress, but Additional Efforts are Needed to Improve Security
DOD Financial Management: Ongoing Challenges in Implementing the Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness Plan
Small Business Contracting
Iraq and Afghanistan: DOD, State, and USAID Cannot fully Account for Contracts, Assistance Instruments, and Associated Personnel
Federal Contracting in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Drug Safety: FDA Faces Challenges Overseeing the Foreign Drug Manufacturing Supply Chain
Telecommunications
Antibiotic Resistance
US Postal Service: Actions Needed to Stave off Financial Insolvency
Medicare Part D
Decennial Census: Census Bureau and Postal Service Should Pursue Opportunities to Further Enhance Collaboration
Data Mining: DHS Needs to Improve Executive Oversight of Systems Supporting Counterterrorism
Drug Pricing: Manufacturer Discounts in the 340B Program Offer Benefits, but Federal Oversight Needs Improvement
Excess Uranium Inventories
Department of Homeland Security
Climate Monitoring: NOAA can Improve Management of the US Historical Climatology Network
Homeland Security
Small Business Innovation Research
Environmental Litigation
Ballistic Missile Defense
Coast Guard: Civil Rights Directorate Can Enhance Workforce Restructuring Efforts
Defense Department Cyber Efforts
American Samoa and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Influenza Pandemic: Lessons From the H1N1 Pandemic Should be Incorporated into Future Planning
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Federal Facility Security: Staffing Approaches Used by Selected Agencies
Commercial Launch Vehicles: NASA Taking Measures to Manage Delays and Risks
Managing Critical Isotopes: Weaknesses in DOE's Management of Helium-3 Delayed the Federal Response to a Critical Supply Shortage
Space Acquisitions: Development and Oversight Challenges in Delivering Improved Space Situational Awareness Capabilities
The Federal Government’s Long-Term Fiscal Outlook
Defense Transportation: Additional Information Is Needed for DOD's Mobility Capabilities and Requirements Study 2016 to Fully Address All of Its Study Objectives
Navy's Proposed Dual Award Acquisition Strategy for the Littoral Combat Ship Program
Defense Management: DOD Has a Rigorous Process to Select Corrosion Prevention Projects, But Would Benefit from Clearer Guidance and Validation of Returns on Investment
Maritime Security: Ferry Security Measures Have Been Implemented, But Evaluating Existing Studies Could Further Enhance Security
Space Acquistions: Challenges in Commercializing Technologies Developed Under the Small Business Innovation Research Program
Afghanistan Development
Nuclear Weapons: National Nuclear Security Administration's Plans for its Uranium Processing Facility Should Better Reflect Funding Estimates and Technology Readiness
Border Security
Defense Acquisitions: Additional Guidance Needed to Improve Visibility into the Structure and Management of Major Weapon System Subcontracts
Iraq and Afghanistan: DOD, State, and USAID Face Continued Challenges in Tracking Contracts Assistance Instruments, and Associated Personnel
Cyberspace Policy: Executive Branch is Making Progress Implementing 2009 Policy Review Recommendations, but Sustained Leadership is Needed
Maritime Security: Actions Needed to Assess and Update Plan and Enhance Collaboration Among Partners Involved in Countering Piracy off the Horn of Africa
Disaster Response
Information Security: Progress Made on Harmonizing Policies and Guidance for National Security and Non-National Security Systems
Joint Strike Fighter: Assessment of DOD’s Funding Projection for the F136 Alternate Engine
Combating Nuclear Smuggling
Defense Planning: DOD Needs to Review the Costs and Benefits of Basing Alternatives for Army Forces in Europe
Iraqi-US Cost Sharing
Defense Exports
Global Positioning System
Public Transit Security Information Sharing
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
Persian Gulf: US Agencies Need to Improve Licensing Data and to Document Reviews of Arms Transfers for US Foreign Policy and National Security Goals
The Democratic Republic of the Congo: U.S. Agencies Should Take Further Actions to Contribute to the Effective Regulation and Control of the Minerals Trade in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Supply Chain Security
Biological Laboratories: Design and Implementation Considerations for Safety Reporting Systems
NATO Partnerships: DOD Needs to Assess US Assistance in Response to Changes to the Partnership for Peace Program
Carbon Trading
Iran Sanctions: New Act Underscores Importance of Comprehensive Assessment of Sanctions’ Effectiveness
Defense Management: Improved Planning, Training, and Interagency Collaboration Could Strengthen DoD's Efforts in Africa
Defense Management: US Southern Command Demonstrates Interagency Collaboration, but its Haiti Disaster Response Revealed Challenges Conducting a Large Military Operation
Cyberspace
Combating Nuclear Smuggling
Cybersecurity: Key Challenges Need to be Addressed to Improve Research and Development
Sudan Divestment
Afghanistan's Security Environment
Combating Terrorism
Intellectual Property: Observations on Efforts to Quantify the Economic Effects of Counterfeit and Pirated Goods
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Nuclear Safety: Convention on Nuclear Safety Is Viewed by Most Member Countries as Strengthening Safety Worldwide
Transforming Government to Meet the Demands of the 21st Century
Defense Acquisitions: Business Case and Arrangements Key for Future Combat System's Success
Nuclear Security - Actions Needed by DOE to Improve Security of Weapons-Grade Nuclear Material
Rebuilding Iraq: Actions Needed to Improve Use of Private Security Providers
Rebuilding Iraq: Status of Funding and Reconstruction Efforts
Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Efforts to Deploy Radiation Detection Equipment in the United States and in Other Countries
Homeland Security: Key Cargo Security Programs can be Improved
Homeland Security: Federal and Industry Efforts are Addressing Security Issues at Chemical Facilities, but Additional Action is Needed
Military Education: DOD Needs to Develop Performance Goals and Metrics for Advanced Distributed Learning in Professional Military Education - July 2004
Nonproliferation: Delays in Implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention Raise Concerns About Proliferation - March 2004
Federal Food Safety and Security System - March 2004
Combating Terrorism: Interagency Framework and Agency Programs to Address the Overseas Threat - May 2003
Military Transformation: Progress and Challenges for DOD's Advanced Distributed Learning Programs - February 2003
Combating Terrorism: Actions Needed to Guide Services? Antiterrorism Efforts at Installations - November 2002
Combating Terrorism: Department of State Programs to Combat Terrorism Abroad - September 2002
Combating Terrorism: Enhancing Partnerships Through a National Preparedness Strategy - March 2002
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Coordination of US Programs Designed to Reduce the Threat Posed by Weapons of Mass Destruction - November 2001
Bioterrorism: Review of Public Health Preparedness Programs - October 2001
Information Sharing: Practices that can Benefit Critical Infrastructure Protection - October 2001
Combating Terrorism: Considerations for Investing Resources in Chemical and Biological Preparedness - October 2001
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Significant Challenges in Protecting Federal Systems and Developing Analysis and Warning Capabilities - September 2001
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Significant Challenges in Developing Analysis, Warning, and Response Capabilities - July 2001
Nuclear Nonproliferation: DOE's Efforts to Assist Weapons Scientists in Russia's Nuclear Cities Face Challenges - May 2001
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Significant Challenges in Developing National Capabilities - April 2001
Missile Defense: Status of the National Missile Defense Program - May 2000
Weapons of Mass Destruction: US Efforts to Reduce Threats From the Former Soviet Union - March 2000
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Limited Progress in Improving Nuclear Material Security in Russia and the Newly Independent States - March 2000
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Comments on the National Plan for Information Systems Protection - February 2000
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Fundamental Improvements Needed to Assure Security of Federal Operations - October 1999
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Comprehensive Strategy Can Draw on Year 2000 Experiences - October 1999
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Status of Heavy Fuel Oil Delivered to North Korea Under the Agreed Framework - September 1999
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Status of Transparency Measures for US Purchase of Russian Highly Enriched Uranium - September 1999
Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: Testing Status and Views on Operational Viability of Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis Technology - April 1999
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Concerns with DOE's Efforts to Reduce the Risks Posed by Russia's Unemployed Weapon's Scientists - February 1999
Nuclear Nonproliferation and Safety: Uncertainties About the Implementation of US-Russian Plutonium Disposition Efforts - January 1998
Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: Responsibilities for Developing Explosives and Narcotics Detection Technologies - April 1997
Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: Technologies for Detecting Explosives and Narcotics - September 1996
Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: Threats and Roles of Explosives and Narcotics Detection Technology - March 1996