Oversight
Dave Powner returns to GAO, this time to advocate for its bipartisan, cost-saving work
“We are the watchdog for the Congress, and it's really important that they collectively know our value,” congressional relations official Dave Powner told Nextgov/FCW.
Management
Treasury, GSA partner to reward fed employees who ID wasteful contract spending
Parts of the program could eventually expand beyond the Treasury Department.
Oversight
Under fire, GAO explains its mission to Congress
COMMENTARY | The Government Accountability Office publishes a blog to explain its role amid threatened budget cuts and rhetoric that questions its value.
Oversight
Fraud-fighting oversight committee gets a life extension in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’
The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee was set to sunset in September, but now has life through 2034.
Management
How William Howard Taft’s approach to government efficiency differed from Elon Musk’s slash-and-burn tactics
President Taft worked with Congress to launch his effort to streamline government, while Trump has taken a different route.
Updated
Transition
Inspectors general’s role as independent government watchdogs in question after Trump firings
Many inspector general offices will be headed by acting leaders in the interim, which could weaken the effectiveness of their oversight.
Oversight
GAO saved the federal government $67.5 billion in fiscal 2024
The watchdog’s open recommendations could be a foundation for the new Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Management
Trump and Musk want to create a government efficiency commission. It’s not a new idea
Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton both spearheaded initiatives to reduce government waste and inefficiency, although they went about it in vastly different ways.
Tech
AI tools helped Treasury recover billions in fraud and improper payments
Risk screening, check fraud detection and more have helped the government recover more than $4 billion, Treasury announced.
Oversight
Lawmakers mull a fraud-focused scorecard for oversight
Agency watchdogs warned lawmakers that their centralized fraud analytics capacity could end next year without congressional action.
Management
Trump vows to establish an 'efficiency commission' with Elon Musk at the helm
The former president said the Tesla CEO has “agreed” to head up a task force aimed at cutting federal programs.
Pay & Benefits
Slam the Scam, again
Some tips for avoiding scams and resources for help if you become victim to a scam artist.
Oversight
Watchdog urges OMB to prioritize implementation of anti-fraud recommendations
GAO updated the budget agency on the 172 recommendations that it has not completed.
Oversight
Agencies have only completed about half of GAO’s COVID-19 recommendations
Many of the open recommendations deal with matters on GAO’s high risk list.
Oversight
Transportation’s working capital fund is missing controls for cost recovery, IG warns
The watchdog’s findings include an accidental overbilling by upwards of $16,000.
Oversight
Divide and conquer improper payments
COMMENTARY| Fraud prevention and detection require a different level of focus, argues one former federal CFO.
Oversight
Lawmakers update proposal to cut down on billions in improper payments
Agencies would be required to include details on their anti-fraud controls and fraud risk management work in annual financial reports.
Management
FCC fines major wireless carriers $200M for illegally selling customer location data
Two wireless providers said they plan to appeal the fine.
Management
Taxes are due even if you object to government policies or doubt the validity of the 16th Amendment’s ratification
The IRS "has stated repeatedly that a taxpayer does not have the right to refuse to pay taxes based on religious or moral beliefs."
Management