GAO Reports
Here's a look at Government Accountability Office reports
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Federal Actions Needed to Help Veterans Access Benefits
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Federal Actions Needed to Help Veterans Access Benefits
*
#Fast Facts
More than a million veterans have limited or uncertain access to food. Eligible veterans can get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to help, but they're less likely to participate than non-veterans. Federal, state, and relevant organizations' officials told us that veterans may have misconceptions about SNAP.
This Q&A reviews SNAP's veteran outreach. While the ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Federal Actions Needed to Help Veterans Access Benefits * #Fast Facts More than a million veterans have limited or uncertain access to food. Eligible veterans can get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to help, but they're less likely to participate than non-veterans. Federal, state, and relevant organizations' officials told us that veterans may have misconceptions about SNAP. This Q&A reviews SNAP's veteran outreach. While theDepartment of Agriculture has taken steps to make veterans more aware of SNAP, it could do more. For example, it doesn't have veteran-friendly outreach materials with up-to-date information.
We recommended addressing this and more to help veterans access benefits.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and EBT Food Stamp Benefits sign
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
According to a 2023 RAND report, an average of 1.4 million veterans faced food insecurity each year from 2015 to 2020, meaning their households did not have enough food for an active and healthy life. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to low-income households to buy food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers SNAP in partnership with states. The share of veterans receiving benefits varies by state, according to GAO's analysis of Census Bureau data.
Estimated Percentage of Veterans Who Lived in Households Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits by State in 2024
States have the option to conduct outreach to increase awareness of SNAP and may target outreach to certain groups, such as veterans. States must have a USDA-approved outreach plan to receive partial federal reimbursement for their outreach expenses. Most states with outreach plans in fiscal year 2026 (39 of 47) identified veterans as a target group.
However, stakeholders GAO interviewed reported that veterans' misconceptions about SNAP hinder outreach efforts. USDA has not developed outreach materials tailored to veterans in the past 5 years, despite recent program changes for veterans. Several stakeholders said that outreach materials, such as talking points dispelling myths about SNAP, would help them communicate more effectively with veterans. By developing and disseminating such materials, USDA could help ensure that trusted messengers, like veterans' organizations, share accurate and up-to-date information on the program with food-insecure veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and USDA established a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to address veteran food insecurity in September 2023. However, the agencies' collaborative efforts have slowed since April 2025 following the loss of key staff at USDA, according to VA officials. Agency officials told GAO they consider the MOA to still be in place; however, the agencies have not reviewed the MOA as specified in the agreement, making the current status of the MOA unclear. By ensuring a formal mechanism is in place to guide their collaboration, VA and USDA can enhance their efforts to ensure low-income veterans and their families have access to the food they need through programs like SNAP.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Research has shown that food-insecure veterans are less likely than their nonveteran peers to participate in SNAP.
GAO was asked to review states' efforts to target SNAP outreach to veterans and work with veterans' organizations to help connect veterans to the program. This report examines state and federal efforts to conduct SNAP outreach to veterans.
GAO reviewed relevant federal laws, regulations, and agency documentation. GAO also analyzed survey data on veteran households' receipt of SNAP benefits and reviewed states' most recent SNAP outreach plans and reports. In addition, GAO interviewed VA and USDA officials and representatives of 16 stakeholder organizations, including national organizations with expertise on food assistance or veterans issues, as well as state SNAP agencies, outreach partners, and VA medical centers from three states. GAO selected states that were actively conducting SNAP outreach to veterans and varied by geographic region and the share of veterans receiving SNAP benefits. GAO selected other stakeholder organizations for their national perspectives on veteran food security issues.
#Recommendations
GAO is making four recommendations, including that USDA develops and disseminates additional SNAP outreach materials tailored to veterans and that VA and USDA ensure a formal mechanism is in place to collaborate on efforts to address veteran food insecurity. We provided a draft of this report to VA and USDA for review and comment. VA and USDA concurred with GAO's recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should ensure FNA's SNAP eligibility website includes up-to-date information about exceptions to the SNAP time limit. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should ensure FNA develops and disseminates additional SNAP outreach materials tailored to veterans, in collaboration with VHA. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should ensure a formal mechanism is in place to collaborate with VA on efforts to address veteran food insecurity. This could include reviewing the MOA and updating the agreement as needed. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Veterans Affairs The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should ensure a formal mechanism is in place to collaborate with USDA on efforts to address veteran food insecurity. This could include reviewing the MOA and updating the agreement as needed. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-27-108111
(TNSmrp)
* * *
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Federal Actions Needed to Help Veterans Access Benefits
*
#Fast Facts
More than a million veterans have limited or uncertain access to food. Eligible veterans can get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to help, but they're less likely to participate than non-veterans. Federal, state, and relevant organizations' officials told us that veterans may have misconceptions about SNAP.
This Q&A reviews SNAP's veteran outreach. While the ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Federal Actions Needed to Help Veterans Access Benefits * #Fast Facts More than a million veterans have limited or uncertain access to food. Eligible veterans can get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to help, but they're less likely to participate than non-veterans. Federal, state, and relevant organizations' officials told us that veterans may have misconceptions about SNAP. This Q&A reviews SNAP's veteran outreach. While theDepartment of Agriculture has taken steps to make veterans more aware of SNAP, it could do more. For example, it doesn't have veteran-friendly outreach materials with up-to-date information.
We recommended addressing this and more to help veterans access benefits.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and EBT Food Stamp Benefits sign
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
According to a 2023 RAND report, an average of 1.4 million veterans faced food insecurity each year from 2015 to 2020, meaning their households did not have enough food for an active and healthy life. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to low-income households to buy food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers SNAP in partnership with states. The share of veterans receiving benefits varies by state, according to GAO's analysis of Census Bureau data.
Estimated Percentage of Veterans Who Lived in Households Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits by State in 2024
States have the option to conduct outreach to increase awareness of SNAP and may target outreach to certain groups, such as veterans. States must have a USDA-approved outreach plan to receive partial federal reimbursement for their outreach expenses. Most states with outreach plans in fiscal year 2026 (39 of 47) identified veterans as a target group.
However, stakeholders GAO interviewed reported that veterans' misconceptions about SNAP hinder outreach efforts. USDA has not developed outreach materials tailored to veterans in the past 5 years, despite recent program changes for veterans. Several stakeholders said that outreach materials, such as talking points dispelling myths about SNAP, would help them communicate more effectively with veterans. By developing and disseminating such materials, USDA could help ensure that trusted messengers, like veterans' organizations, share accurate and up-to-date information on the program with food-insecure veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and USDA established a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to address veteran food insecurity in September 2023. However, the agencies' collaborative efforts have slowed since April 2025 following the loss of key staff at USDA, according to VA officials. Agency officials told GAO they consider the MOA to still be in place; however, the agencies have not reviewed the MOA as specified in the agreement, making the current status of the MOA unclear. By ensuring a formal mechanism is in place to guide their collaboration, VA and USDA can enhance their efforts to ensure low-income veterans and their families have access to the food they need through programs like SNAP.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Research has shown that food-insecure veterans are less likely than their nonveteran peers to participate in SNAP.
GAO was asked to review states' efforts to target SNAP outreach to veterans and work with veterans' organizations to help connect veterans to the program. This report examines state and federal efforts to conduct SNAP outreach to veterans.
GAO reviewed relevant federal laws, regulations, and agency documentation. GAO also analyzed survey data on veteran households' receipt of SNAP benefits and reviewed states' most recent SNAP outreach plans and reports. In addition, GAO interviewed VA and USDA officials and representatives of 16 stakeholder organizations, including national organizations with expertise on food assistance or veterans issues, as well as state SNAP agencies, outreach partners, and VA medical centers from three states. GAO selected states that were actively conducting SNAP outreach to veterans and varied by geographic region and the share of veterans receiving SNAP benefits. GAO selected other stakeholder organizations for their national perspectives on veteran food security issues.
#Recommendations
GAO is making four recommendations, including that USDA develops and disseminates additional SNAP outreach materials tailored to veterans and that VA and USDA ensure a formal mechanism is in place to collaborate on efforts to address veteran food insecurity. We provided a draft of this report to VA and USDA for review and comment. VA and USDA concurred with GAO's recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should ensure FNA's SNAP eligibility website includes up-to-date information about exceptions to the SNAP time limit. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should ensure FNA develops and disseminates additional SNAP outreach materials tailored to veterans, in collaboration with VHA. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should ensure a formal mechanism is in place to collaborate with VA on efforts to address veteran food insecurity. This could include reviewing the MOA and updating the agreement as needed. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Veterans Affairs The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should ensure a formal mechanism is in place to collaborate with USDA on efforts to address veteran food insecurity. This could include reviewing the MOA and updating the agreement as needed. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-27-108111
(TNSmrp)
Flood Insurance: Congressional Action Could Help Increase Coverage for At-Risk Properties
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Flood Insurance: Congressional Action Could Help Increase Coverage for At-Risk Properties
*
#Fast Facts
Flood insurance helps protect property owners from financial losses and supports recovery after floods. But almost 90% of U.S. properties that are at high risk for floods don't have flood insurance.
Property owners with federally backed mortgages are required to purchase flood insurance if their property is in a special flood hazard area. FEMA has maps that it uses to determine who is ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Flood Insurance: Congressional Action Could Help Increase Coverage for At-Risk Properties * #Fast Facts Flood insurance helps protect property owners from financial losses and supports recovery after floods. But almost 90% of U.S. properties that are at high risk for floods don't have flood insurance. Property owners with federally backed mortgages are required to purchase flood insurance if their property is in a special flood hazard area. FEMA has maps that it uses to determine who isrequired to buy flood insurance. But these maps generally don't account for all flood risks, especially from heavy rainfall.
We recommended, among other things, that Congress require FEMA to incorporate flood risk from heavy rainfall into its determinations.
Aerial image showing a flooded residential neighborhood with homes and gardens submerged.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
Most U.S. property owners are unprotected from flood risk. As of April 2026, 86 percent of high-risk properties did not have National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage. The number of NFIP policies declined from 5.5 million in 2010 to 4.5 million in 2026. Growth in the private market offset this decline, and private policies accounted for 14 percent of all policies in 2025.
Federal law requires property owners with federally backed mortgages to purchase flood insurance if their property is in a special flood hazard area (SFHA) designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This mandatory purchase requirement is the primary reason consumers purchase flood insurance: an estimated 43 percent of properties in SFHAs had flood insurance, compared with 2 percent outside those areas. However, the requirement does not effectively ensure coverage for many at-risk properties. In particular, the FEMA maps used to determine the requirement do not capture all flood risks, especially heavy rainfall. GAO's analysis of First Street data indicates that about 13 million high-risk properties are outside FEMA SFHAs.
The Mandatory Purchase Requirement Does Not Reach Most At-Risk Properties
Consumer misperceptions also can discourage flood insurance purchase. Consumers may underestimate their flood risk, overestimate the amount of federal disaster assistance after a flood, or believe that homeowners insurance covers flood damage when most policies specifically exclude it.
GAO identified four actions that could help increase NFIP and private flood insurance coverage. Each would require statutory authority from Congress.
* Incorporating all sources of flood risk into purchase requirement determinations could help ensure that more at-risk properties have coverage.
* Making property-level flood risk information publicly available could increase awareness of flood risk.
* Requiring lenders to provide flood insurance quotes for federally backed mortgages could better signal the need for coverage.
* Increasing NFIP coverage limits could allow property owners to obtain coverage better aligned with potential flood losses.
GAO previously recommended that any affordability assistance be means-based and reflected in the federal budget and that barriers to private flood insurance be removed. These actions could help ensure that more property owners are protected from flood risk.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Flooding is the most common, costly, and destructive natural disaster in the United States, and its frequency and severity have increased in recent years. Flood insurance helps protect property owners from financial losses and supports recovery after floods.
This report examines (1) the extent to which consumers purchase flood insurance, (2) the effectiveness of the mandatory purchase requirement, (3) factors affecting consumers' decisions to purchase flood insurance, and (4) potential actions to increase consumer purchase of flood insurance.
GAO analyzed 2008-2026 FEMA data on NFIP policies, 2018-2025 National Association of Insurance Commissioners data on private flood insurance policies, and property-level flood risk data from First Street-a risk modeling company. GAO also reviewed relevant reports and interviewed FEMA officials. In addition, GAO conducted three discussion sessions with 15 flood insurance stakeholders and reviewed its prior work and public research to identify potential actions to increase flood insurance purchase. GAO visited four flood-prone communities that reflected different flood types and income levels, and interviewed property owners, insurance agents, local officials, and other stakeholders.
#Recommendations
GAO recommends that Congress consider (1) updating the criteria for mandatory purchase requirement determinations to include all sources of flood risk, (2) directing FEMA to make property-level flood risk information publicly available, (3) requiring lenders to provide flood insurance quotes for federally backed mortgages prior to closing, and (4) increasing NFIP coverage limits.
#Matter for Congressional Consideration
Matter Status Comments
Congress should consider updating the criteria for mandatory purchase requirement determinations to include all sources of flood risk, including pluvial (heavy rainfall) flooding. (Matter for Consideration 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Congress should consider directing FEMA to collect property-level flood risk information and make it publicly available. (Matter for Consideration 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Congress should consider requiring lenders making federally backed mortgages to ensure homebuyers receive a flood insurance quote prior to closing and to obtain a signed risk disclosure when a buyer declines voluntary flood insurance coverage. (Matter for Consideration 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Congress should consider increasing NFIP coverage limits and establishing a mechanism to adjust them periodically. (Matter for Consideration 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-27-108012
(TNSmrp)
* * *
Flood Insurance: Congressional Action Could Help Increase Coverage for At-Risk Properties
*
#Fast Facts
Flood insurance helps protect property owners from financial losses and supports recovery after floods. But almost 90% of U.S. properties that are at high risk for floods don't have flood insurance.
Property owners with federally backed mortgages are required to purchase flood insurance if their property is in a special flood hazard area. FEMA has maps that it uses to determine who is ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Flood Insurance: Congressional Action Could Help Increase Coverage for At-Risk Properties * #Fast Facts Flood insurance helps protect property owners from financial losses and supports recovery after floods. But almost 90% of U.S. properties that are at high risk for floods don't have flood insurance. Property owners with federally backed mortgages are required to purchase flood insurance if their property is in a special flood hazard area. FEMA has maps that it uses to determine who isrequired to buy flood insurance. But these maps generally don't account for all flood risks, especially from heavy rainfall.
We recommended, among other things, that Congress require FEMA to incorporate flood risk from heavy rainfall into its determinations.
Aerial image showing a flooded residential neighborhood with homes and gardens submerged.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
Most U.S. property owners are unprotected from flood risk. As of April 2026, 86 percent of high-risk properties did not have National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage. The number of NFIP policies declined from 5.5 million in 2010 to 4.5 million in 2026. Growth in the private market offset this decline, and private policies accounted for 14 percent of all policies in 2025.
Federal law requires property owners with federally backed mortgages to purchase flood insurance if their property is in a special flood hazard area (SFHA) designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This mandatory purchase requirement is the primary reason consumers purchase flood insurance: an estimated 43 percent of properties in SFHAs had flood insurance, compared with 2 percent outside those areas. However, the requirement does not effectively ensure coverage for many at-risk properties. In particular, the FEMA maps used to determine the requirement do not capture all flood risks, especially heavy rainfall. GAO's analysis of First Street data indicates that about 13 million high-risk properties are outside FEMA SFHAs.
The Mandatory Purchase Requirement Does Not Reach Most At-Risk Properties
Consumer misperceptions also can discourage flood insurance purchase. Consumers may underestimate their flood risk, overestimate the amount of federal disaster assistance after a flood, or believe that homeowners insurance covers flood damage when most policies specifically exclude it.
GAO identified four actions that could help increase NFIP and private flood insurance coverage. Each would require statutory authority from Congress.
* Incorporating all sources of flood risk into purchase requirement determinations could help ensure that more at-risk properties have coverage.
* Making property-level flood risk information publicly available could increase awareness of flood risk.
* Requiring lenders to provide flood insurance quotes for federally backed mortgages could better signal the need for coverage.
* Increasing NFIP coverage limits could allow property owners to obtain coverage better aligned with potential flood losses.
GAO previously recommended that any affordability assistance be means-based and reflected in the federal budget and that barriers to private flood insurance be removed. These actions could help ensure that more property owners are protected from flood risk.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Flooding is the most common, costly, and destructive natural disaster in the United States, and its frequency and severity have increased in recent years. Flood insurance helps protect property owners from financial losses and supports recovery after floods.
This report examines (1) the extent to which consumers purchase flood insurance, (2) the effectiveness of the mandatory purchase requirement, (3) factors affecting consumers' decisions to purchase flood insurance, and (4) potential actions to increase consumer purchase of flood insurance.
GAO analyzed 2008-2026 FEMA data on NFIP policies, 2018-2025 National Association of Insurance Commissioners data on private flood insurance policies, and property-level flood risk data from First Street-a risk modeling company. GAO also reviewed relevant reports and interviewed FEMA officials. In addition, GAO conducted three discussion sessions with 15 flood insurance stakeholders and reviewed its prior work and public research to identify potential actions to increase flood insurance purchase. GAO visited four flood-prone communities that reflected different flood types and income levels, and interviewed property owners, insurance agents, local officials, and other stakeholders.
#Recommendations
GAO recommends that Congress consider (1) updating the criteria for mandatory purchase requirement determinations to include all sources of flood risk, (2) directing FEMA to make property-level flood risk information publicly available, (3) requiring lenders to provide flood insurance quotes for federally backed mortgages prior to closing, and (4) increasing NFIP coverage limits.
#Matter for Congressional Consideration
Matter Status Comments
Congress should consider updating the criteria for mandatory purchase requirement determinations to include all sources of flood risk, including pluvial (heavy rainfall) flooding. (Matter for Consideration 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Congress should consider directing FEMA to collect property-level flood risk information and make it publicly available. (Matter for Consideration 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Congress should consider requiring lenders making federally backed mortgages to ensure homebuyers receive a flood insurance quote prior to closing and to obtain a signed risk disclosure when a buyer declines voluntary flood insurance coverage. (Matter for Consideration 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Congress should consider increasing NFIP coverage limits and establishing a mechanism to adjust them periodically. (Matter for Consideration 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-27-108012
(TNSmrp)
Internet of Things: OMB Action Needed to Ensure Agencies Secure Their Networked Devices
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Internet of Things: OMB Action Needed to Ensure Agencies Secure Their Networked Devices
*
#Fast Facts
The nation's infrastructure relies on a network of connected devices to deliver essential services, like electricity and health care. These devices face increasing cybersecurity threats-an issue on our High Risk List.
Federal law and Office of Management and Budget guidance require agencies to identify and protect their networked devices. But only some agencies have inventories that identify ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Internet of Things: OMB Action Needed to Ensure Agencies Secure Their Networked Devices * #Fast Facts The nation's infrastructure relies on a network of connected devices to deliver essential services, like electricity and health care. These devices face increasing cybersecurity threats-an issue on our High Risk List. Federal law and Office of Management and Budget guidance require agencies to identify and protect their networked devices. But only some agencies have inventories that identifytheir devices or include required information, like security controls.
OMB hasn't updated its guidance for FY 2026 or provided oversight of inventories, leaving these devices at risk. We recommended it do so to ensure networked devices are safe.
Photo of a communications tower with an illustration of interconnected nodes overlaid on the surrounding area
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
The nation's infrastructure relies on information systems to support its varied functions. This includes the networked Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) devices that interact with the physical world, including in building maintenance systems and specialized equipment in hospitals and laboratories.
Responsible federal agencies have issued guidance, best practices, and requirements to help agencies securely procure such devices. For example, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued requirements to ensure that agencies establish and maintain inventories of their networked devices and process IoT cybersecurity waivers.
However, most agencies have not fully addressed OMB's networked device requirements, which were established in December 2023 and updated in January 2025. Specifically, agencies' initial inventories were required to be completed by September 2024. However, as of September 2026, of the 22 civilian Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Act agencies in GAO's review, 15 had established an inventory, 11 were maintaining their inventories, and 10 had included all required information (such as asset description and software version) for each device. Overall, only seven agencies had fully addressed all three of OMB's requirements. Further, no agencies had reported an IoT cybersecurity waiver.
Status of 22 Agency Networked Device Inventories, as of September 2026
Agencies cited a variety of reasons for not having completed or maintained inventories with required information, including technical and resource constraints and competing priorities. However, OMB has yet to issue updated guidance to agencies that covers fiscal year 2026, leaving agencies without a clear imperative to prioritize implementation of the requirements and a timeline for doing so. Until OMB issues this guidance, agencies will lack appropriate direction on how and when to complete their device inventories. In the absence of inventories, agencies may lack awareness of the number and type of connected devices in their systems and be at risk of not protecting those systems from cyberattacks. Further, without updated guidance and oversight of agencies' implementation of inventory requirements, agencies may continue to struggle to apply appropriate security controls to vulnerable systems-potentially compromising highly sensitive data and systems.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Networked technologies and devices are facing increasing cyber threats from around the globe. For example, in July 2026, cyber threat actors disrupted operations in the water sector by modifying passwords to disconnect networked programmable logic controllers, which are a type of OT. Moreover, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence can compound risks faced by these technologies and devices. The IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 includes provisions for OMB and civilian CFO Act agencies to identify and protect networked devices.
The act also includes provisions for GAO to report every 2 years on IoT guidance and the waiver process through 2026. This final report in a series of three (1) describes guidance and best practices for procuring secure networked devices; and (2) evaluates agencies' progress in addressing networked device cybersecurity.
GAO identified federal agencies with cybersecurity or acquisition responsibilities and described guidance and best practices developed by those agencies for procuring secure networked devices. GAO compared 22 civilian CFO Act agencies' inventory implementation efforts to OMB's requirements. GAO also interviewed relevant agency officials to obtain their views and verify the information provided.
#Recommendations
GAO recommends that OMB issue updated cybersecurity guidance for networked IoT and OT devices and oversee agencies' implementation of the requirements. OMB did not provide comments on this report.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Office of Management and Budget The Director of OMB should issue updated cybersecurity guidance, to include requirements for networked IoT and OT devices, and oversee agencies' implementation of the requirements. The guidance should include a clear imperative to prioritize implementation of the networked device requirements and a timeline for doing so. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108937
(TNSmrp)
* * *
Internet of Things: OMB Action Needed to Ensure Agencies Secure Their Networked Devices
*
#Fast Facts
The nation's infrastructure relies on a network of connected devices to deliver essential services, like electricity and health care. These devices face increasing cybersecurity threats-an issue on our High Risk List.
Federal law and Office of Management and Budget guidance require agencies to identify and protect their networked devices. But only some agencies have inventories that identify ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Internet of Things: OMB Action Needed to Ensure Agencies Secure Their Networked Devices * #Fast Facts The nation's infrastructure relies on a network of connected devices to deliver essential services, like electricity and health care. These devices face increasing cybersecurity threats-an issue on our High Risk List. Federal law and Office of Management and Budget guidance require agencies to identify and protect their networked devices. But only some agencies have inventories that identifytheir devices or include required information, like security controls.
OMB hasn't updated its guidance for FY 2026 or provided oversight of inventories, leaving these devices at risk. We recommended it do so to ensure networked devices are safe.
Photo of a communications tower with an illustration of interconnected nodes overlaid on the surrounding area
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
The nation's infrastructure relies on information systems to support its varied functions. This includes the networked Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) devices that interact with the physical world, including in building maintenance systems and specialized equipment in hospitals and laboratories.
Responsible federal agencies have issued guidance, best practices, and requirements to help agencies securely procure such devices. For example, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued requirements to ensure that agencies establish and maintain inventories of their networked devices and process IoT cybersecurity waivers.
However, most agencies have not fully addressed OMB's networked device requirements, which were established in December 2023 and updated in January 2025. Specifically, agencies' initial inventories were required to be completed by September 2024. However, as of September 2026, of the 22 civilian Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Act agencies in GAO's review, 15 had established an inventory, 11 were maintaining their inventories, and 10 had included all required information (such as asset description and software version) for each device. Overall, only seven agencies had fully addressed all three of OMB's requirements. Further, no agencies had reported an IoT cybersecurity waiver.
Status of 22 Agency Networked Device Inventories, as of September 2026
Agencies cited a variety of reasons for not having completed or maintained inventories with required information, including technical and resource constraints and competing priorities. However, OMB has yet to issue updated guidance to agencies that covers fiscal year 2026, leaving agencies without a clear imperative to prioritize implementation of the requirements and a timeline for doing so. Until OMB issues this guidance, agencies will lack appropriate direction on how and when to complete their device inventories. In the absence of inventories, agencies may lack awareness of the number and type of connected devices in their systems and be at risk of not protecting those systems from cyberattacks. Further, without updated guidance and oversight of agencies' implementation of inventory requirements, agencies may continue to struggle to apply appropriate security controls to vulnerable systems-potentially compromising highly sensitive data and systems.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Networked technologies and devices are facing increasing cyber threats from around the globe. For example, in July 2026, cyber threat actors disrupted operations in the water sector by modifying passwords to disconnect networked programmable logic controllers, which are a type of OT. Moreover, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence can compound risks faced by these technologies and devices. The IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 includes provisions for OMB and civilian CFO Act agencies to identify and protect networked devices.
The act also includes provisions for GAO to report every 2 years on IoT guidance and the waiver process through 2026. This final report in a series of three (1) describes guidance and best practices for procuring secure networked devices; and (2) evaluates agencies' progress in addressing networked device cybersecurity.
GAO identified federal agencies with cybersecurity or acquisition responsibilities and described guidance and best practices developed by those agencies for procuring secure networked devices. GAO compared 22 civilian CFO Act agencies' inventory implementation efforts to OMB's requirements. GAO also interviewed relevant agency officials to obtain their views and verify the information provided.
#Recommendations
GAO recommends that OMB issue updated cybersecurity guidance for networked IoT and OT devices and oversee agencies' implementation of the requirements. OMB did not provide comments on this report.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Office of Management and Budget The Director of OMB should issue updated cybersecurity guidance, to include requirements for networked IoT and OT devices, and oversee agencies' implementation of the requirements. The guidance should include a clear imperative to prioritize implementation of the networked device requirements and a timeline for doing so. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108937
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Disaster Assistance: FEMA Actions Needed to Better Support People with Disabilities in Disasters
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Disaster Assistance: FEMA Actions Needed to Better Support People with Disabilities in Disasters
*
#Fast Facts
People with disabilities are more likely than other survivors to face hardship due to a major disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency supports state and local partners who help disaster survivors, including people with disabilities.
However, FEMA no longer trains its partners on including people with disabilities in disaster response. Nor does the agency routinely coordinate ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Disaster Assistance: FEMA Actions Needed to Better Support People with Disabilities in Disasters * #Fast Facts People with disabilities are more likely than other survivors to face hardship due to a major disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency supports state and local partners who help disaster survivors, including people with disabilities. However, FEMA no longer trains its partners on including people with disabilities in disaster response. Nor does the agency routinely coordinatewith partners before disasters to support this population. And FEMA's application for financial assistance may make it hard for some people with disabilities to apply.
Our recommendations address these issues.
FEMA seal on top of the American flag
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made guidance, grants, and specialized staff available to state and local governments and other organizations that support disaster survivors, including people with disabilities. FEMA has some guidance for state and local partners on incorporating the needs of people with disabilities into disaster planning and response. FEMA has also offered training for its partners on including people with disabilities in disaster operations but removed this training from its curriculum in 2025 to ensure compliance with various Executive Orders, according to officials. It has now been over a year since the training was offered. Without this training, FEMA's state and local partners risk not being able to effectively assist people with disabilities. FEMA also has regional staff who can coordinate with state and local partners to support people with disabilities, which state and local officials said was beneficial. However, this coordination has been inconsistent across regions, and this role is not standardized. Clearly documenting a responsibility for disability specialists to coordinate with state and local partners would help ensure equitable access to assistance for people with disabilities when a disaster happens.
FEMA also makes information, grants, and staff support directly available to survivors with disabilities. For example:
* FEMA publishes disaster planning and recovery guidance for people with disabilities and caregivers on its website.
* FEMA's individual assistance grants can provide financial assistance to replace assistive devices and medically required equipment, among other things.
* FEMA provides specialized services to help people with disabilities apply for grants, such as providing sign language interpretation via video. It also has staff who investigate complaints of discrimination based on disability.
However, some people with disabilities may face obstacles when applying for grant assistance, according to stakeholders GAO interviewed. These obstacles include unclear application questions and eligibility letters written at a grade 12 reading level. FEMA has not solicited feedback from people with disabilities on its overall grant application process, limiting its ability to ensure accessibility. Being able to more easily navigate the application process could help ensure people with disabilities receive assistance after a disaster.
GAO's analysis shows that 4 percentage points fewer applicants with disabilities were approved than those without disabilities from 2022 through 2025.
FEMA Disaster Assistance Applications Received and Approved in 2022-2025
#Why GAO Did This Study
People with disabilities are far more likely than people without disabilities to face hardship due to a major disaster, according to the National Council on Disability. FEMA plays a role in helping state and local governments, nonprofits, and others support survivors after a disaster. It also provides grants to states to help rebuild infrastructure and financial assistance to disaster survivors. The Think Differently About Emergencies Act included a provision for GAO to review the assistance FEMA provides to help people with disabilities.
This report examines the extent to which FEMA (1) works with state and local governments and others to support people with disabilities in disasters and (2) directly helps people with disabilities and their families.
GAO analyzed data from 2022 through 2025 on FEMA's grants to disaster survivors and reviewed relevant federal laws and agency policy. GAO also interviewed FEMA officials; officials at organizations that support people with disabilities; and state and local officials and organizations in Hawaii, Louisiana, and Kentucky, which experienced different types of disasters in separate FEMA regions from 2023 through 2025.
#Recommendations
GAO is making three recommendations that FEMA address the needs of people with disabilities in disasters by re-instituting disability training for state and local partners, standardizing the role of regional disability staff to coordinate with state and local partners before disasters, and soliciting feedback on the accessibility of the financial assistance application process. FEMA concurred with our recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Federal Emergency Management Agency The FEMA Administrator should re-institute training to state and local partners on addressing the needs of people with disabilities in disasters. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Federal Emergency Management Agency The FEMA Administrator should document and standardize that the disability specialist role in all regions includes coordinating with relevant state and local partners before disasters happen to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are taken into account during disasters. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Federal Emergency Management Agency The FEMA Administrator should solicit and incorporate feedback on its IA application process from people with different types of disabilities to address issues we identified in this report, such as use of plain language and the discontinuation of door-to-door assistance teams, and make it easier for people with disabilities to apply for assistance. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108057
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* * *
Disaster Assistance: FEMA Actions Needed to Better Support People with Disabilities in Disasters
*
#Fast Facts
People with disabilities are more likely than other survivors to face hardship due to a major disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency supports state and local partners who help disaster survivors, including people with disabilities.
However, FEMA no longer trains its partners on including people with disabilities in disaster response. Nor does the agency routinely coordinate ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Disaster Assistance: FEMA Actions Needed to Better Support People with Disabilities in Disasters * #Fast Facts People with disabilities are more likely than other survivors to face hardship due to a major disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency supports state and local partners who help disaster survivors, including people with disabilities. However, FEMA no longer trains its partners on including people with disabilities in disaster response. Nor does the agency routinely coordinatewith partners before disasters to support this population. And FEMA's application for financial assistance may make it hard for some people with disabilities to apply.
Our recommendations address these issues.
FEMA seal on top of the American flag
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made guidance, grants, and specialized staff available to state and local governments and other organizations that support disaster survivors, including people with disabilities. FEMA has some guidance for state and local partners on incorporating the needs of people with disabilities into disaster planning and response. FEMA has also offered training for its partners on including people with disabilities in disaster operations but removed this training from its curriculum in 2025 to ensure compliance with various Executive Orders, according to officials. It has now been over a year since the training was offered. Without this training, FEMA's state and local partners risk not being able to effectively assist people with disabilities. FEMA also has regional staff who can coordinate with state and local partners to support people with disabilities, which state and local officials said was beneficial. However, this coordination has been inconsistent across regions, and this role is not standardized. Clearly documenting a responsibility for disability specialists to coordinate with state and local partners would help ensure equitable access to assistance for people with disabilities when a disaster happens.
FEMA also makes information, grants, and staff support directly available to survivors with disabilities. For example:
* FEMA publishes disaster planning and recovery guidance for people with disabilities and caregivers on its website.
* FEMA's individual assistance grants can provide financial assistance to replace assistive devices and medically required equipment, among other things.
* FEMA provides specialized services to help people with disabilities apply for grants, such as providing sign language interpretation via video. It also has staff who investigate complaints of discrimination based on disability.
However, some people with disabilities may face obstacles when applying for grant assistance, according to stakeholders GAO interviewed. These obstacles include unclear application questions and eligibility letters written at a grade 12 reading level. FEMA has not solicited feedback from people with disabilities on its overall grant application process, limiting its ability to ensure accessibility. Being able to more easily navigate the application process could help ensure people with disabilities receive assistance after a disaster.
GAO's analysis shows that 4 percentage points fewer applicants with disabilities were approved than those without disabilities from 2022 through 2025.
FEMA Disaster Assistance Applications Received and Approved in 2022-2025
#Why GAO Did This Study
People with disabilities are far more likely than people without disabilities to face hardship due to a major disaster, according to the National Council on Disability. FEMA plays a role in helping state and local governments, nonprofits, and others support survivors after a disaster. It also provides grants to states to help rebuild infrastructure and financial assistance to disaster survivors. The Think Differently About Emergencies Act included a provision for GAO to review the assistance FEMA provides to help people with disabilities.
This report examines the extent to which FEMA (1) works with state and local governments and others to support people with disabilities in disasters and (2) directly helps people with disabilities and their families.
GAO analyzed data from 2022 through 2025 on FEMA's grants to disaster survivors and reviewed relevant federal laws and agency policy. GAO also interviewed FEMA officials; officials at organizations that support people with disabilities; and state and local officials and organizations in Hawaii, Louisiana, and Kentucky, which experienced different types of disasters in separate FEMA regions from 2023 through 2025.
#Recommendations
GAO is making three recommendations that FEMA address the needs of people with disabilities in disasters by re-instituting disability training for state and local partners, standardizing the role of regional disability staff to coordinate with state and local partners before disasters, and soliciting feedback on the accessibility of the financial assistance application process. FEMA concurred with our recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Federal Emergency Management Agency The FEMA Administrator should re-institute training to state and local partners on addressing the needs of people with disabilities in disasters. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Federal Emergency Management Agency The FEMA Administrator should document and standardize that the disability specialist role in all regions includes coordinating with relevant state and local partners before disasters happen to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are taken into account during disasters. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Federal Emergency Management Agency The FEMA Administrator should solicit and incorporate feedback on its IA application process from people with different types of disabilities to address issues we identified in this report, such as use of plain language and the discontinuation of door-to-door assistance teams, and make it easier for people with disabilities to apply for assistance. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108057
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Combatting Illicit Drugs: DOJ and DHS Must Resolve Uncertainties Around Collaboration to Ensure Effective Counternarcotics Investigations
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Combatting Illicit Drugs: DOJ and DHS Must Resolve Uncertainties Around Collaboration to Ensure Effective Counternarcotics Investigations
*
#Fast Facts
Illegal drugs transported across U.S. borders are a serious risk to Americans' health. Within the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations have agreements to collaborate on drug investigations.
The agreements outline requirements-like developing joint training-for ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Combatting Illicit Drugs: DOJ and DHS Must Resolve Uncertainties Around Collaboration to Ensure Effective Counternarcotics Investigations * #Fast Facts Illegal drugs transported across U.S. borders are a serious risk to Americans' health. Within the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations have agreements to collaborate on drug investigations. The agreements outline requirements-like developing joint training-forthe agencies to work together. But a new DOJ memorandum and other developments resulted in uncertainty about which requirements remain in effect.
Without clarity on the status of requirements, the agencies may not collaborate effectively on drug investigations.
Our recommendations address this.
Bundles wrapped in black plastic and brown tape, and some small clear plastic bags with white powder in them.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have entered into longstanding formal agreements to enhance their collaboration on counternarcotics investigations, including a June 2009 interagency cooperation agreement and a January 2021 joint letter. These agreements describe how DEA and ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are to coordinate on investigations. They establish requirements for DEA to cross-designate (or allow) HSI special agents to engage in counternarcotics investigations under the Controlled Substances Act and for both agencies to deconflict case information and engage in joint training, among other things.
More recently, GAO found that the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued two new documents since 2021 that relate to DEA and HSI collaboration on counternarcotics investigations-a January 2025 DOJ Office of Legal Counsel opinion and a May 2026 memorandum from the Acting Attorney General.
DOJ Documents Issued Since 2021 Related to DEA and ICE Collaboration
Prior to the issuance of the May 2026 memorandum, GAO found that DEA and ICE's collaboration generally addressed four out of eight leading collaboration practices, including defining common outcomes and clarifying roles and responsibilities. The four leading practices that DEA and ICE had not fully addressed (ensuring accountability, sustaining leadership, bridging organizational cultures, and updating agreements) involve activities required by the agreements. For example, DEA and ICE never fully sustained a functioning Headquarters Review Team, nor had they fully implemented joint training, which were required by the 2009 and 2021 agreements respectively to address collaboration challenges. As of June 2026, DOJ officials told GAO they were still determining how the May 2026 memorandum will impact existing requirements in the 2009 and 2021 collaboration agreements, including establishing the Headquarters Review Team and implementing the joint training. By clarifying the status of the requirements within DEA and ICE's agreements, DOJ and DHS would provide DEA and ICE the necessary direction about the activities they should conduct to ensure effective collaboration on counternarcotics investigations.
#Why GAO Did This Study
The U.S. faces multiple challenges related to illicit drugs, including the opioid epidemic, which has been a national public health emergency since October 2017. To combat this crisis, the federal government has tasked DEA with leading U.S. efforts against illicit drug trafficking. In this role, DEA works with ICE's HSI, within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to investigate illicit drug activity with a connection to U.S. borders.
GAO was asked to examine how DEA and ICE coordinate on counternarcotics investigations. This report addresses (1) new DOJ and DHS documents since 2021 that address how DEA and ICE collaborate and (2) the extent to which DEA and ICE agreements and activities related to counternarcotics investigations have been aligned with leading practices for collaboration.
To do this work, GAO analyzed DEA and HSI agreements and policies and interviewed relevant headquarters officials. GAO also conducted site visits with a nongeneralizable sample of nine DEA and HSI field offices to interview staff about their collaboration experiences. GAO selected this sample to reflect a variety of geographic regions and quantities of DEA and HSI drug seizures over an 8 1/2 -year period. GAO also compared DEA and ICE's collaboration activities against leading interagency collaboration practices and DOJ legal requirements.
#Recommendations
GAO is making five recommendations, including that DOJ and DHS clarify the status of the requirements of the June 2009 agreement and January 2021 joint letter. DOJ agreed and DHS disagreed with the recommendations. GAO maintains its recommendations are valid, as discussed in the report.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Justice The Attorney General should collaborate with the Secretary of Homeland Security to clarify the status of requirements in DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter, including the Headquarters Review Team, field office notification of investigations and operational plans, and the joint training. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Justice After clarifying the status of the requirements in DEA and ICE's existing agreements, the Attorney General should direct the Administrator of DEA, in collaboration with the Director of ICE, to update DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter to address changes to the current operating environment or develop a new agreement or framework that addresses these changes. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Justice The Attorney General should clarify how DOJ will implement key supervisory mechanisms identified in DOJ Office of Legal Counsel's January 2025 opinion in light of any changes to requirements within DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security The Secretary of Homeland Security should collaborate with the Attorney General to clarify the status of requirements in DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter, including the Headquarters Review Team, field office notification of investigations and operational plans, and the joint training. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security After clarifying the status of the requirements in DEA and ICE's existing agreements, the Secretary of Homeland Security should direct the Director of ICE, in collaboration with the Administrator of DEA, to update DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter to address changes to the current operating environment or develop a new agreement or framework that addresses these changes. (Recommendation 5)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
See All 5 Recommendations
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107414
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* * *
Combatting Illicit Drugs: DOJ and DHS Must Resolve Uncertainties Around Collaboration to Ensure Effective Counternarcotics Investigations
*
#Fast Facts
Illegal drugs transported across U.S. borders are a serious risk to Americans' health. Within the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations have agreements to collaborate on drug investigations.
The agreements outline requirements-like developing joint training-for ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Combatting Illicit Drugs: DOJ and DHS Must Resolve Uncertainties Around Collaboration to Ensure Effective Counternarcotics Investigations * #Fast Facts Illegal drugs transported across U.S. borders are a serious risk to Americans' health. Within the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations have agreements to collaborate on drug investigations. The agreements outline requirements-like developing joint training-forthe agencies to work together. But a new DOJ memorandum and other developments resulted in uncertainty about which requirements remain in effect.
Without clarity on the status of requirements, the agencies may not collaborate effectively on drug investigations.
Our recommendations address this.
Bundles wrapped in black plastic and brown tape, and some small clear plastic bags with white powder in them.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have entered into longstanding formal agreements to enhance their collaboration on counternarcotics investigations, including a June 2009 interagency cooperation agreement and a January 2021 joint letter. These agreements describe how DEA and ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are to coordinate on investigations. They establish requirements for DEA to cross-designate (or allow) HSI special agents to engage in counternarcotics investigations under the Controlled Substances Act and for both agencies to deconflict case information and engage in joint training, among other things.
More recently, GAO found that the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued two new documents since 2021 that relate to DEA and HSI collaboration on counternarcotics investigations-a January 2025 DOJ Office of Legal Counsel opinion and a May 2026 memorandum from the Acting Attorney General.
DOJ Documents Issued Since 2021 Related to DEA and ICE Collaboration
Prior to the issuance of the May 2026 memorandum, GAO found that DEA and ICE's collaboration generally addressed four out of eight leading collaboration practices, including defining common outcomes and clarifying roles and responsibilities. The four leading practices that DEA and ICE had not fully addressed (ensuring accountability, sustaining leadership, bridging organizational cultures, and updating agreements) involve activities required by the agreements. For example, DEA and ICE never fully sustained a functioning Headquarters Review Team, nor had they fully implemented joint training, which were required by the 2009 and 2021 agreements respectively to address collaboration challenges. As of June 2026, DOJ officials told GAO they were still determining how the May 2026 memorandum will impact existing requirements in the 2009 and 2021 collaboration agreements, including establishing the Headquarters Review Team and implementing the joint training. By clarifying the status of the requirements within DEA and ICE's agreements, DOJ and DHS would provide DEA and ICE the necessary direction about the activities they should conduct to ensure effective collaboration on counternarcotics investigations.
#Why GAO Did This Study
The U.S. faces multiple challenges related to illicit drugs, including the opioid epidemic, which has been a national public health emergency since October 2017. To combat this crisis, the federal government has tasked DEA with leading U.S. efforts against illicit drug trafficking. In this role, DEA works with ICE's HSI, within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to investigate illicit drug activity with a connection to U.S. borders.
GAO was asked to examine how DEA and ICE coordinate on counternarcotics investigations. This report addresses (1) new DOJ and DHS documents since 2021 that address how DEA and ICE collaborate and (2) the extent to which DEA and ICE agreements and activities related to counternarcotics investigations have been aligned with leading practices for collaboration.
To do this work, GAO analyzed DEA and HSI agreements and policies and interviewed relevant headquarters officials. GAO also conducted site visits with a nongeneralizable sample of nine DEA and HSI field offices to interview staff about their collaboration experiences. GAO selected this sample to reflect a variety of geographic regions and quantities of DEA and HSI drug seizures over an 8 1/2 -year period. GAO also compared DEA and ICE's collaboration activities against leading interagency collaboration practices and DOJ legal requirements.
#Recommendations
GAO is making five recommendations, including that DOJ and DHS clarify the status of the requirements of the June 2009 agreement and January 2021 joint letter. DOJ agreed and DHS disagreed with the recommendations. GAO maintains its recommendations are valid, as discussed in the report.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Justice The Attorney General should collaborate with the Secretary of Homeland Security to clarify the status of requirements in DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter, including the Headquarters Review Team, field office notification of investigations and operational plans, and the joint training. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Justice After clarifying the status of the requirements in DEA and ICE's existing agreements, the Attorney General should direct the Administrator of DEA, in collaboration with the Director of ICE, to update DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter to address changes to the current operating environment or develop a new agreement or framework that addresses these changes. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Justice The Attorney General should clarify how DOJ will implement key supervisory mechanisms identified in DOJ Office of Legal Counsel's January 2025 opinion in light of any changes to requirements within DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security The Secretary of Homeland Security should collaborate with the Attorney General to clarify the status of requirements in DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter, including the Headquarters Review Team, field office notification of investigations and operational plans, and the joint training. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security After clarifying the status of the requirements in DEA and ICE's existing agreements, the Secretary of Homeland Security should direct the Director of ICE, in collaboration with the Administrator of DEA, to update DEA and ICE's 2009 agreement and 2021 joint letter to address changes to the current operating environment or develop a new agreement or framework that addresses these changes. (Recommendation 5)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
See All 5 Recommendations
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107414
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VA Health Care: Action Needed to Improve Fertility Care Communications and Eligibility Determination Process
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
VA Health Care: Action Needed to Improve Fertility Care Communications and Eligibility Determination Process
*
#Fast Facts
Around 30,000 veterans, including men and women, were diagnosed with infertility in FY 2025. Veterans can receive general fertility care through the VA.
The VA's Office of Women's Health provides information about available fertility care through various methods, such as a fertility webpage and brochures. However, some interested veterans may be unaware that they ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * VA Health Care: Action Needed to Improve Fertility Care Communications and Eligibility Determination Process * #Fast Facts Around 30,000 veterans, including men and women, were diagnosed with infertility in FY 2025. Veterans can receive general fertility care through the VA. The VA's Office of Women's Health provides information about available fertility care through various methods, such as a fertility webpage and brochures. However, some interested veterans may be unaware that theyhave access to this care. For example, male veterans may not seek out information on fertility care because it comes from the Office of Women's Health.
We recommended, among other things, that VA take steps to improve its outreach to veterans.
Couple sitting back-to-back on a sofa.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
Within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is responsible for providing enrolled veterans access to reproductive health care, including fertility care. From fiscal years 2022 through 2025, VHA data show that approximately 8 million veterans used some type of VHA health care. Around 30,000 veterans had an infertility diagnosis in fiscal year 2025, an increase from the approximately 19,000 veterans with an infertility diagnosis in fiscal year 2022. VHA officials said there may be several reasons for the increase, such as expansions VHA made to eligibility for fertility care in 2024.
Number of Veterans with an Infertility Diagnosis, Fiscal Years 2022-2025
VHA's Office of Women's Health communicates about available fertility care through various methods, such as a fertility webpage and brochures. GAO found some interested veterans may be unaware of VHA's fertility care. For example, stakeholders said male veterans may not seek out or may find it difficult to seek out eligibility information because it comes from Office of Women's Health. GAO determined that VHA has not implemented key performance practices related to its communication. By implementing such practices, VHA could better assess progress towards its communication goals and increase the effectiveness of its outreach to veterans about fertility care. This would allow VHA to identify and make any needed adjustments to better ensure its efforts reach veterans who may need fertility care.
VHA changed its process for determining veterans' eligibility for fertility care in October 2024. Under the change, VA medical center fertility teams are responsible for making these decisions instead of VHA at the national level. However, GAO identified challenges with the process after October 2024. For example, GAO found fertility team composition and skill level varied at selected facilities. VHA officials from these facilities said that it can be challenging to determine veterans' eligibility, which can affect the care they receive. GAO also found that teams at two facilities did not consistently provide written notifications of eligibility decisions to veterans as required. Federal standards for internal control state that agencies are to identify, analyze, and respond to change as part of their risk assessment efforts. Assessing the changes it made to its eligibility determination process would allow VHA to determine whether the process is working as intended or whether adjustments are needed, in turn, ensuring it is best serving veterans.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Infertility-the inability to conceive or sustain a pregnancy-can affect both men and women. Research suggests veterans may experience infertility for a variety of reasons including injuries in combat, environmental exposures, or trauma sustained during military service, which impacts treatment options. To be eligible to receive certain fertility care, such as in vitro fertilization, a veteran's infertility must be causally related to a service-connected disability-an injury or illness incurred or aggravated during military service-or to the treatment of one.
GAO was asked to review issues related to infertility among veterans. This report, among other objectives, describes (1) available data on infertility among veterans for fiscal years 2022 through 2025; examines (2) VHA's efforts to provide information to veterans and providers about available fertility care; and (3) VHA's eligibility determination process for fertility care.
GAO reviewed VHA documentation and data for fiscal years 2022 through 2025; interviewed VHA officials, staff involved with fertility care at four VA medical centers, and four veterans integrated service networks (selected based on presence of fertility staff, geography, and facility complexity); and interviewed eight veterans, six veterans service organizations, and two national organizations (selected based on focus on infertility and national reach).
#Recommendations
GAO recommends that VHA (1) implement key performance management practices to increase the effectiveness of its communications on fertility care; and (2) determine whether the fertility eligibility determination process is working as intended, making adjustments as needed. VA concurred with GAO's recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Veterans Health Administration The Under Secretary for Health should direct the Office of Women's Health to implement key performance management practices to increase the effectiveness of its communications related to VHA fertility care and eligibility by (1) setting goals with quantitative targets and time frames, (2) collecting data to measure progress towards those goals, and (3) using these data to assess performance and make adjustments as needed. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Veterans Health Administration The Under Secretary for Health should determine whether the fertility eligibility determination process is working as intended, making adjustments as needed. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108492
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* * *
VA Health Care: Action Needed to Improve Fertility Care Communications and Eligibility Determination Process
*
#Fast Facts
Around 30,000 veterans, including men and women, were diagnosed with infertility in FY 2025. Veterans can receive general fertility care through the VA.
The VA's Office of Women's Health provides information about available fertility care through various methods, such as a fertility webpage and brochures. However, some interested veterans may be unaware that they ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * VA Health Care: Action Needed to Improve Fertility Care Communications and Eligibility Determination Process * #Fast Facts Around 30,000 veterans, including men and women, were diagnosed with infertility in FY 2025. Veterans can receive general fertility care through the VA. The VA's Office of Women's Health provides information about available fertility care through various methods, such as a fertility webpage and brochures. However, some interested veterans may be unaware that theyhave access to this care. For example, male veterans may not seek out information on fertility care because it comes from the Office of Women's Health.
We recommended, among other things, that VA take steps to improve its outreach to veterans.
Couple sitting back-to-back on a sofa.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
Within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is responsible for providing enrolled veterans access to reproductive health care, including fertility care. From fiscal years 2022 through 2025, VHA data show that approximately 8 million veterans used some type of VHA health care. Around 30,000 veterans had an infertility diagnosis in fiscal year 2025, an increase from the approximately 19,000 veterans with an infertility diagnosis in fiscal year 2022. VHA officials said there may be several reasons for the increase, such as expansions VHA made to eligibility for fertility care in 2024.
Number of Veterans with an Infertility Diagnosis, Fiscal Years 2022-2025
VHA's Office of Women's Health communicates about available fertility care through various methods, such as a fertility webpage and brochures. GAO found some interested veterans may be unaware of VHA's fertility care. For example, stakeholders said male veterans may not seek out or may find it difficult to seek out eligibility information because it comes from Office of Women's Health. GAO determined that VHA has not implemented key performance practices related to its communication. By implementing such practices, VHA could better assess progress towards its communication goals and increase the effectiveness of its outreach to veterans about fertility care. This would allow VHA to identify and make any needed adjustments to better ensure its efforts reach veterans who may need fertility care.
VHA changed its process for determining veterans' eligibility for fertility care in October 2024. Under the change, VA medical center fertility teams are responsible for making these decisions instead of VHA at the national level. However, GAO identified challenges with the process after October 2024. For example, GAO found fertility team composition and skill level varied at selected facilities. VHA officials from these facilities said that it can be challenging to determine veterans' eligibility, which can affect the care they receive. GAO also found that teams at two facilities did not consistently provide written notifications of eligibility decisions to veterans as required. Federal standards for internal control state that agencies are to identify, analyze, and respond to change as part of their risk assessment efforts. Assessing the changes it made to its eligibility determination process would allow VHA to determine whether the process is working as intended or whether adjustments are needed, in turn, ensuring it is best serving veterans.
#Why GAO Did This Study
Infertility-the inability to conceive or sustain a pregnancy-can affect both men and women. Research suggests veterans may experience infertility for a variety of reasons including injuries in combat, environmental exposures, or trauma sustained during military service, which impacts treatment options. To be eligible to receive certain fertility care, such as in vitro fertilization, a veteran's infertility must be causally related to a service-connected disability-an injury or illness incurred or aggravated during military service-or to the treatment of one.
GAO was asked to review issues related to infertility among veterans. This report, among other objectives, describes (1) available data on infertility among veterans for fiscal years 2022 through 2025; examines (2) VHA's efforts to provide information to veterans and providers about available fertility care; and (3) VHA's eligibility determination process for fertility care.
GAO reviewed VHA documentation and data for fiscal years 2022 through 2025; interviewed VHA officials, staff involved with fertility care at four VA medical centers, and four veterans integrated service networks (selected based on presence of fertility staff, geography, and facility complexity); and interviewed eight veterans, six veterans service organizations, and two national organizations (selected based on focus on infertility and national reach).
#Recommendations
GAO recommends that VHA (1) implement key performance management practices to increase the effectiveness of its communications on fertility care; and (2) determine whether the fertility eligibility determination process is working as intended, making adjustments as needed. VA concurred with GAO's recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Veterans Health Administration The Under Secretary for Health should direct the Office of Women's Health to implement key performance management practices to increase the effectiveness of its communications related to VHA fertility care and eligibility by (1) setting goals with quantitative targets and time frames, (2) collecting data to measure progress towards those goals, and (3) using these data to assess performance and make adjustments as needed. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Veterans Health Administration The Under Secretary for Health should determine whether the fertility eligibility determination process is working as intended, making adjustments as needed. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108492
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Small Business Research Programs: Better Data Could Improve Insight into Companies' Success
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Small Business Research Programs: Better Data Could Improve Insight into Companies' Success
*
#Fast Facts
Federal agencies can help fund small businesses' technology research and development.
This report-the 4th in a series-looks at results of funding under "open topics." Awarding funds this way lets businesses define problems and pitch solutions within broad topic areas, rather than only solving predefined problems. Such funds have led to innovations like space vehicles that fix satellites.
At ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Small Business Research Programs: Better Data Could Improve Insight into Companies' Success * #Fast Facts Federal agencies can help fund small businesses' technology research and development. This report-the 4th in a series-looks at results of funding under "open topics." Awarding funds this way lets businesses define problems and pitch solutions within broad topic areas, rather than only solving predefined problems. Such funds have led to innovations like space vehicles that fix satellites. Atcertain points, businesses are required to report on bringing agency-funded technology to market. But not all agencies clearly tell them this. Without reliable data, agencies won't know if their funds drive success.
Our recommendations address this and more.
Woman working on a satellite on a computer.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
In fiscal year (FY) 2024, the most recent data available at the time of review, 11 federal agencies issued $4.4 billion in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards, split almost equally between open and conventional topics. For open topics, agencies define broad areas of interest, and small businesses submit proposals defining potential agency needs and solutions. In contrast, for conventional topics, agencies define specific problems, and small businesses submit proposals that address those needs. One goal of SBIR and STTR is to increase commercialization of federally funded research and development (R&D), such as by selling to private industry or to federal agencies. To help achieve this goal, Congress began requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to release open topic solicitations in FY 2023.
Open Topic Awards in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs, Fiscal Years 2019-2024
Incomplete data prevent agencies from evaluating commercialization outcomes for open and conventional topic awards. At specific milestones, small businesses are required to report to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on commercial activity resulting from past awards. SBA maintains this information in a statutorily required database. However, GAO's review of FY 2019 through FY 2024 awards showed small businesses submitted required data for less than half of their prior awards. Not all agencies communicate reporting requirements to applicants or ensure that applicants submitted required reports. Better conveying requirements to small businesses and ensuring compliance with these requirements could improve the completeness of the commercialization database.
Even if the share of companies submitting information increased, SBA officials said that they would not view the commercialization data as sufficiently reliable without validation and verification. They identified options to increase data reliability, such as incorporating information from other sources (like the Internal Revenue Service's revenue data) or obtaining additional resources to validate the data. Statutory changes would be needed to change the commercialization data SBA collects. Reliable data would potentially enable SBA to provide decision makers with clearer insights into the different outcomes for open and conventional topic awards and the overall economic return on federal R&D.
#Why GAO Did This Study
To help drive economic growth, 11 participating agencies provide SBIR and STTR funding to support small businesses that might otherwise face difficulties securing capital for R&D. SBA oversees the programs, including issuing guidance and reporting to Congress.
In connection with requirements for DOD to release open topics, the SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 included a provision for GAO to review open topics in the programs. This fourth report examines FY 2024 awards, how open and conventional topic awards differ in terms of small businesses' commercialization outcomes, and other objectives.
GAO analyzed data from the 11 participating agencies and SBA for over 6,000 awards issued in FY 2024. GAO examined SBA's commercialization database for awards issued in FY 2019 through FY 2024. GAO reviewed statutory requirements and interviewed officials from SBA and participating agencies, as well as representatives from 20 randomly selected small businesses that received SBIR or STTR awards.
#Recommendations
GAO is making a total of 14 recommendations. Thirteen are to participating agencies to clearly communicate commercialization reporting requirements and check whether applicants adhere to these requirements. One recommendation is to SBA to submit a legislative proposal to Congress or pursue other actions to strengthen the reliability of commercialization data. The agencies agreed with the recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Education The Secretary of Education should revise the agency's future Phase II solicitations to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Education The Secretary of Education should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security The Secretary of Homeland Security should revise the agency's future Phase II solicitations to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security The Secretary of Homeland Security should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 5)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should revise the agency's future Phase II instructions to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 6)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 7)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Environmental Protection Agency The Administrator of EPA should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 8)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration The Administrator of NASA should revise the agency's future Phase II solicitations to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 9)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration The Administrator of NASA should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 10)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 11)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Science Foundation The Director of NSF should revise the agency's future Phase II solicitations to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 12)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Science Foundation The Director of NSF should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 13)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Small Business Administration The Administrator of SBA should submit a legislative proposal to Congress or pursue other actions to strengthen the reliability of commercialization data. (Recommendation 14)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
See All 14 Recommendations
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108750
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* * *
Small Business Research Programs: Better Data Could Improve Insight into Companies' Success
*
#Fast Facts
Federal agencies can help fund small businesses' technology research and development.
This report-the 4th in a series-looks at results of funding under "open topics." Awarding funds this way lets businesses define problems and pitch solutions within broad topic areas, rather than only solving predefined problems. Such funds have led to innovations like space vehicles that fix satellites.
At ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Small Business Research Programs: Better Data Could Improve Insight into Companies' Success * #Fast Facts Federal agencies can help fund small businesses' technology research and development. This report-the 4th in a series-looks at results of funding under "open topics." Awarding funds this way lets businesses define problems and pitch solutions within broad topic areas, rather than only solving predefined problems. Such funds have led to innovations like space vehicles that fix satellites. Atcertain points, businesses are required to report on bringing agency-funded technology to market. But not all agencies clearly tell them this. Without reliable data, agencies won't know if their funds drive success.
Our recommendations address this and more.
Woman working on a satellite on a computer.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
In fiscal year (FY) 2024, the most recent data available at the time of review, 11 federal agencies issued $4.4 billion in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards, split almost equally between open and conventional topics. For open topics, agencies define broad areas of interest, and small businesses submit proposals defining potential agency needs and solutions. In contrast, for conventional topics, agencies define specific problems, and small businesses submit proposals that address those needs. One goal of SBIR and STTR is to increase commercialization of federally funded research and development (R&D), such as by selling to private industry or to federal agencies. To help achieve this goal, Congress began requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to release open topic solicitations in FY 2023.
Open Topic Awards in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs, Fiscal Years 2019-2024
Incomplete data prevent agencies from evaluating commercialization outcomes for open and conventional topic awards. At specific milestones, small businesses are required to report to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on commercial activity resulting from past awards. SBA maintains this information in a statutorily required database. However, GAO's review of FY 2019 through FY 2024 awards showed small businesses submitted required data for less than half of their prior awards. Not all agencies communicate reporting requirements to applicants or ensure that applicants submitted required reports. Better conveying requirements to small businesses and ensuring compliance with these requirements could improve the completeness of the commercialization database.
Even if the share of companies submitting information increased, SBA officials said that they would not view the commercialization data as sufficiently reliable without validation and verification. They identified options to increase data reliability, such as incorporating information from other sources (like the Internal Revenue Service's revenue data) or obtaining additional resources to validate the data. Statutory changes would be needed to change the commercialization data SBA collects. Reliable data would potentially enable SBA to provide decision makers with clearer insights into the different outcomes for open and conventional topic awards and the overall economic return on federal R&D.
#Why GAO Did This Study
To help drive economic growth, 11 participating agencies provide SBIR and STTR funding to support small businesses that might otherwise face difficulties securing capital for R&D. SBA oversees the programs, including issuing guidance and reporting to Congress.
In connection with requirements for DOD to release open topics, the SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 included a provision for GAO to review open topics in the programs. This fourth report examines FY 2024 awards, how open and conventional topic awards differ in terms of small businesses' commercialization outcomes, and other objectives.
GAO analyzed data from the 11 participating agencies and SBA for over 6,000 awards issued in FY 2024. GAO examined SBA's commercialization database for awards issued in FY 2019 through FY 2024. GAO reviewed statutory requirements and interviewed officials from SBA and participating agencies, as well as representatives from 20 randomly selected small businesses that received SBIR or STTR awards.
#Recommendations
GAO is making a total of 14 recommendations. Thirteen are to participating agencies to clearly communicate commercialization reporting requirements and check whether applicants adhere to these requirements. One recommendation is to SBA to submit a legislative proposal to Congress or pursue other actions to strengthen the reliability of commercialization data. The agencies agreed with the recommendations.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Education The Secretary of Education should revise the agency's future Phase II solicitations to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Education The Secretary of Education should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security The Secretary of Homeland Security should revise the agency's future Phase II solicitations to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Homeland Security The Secretary of Homeland Security should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 5)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should revise the agency's future Phase II instructions to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 6)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 7)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Environmental Protection Agency The Administrator of EPA should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 8)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration The Administrator of NASA should revise the agency's future Phase II solicitations to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 9)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration The Administrator of NASA should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 10)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 11)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Science Foundation The Director of NSF should revise the agency's future Phase II solicitations to communicate that applicants are required to submit updated commercialization reports to SBA for any prior Phase II awards. (Recommendation 12)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Science Foundation The Director of NSF should require Phase II applicants to submit with their proposals proof that they updated commercialization information-such as a copy of updated commercialization reports-for Phase II awards that they completed within the last 5 years. (Recommendation 13)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Small Business Administration The Administrator of SBA should submit a legislative proposal to Congress or pursue other actions to strengthen the reliability of commercialization data. (Recommendation 14)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
See All 14 Recommendations
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108750
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Coast Guard: Additional Action Needed to Address Marine Firefighting Challenges
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
Coast Guard: Additional Action Needed to Address Marine Firefighting Challenges
*
#Fast Facts
Fires on vessels are extremely dangerous and difficult for firefighters to respond to. In 2023, a marine vessel fire resulted in the deaths of 2 firefighters.
After this, the U.S. Coast Guard worked to address firefighting risks-but it could do more.
For example, the Coast Guard works with local port officials, land-based firefighters, and others to make plans before fires occur. But it doesn't ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Coast Guard: Additional Action Needed to Address Marine Firefighting Challenges * #Fast Facts Fires on vessels are extremely dangerous and difficult for firefighters to respond to. In 2023, a marine vessel fire resulted in the deaths of 2 firefighters. After this, the U.S. Coast Guard worked to address firefighting risks-but it could do more. For example, the Coast Guard works with local port officials, land-based firefighters, and others to make plans before fires occur. But it doesn'talways have dedicated local coordinators to lead those efforts. Training for land-based firefighters is also limited, e.g., not having hands-on exercises on vessels.
Our recommendations address these and other issues to improve marine firefighting efforts.
Coast Guard Responding to a Barge Fire in Delaware Bay, March 2026
A large white ship in the foreground with a smaller boat in the background spraying water on a larger ship with smoke billowing off it.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
Fires on vessels are among the most dangerous and challenging incidents to which firefighters can respond. Vessels may also carry hazardous cargo, like lithium-ion batteries, further complicating marine firefighting responses. According to U.S. Coast Guard data, there were 886 nearshore marine fires that occurred between 2015 and 2025. About one quarter (206) of these resulted in either death, injury, over $200,000 in damage, or a total loss of the vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard is the principal federal agency responsible for overseeing marine safety. For marine firefighting, the Coast Guard plays a coordinating role while land-based fire departments extinguish fires. Following a marine fire that resulted in two firefighter deaths in 2023, the Coast Guard established a task force to address various marine firefighting challenges. The task force has taken several steps to address them but gaps remain.
Examples of Firefighting Challenges, Coast Guard Actions, and Gaps
Designating consistent Coast Guard field personnel to lead coordination before marine fires occur, facilitating more hands-on training for firefighters on vessels, and establishing an information sharing mechanism would help ensure firefighters have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively extinguish vessel fires. Further, developing guidance on what warrants vessel response plan activation would help ensure resources are quickly mobilized and better ensure the safety of firefighters.
The number of vessels that use alternative fuels continues to grow. However, legal limitations prevent the Coast Guard from requiring nontank vessels that use alternative fuels-such as ferries powered by lithium-ion batteries-to have vessel response plans related to hazardous substance discharges. These limitations predate the widespread use of alternative fuels. Having that authority would empower the Coast Guard to better ensure vessels and firefighters can quickly receive assistance in the event of a fire.
#Why GAO Did This Study
The Coast Guard has issued regulations requiring certain vessels to have response plans that identify the resources that would respond to marine fires related to oil discharges.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a provision for GAO to review, among other things, the Coast Guard's efforts related to marine firefighting. This report examines (1) how frequently nearshore marine fires occur and the characteristics of those fires and (2) what challenges exist in marine firefighting and how the Coast Guard is addressing them.
GAO analyzed Coast Guard data for 2015 through 2025; reviewed Coast Guard guidance and investigative reports; and interviewed Coast Guard officials, fire chiefs based in seven Coast Guard sectors, and representatives from maritime and firefighting stakeholder associations.
#Recommendations
Congress should consider amending existing law to ensure that owners and operators of nontank vessels that use alternative fuels prepare vessel response plans related to hazardous substance discharges.
GAO is also making five recommendations to the Coast Guard, including to designate marine firefighting coordination responsibilities to specific field positions, engage with fire departments to coordinate training, establish a mechanism to store and share marine firefighting information, and develop factors maritime stakeholders and the Coast Guard should consider regarding vessel response plan activation. The Coast Guard agreed with all five recommendations.
#Matter for Congressional Consideration
Matter Status Comments
Congress should consider amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to ensure that owners and operators of nontank vessels that use alternative fuels prepare vessel response plans for responding to worst case discharges of hazardous substances and the substantial threat of such discharges. (Matter for Consideration 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should designate, in coordination with Captains of the Port, marine firefighting coordination responsibilities to specific field unit positions. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should ensure Captains of the Port, or their designees, engage with fire departments and maritime stakeholders to coordinate shipboard training opportunities, including vessel tours and exercises. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should establish a mechanism to store and share marine firefighting information, such as best practices, with Coast Guard officials and maritime stakeholders. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should develop and distribute information to maritime stakeholders and Coast Guard sectors on factors to consider when determining whether vessel response plans should be activated for marine fires. For example, the Coast Guard could compile examples of when vessel response plans were appropriately activated or identify factors to consider in deciding when to activate vessel response plans based on prior marine fires. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should issue regulations pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requiring owners and operators of tank vessels to prepare vessel response plans for responding to worst case discharges of hazardous substances and the substantial threat of such discharges. (Recommendation 5)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
See All 5 Recommendations
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108533
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* * *
Coast Guard: Additional Action Needed to Address Marine Firefighting Challenges
*
#Fast Facts
Fires on vessels are extremely dangerous and difficult for firefighters to respond to. In 2023, a marine vessel fire resulted in the deaths of 2 firefighters.
After this, the U.S. Coast Guard worked to address firefighting risks-but it could do more.
For example, the Coast Guard works with local port officials, land-based firefighters, and others to make plans before fires occur. But it doesn't ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report: * * * Coast Guard: Additional Action Needed to Address Marine Firefighting Challenges * #Fast Facts Fires on vessels are extremely dangerous and difficult for firefighters to respond to. In 2023, a marine vessel fire resulted in the deaths of 2 firefighters. After this, the U.S. Coast Guard worked to address firefighting risks-but it could do more. For example, the Coast Guard works with local port officials, land-based firefighters, and others to make plans before fires occur. But it doesn'talways have dedicated local coordinators to lead those efforts. Training for land-based firefighters is also limited, e.g., not having hands-on exercises on vessels.
Our recommendations address these and other issues to improve marine firefighting efforts.
Coast Guard Responding to a Barge Fire in Delaware Bay, March 2026
A large white ship in the foreground with a smaller boat in the background spraying water on a larger ship with smoke billowing off it.
#Highlights
#What GAO Found
Fires on vessels are among the most dangerous and challenging incidents to which firefighters can respond. Vessels may also carry hazardous cargo, like lithium-ion batteries, further complicating marine firefighting responses. According to U.S. Coast Guard data, there were 886 nearshore marine fires that occurred between 2015 and 2025. About one quarter (206) of these resulted in either death, injury, over $200,000 in damage, or a total loss of the vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard is the principal federal agency responsible for overseeing marine safety. For marine firefighting, the Coast Guard plays a coordinating role while land-based fire departments extinguish fires. Following a marine fire that resulted in two firefighter deaths in 2023, the Coast Guard established a task force to address various marine firefighting challenges. The task force has taken several steps to address them but gaps remain.
Examples of Firefighting Challenges, Coast Guard Actions, and Gaps
Designating consistent Coast Guard field personnel to lead coordination before marine fires occur, facilitating more hands-on training for firefighters on vessels, and establishing an information sharing mechanism would help ensure firefighters have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively extinguish vessel fires. Further, developing guidance on what warrants vessel response plan activation would help ensure resources are quickly mobilized and better ensure the safety of firefighters.
The number of vessels that use alternative fuels continues to grow. However, legal limitations prevent the Coast Guard from requiring nontank vessels that use alternative fuels-such as ferries powered by lithium-ion batteries-to have vessel response plans related to hazardous substance discharges. These limitations predate the widespread use of alternative fuels. Having that authority would empower the Coast Guard to better ensure vessels and firefighters can quickly receive assistance in the event of a fire.
#Why GAO Did This Study
The Coast Guard has issued regulations requiring certain vessels to have response plans that identify the resources that would respond to marine fires related to oil discharges.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a provision for GAO to review, among other things, the Coast Guard's efforts related to marine firefighting. This report examines (1) how frequently nearshore marine fires occur and the characteristics of those fires and (2) what challenges exist in marine firefighting and how the Coast Guard is addressing them.
GAO analyzed Coast Guard data for 2015 through 2025; reviewed Coast Guard guidance and investigative reports; and interviewed Coast Guard officials, fire chiefs based in seven Coast Guard sectors, and representatives from maritime and firefighting stakeholder associations.
#Recommendations
Congress should consider amending existing law to ensure that owners and operators of nontank vessels that use alternative fuels prepare vessel response plans related to hazardous substance discharges.
GAO is also making five recommendations to the Coast Guard, including to designate marine firefighting coordination responsibilities to specific field positions, engage with fire departments to coordinate training, establish a mechanism to store and share marine firefighting information, and develop factors maritime stakeholders and the Coast Guard should consider regarding vessel response plan activation. The Coast Guard agreed with all five recommendations.
#Matter for Congressional Consideration
Matter Status Comments
Congress should consider amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to ensure that owners and operators of nontank vessels that use alternative fuels prepare vessel response plans for responding to worst case discharges of hazardous substances and the substantial threat of such discharges. (Matter for Consideration 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
#Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should designate, in coordination with Captains of the Port, marine firefighting coordination responsibilities to specific field unit positions. (Recommendation 1)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should ensure Captains of the Port, or their designees, engage with fire departments and maritime stakeholders to coordinate shipboard training opportunities, including vessel tours and exercises. (Recommendation 2)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should establish a mechanism to store and share marine firefighting information, such as best practices, with Coast Guard officials and maritime stakeholders. (Recommendation 3)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should develop and distribute information to maritime stakeholders and Coast Guard sectors on factors to consider when determining whether vessel response plans should be activated for marine fires. For example, the Coast Guard could compile examples of when vessel response plans were appropriately activated or identify factors to consider in deciding when to activate vessel response plans based on prior marine fires. (Recommendation 4)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
United States Coast Guard The Commandant of the Coast Guard should issue regulations pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requiring owners and operators of tank vessels to prepare vessel response plans for responding to worst case discharges of hazardous substances and the substantial threat of such discharges. (Recommendation 5)
Open Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned.
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
See All 5 Recommendations
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108533
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