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Safe Routes to School: Progress in Implementing the Program, but a Comprehensive Plan to Evaluate Program Outcomes Is Needed

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In August 2005, Congress established the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program primarily to encourage children to walk and bicycle to school. GAO was asked to determine (1) the steps the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and states have taken to implement the program, (2) the extent to which FHWA and states have evaluated the results of the program, and (3) how the program is related to other surface… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Information Technology: Agencies Need to Establish Comprehensive Policies to Address Changes to Projects' Cost, Schedule, and Performance Goals

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The federal government plans to spend about $70 billion on information technology (IT) projects during fiscal year 2008. Consequently, it is important that projects be managed effectively to ensure that public resources are wisely invested. At times, a project's cost, schedule, and performance goals--known as its baseline--are modified to reflect changed development circumstances. These changes--called … more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Nanotechnology: Better Guidance Is Needed to Ensure Accurate Reporting of Federal Research Focused on Environmental, Health, and Safety Risks

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), administered by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), is a multiagency effort intended to coordinate the nanotechnology-related activities of 25 federal agencies that fund nanoscale research or have a stake in the results. Nanotechnology is the ability to control matter at the scale of a nanometer--one billionth of a meter. A key research area … more
Date: March 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Office of Personnel Management: Improvements Needed to Ensure Successful Retirement Systems Modernization

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Through its Retirement Systems Modernization (RSM) program, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is modernizing the paper intensive processes and antiquated information systems it uses to support the retirement of civilian federal employees. RSM is intended to deploy new or modified systems beginning in February 2008 to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency's retirement program. GAO… more
Date: January 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Drug-Free Communities Support Program: Stronger Internal Controls and Other Actions Needed to Better Manage the Grant-Making Process

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Twenty-five percent of American students ages 13-17 reported using illicit drugs in 2007. The Drug-Free Communities Support Program provides grants to community coalitions involved in reducing youth substance abuse. The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) administers the program. ONDCP selected the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to operate the grant program… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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2010 Census: Census Bureau's Decision to Continue with Handheld Computers for Address Canvassing Makes Planning and Testing Critical

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The U.S. Census Bureau (Bureau) had planned to rely heavily on automation in conducting the 2010 Census, including using handheld computers (HHC) to verify addresses. Citing concerns about escalating costs, in March 2008 the Secretary of Commerce announced a redesign of the key automation effort. GAO was asked to (1) analyze Bureau and contractor data showing how HHCs operated and their impact on operat… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Bank Fees: Federal Banking Regulators Could Better Ensure That Consumers Have Required Disclosure Documents Prior to Opening Checking or Savings Accounts

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In 2006, consumers paid over $36 billion in fees associated with checking and savings accounts, raising questions about consumers' awareness of their accounts' terms and conditions. GAO was asked to review (1) trends in the types and amounts of checking and deposit account fees since 2000, (2) how federal banking regulators address such fees in their oversight of depository institutions, and (3) the ext… more
Date: January 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Flood Insurance: FEMA's Rate-Setting Process Warrants Attention

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Questions about the financial status of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have increased since the 2005 hurricanes, which left the program with an unprecedented $17.4 billion deficit--a debt that resulted in GAO placing NFIP on its high-risk list in March 2006. Among the concerns are the subsidized rates NFIP must provide for about 25 percent of the policies, mostly for older buildings in high… more
Date: October 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Cyber Analysis and Warning: DHS Faces Challenges in Establishing a Comprehensive National Capability

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Cyber analysis and warning capabilities are critical to thwarting computer-based (cyber) threats and attacks. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) to, among other things, coordinate the nation's efforts to prepare for, prevent, and respond to cyber threats to systems and communications networks. GAO's objectives were to (1) i… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Combating Terrorism: Actions Needed to Enhance Implementation of Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In fiscal year 2005, the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) was established to eliminate terrorist safe havens in northwest Africa by strengthening countries' counterterrorism capabilities and inhibiting the spread of extremist ideology. Funds obligated for TSCTP in fiscal years 2005 through 2007 and committed for fiscal year 2008 by the Department of State (State), the U.S. Agency for In… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Health-Care-Associated Infections in Hospitals: Leadership Needed from HHS to Prioritize Prevention Practices and Improve Data on These Infections

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health-care-associated infections (HAI) are estimated to be 1 of the top 10 causes of death in the United States. HAIs are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions. GAO was asked to examine (1) CDC's guidelines for hospitals to reduce or prevent HAIs and what the Department of Health and Human Servi… more
Date: March 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Financial Audit: Special Counsel Expenditures for the Six Months Ended September 30, 2007

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "This report presents the results of our audit of expenditures reported by the Office of Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald for the 6 months ended September 30, 2007. The independent counsels were required under 28 U.S.C. 596 (c)(1) to prepare a statement of expenditures on a semiannual basis. Under 28 U.S.C. 596 (c)(2 ), we were required to conduct a financial review of a midyear statement and a fina… more
Date: March 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Medicaid Demonstration Waivers: Recent HHS Approvals Continue to Raise Cost and Oversight Concerns

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, finances health care for 60 million low-income people. Section 1115 of the Social Security Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive certain federal Medicaid requirements and allow demonstration projects that are likely to promote Medicaid objectives. Under federal policy, states must show that federal spending for proposed demonstrat… more
Date: January 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Airline Industry: Potential Mergers and Acquisitions Driven by Financial and Competitive Pressures

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The airline industry is vital to the U.S. economy, generating operating revenues of nearly $172 billion in 2007, amounting to over 1 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. It serves as an important engine for economic growth and a critical link in the nation's transportation infrastructure, carrying more than 700 million passengers in 2007. Airline deregulation in 1978, led, at least in part, to in… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "This report is GAO's sixth annual assessment of selected weapon programs. Since 2000, the Department of Defense (DOD) has roughly doubled its planned investment in new systems from $790 billion to $1.6 trillion in 2007, but acquisition outcomes in terms of cost and schedule have not improved. Total acquisition costs for major defense programs in the fiscal year 2007 portfolio have increased 26 percent f… more
Date: March 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Veterans Affairs: Continued Action Needed to Reduce IT Equipment Losses and Correct Control Weaknesses

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In July 2004, GAO reported that the six Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers it audited lacked a reliable property control database and effective inventory policies and procedures. In July 2007, GAO reported that continuing internal control weaknesses over IT equipment at four case study locations at VA resulted in an increased risk of theft, loss, and misappropriation of IT equipment ass… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Congressional Directives: Selected Agencies' Processes for Responding to Funding Instructions

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In recent years, congressional concern and public debate have increased about the nature and growing number of earmarks. This report seeks to provide Congress and the public with an understanding of how agencies respond to congressional funding directions by examining how selected executive branch agencies translate these directions from Congress into governmental activities. There have been numerous ca… more
Date: January 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Supplemental Appropriations: Opportunities Exist to Increase Transparency and Provide Additional Controls

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Supplemental appropriations laws (supplementals) are a tool for policymakers to address needs that arise after the fiscal year has begun. Supplementals provide important and necessary flexibility but some have questioned whether supplementals are used just to meet the needs of unforeseen events or whether they also include funding for activities that could be covered in regular appropriations acts. GAO … more
Date: January 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Defense Health Care: Additional Efforts Needed to Ensure Compliance with Personality Disorder Separation Requirements

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "At DOD, a personality disorder can render a servicemember unsuitable for service. GAO was required to report on personality disorder separations and examined (1) the extent that selected military installations complied with DOD's separation requirements and (2) how DOD ensures compliance with these requirements. GAO reviewed a sample of 312 servicemembers' records from four installations, representing t… more
Date: October 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Ballistic Missile Defense: Actions Needed to Improve Process for Identifying and Addressing Combatant Command Priorities

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In 2002, the Department of Defense (DOD) established the Missile Defense Agency to develop and deploy globally integrated ballistic missile defenses to protect the U.S. homeland, deployed forces, friends, and allies. To deliver an operational capability as quickly as possible, the agency was not subject to traditional DOD requirements and oversight processes. While directed to work closely with the comb… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Border Security: State Department Is Taking Steps to Meet Projected Surge in Demand for Visas and Passports in Mexico

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In fiscal year 2007, the U.S. Mission in Mexico (Mission Mexico) processed 1.5 million of the 8 million nonimmigrant visas (NIV) that the Department of State (State) handled worldwide. This workload is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years as millions of NIV Border Crossing Cards issued in Mexico during fiscal years 1998 to 2002 expire and need to be renewed. Consulates will also face in… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Defense Acquisitions: Cost to Deliver Zumwalt-Class Destroyers Likely to Exceed Budget

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In October 2008, the U.S. Navy will begin construction of the first of two lead DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers--at an expected cost of $6.3 billion. Given the history of cost growth on shipbuilding programs, as well as the Navy's request for approval of a third ship, GAO was asked to assess the progress of the program. GAO examined (1) whether key systems can be delivered on time and work as intended… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Rebuilding Iraq: DOD and State Department Have Improved Oversight and Coordination of Private Security Contractors in Iraq, but Further Actions Are Needed to Sustain Improvements

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The U.S. government relies extensively on private security contractors (PSC) for a variety of security services. However, incidents involving PSCs have raised concerns about oversight and legal accountability. Under the authority of the Comptroller General and in response to continuing congressional interest, GAO performed this review to examine the extent to which the Department of Defense (DOD) and De… more
Date: July 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Health and Safety Information: EPA and OSHA Could Improve Their Processes for Preparing Communication Products

Description: A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Agencies address their missions not only through regulations but also by issuing communication products--such as guidance, fact sheets, and brochures--that can provide crucial information to regulated parties and the public. Since 2000, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) d… more
Date: March 31, 2008
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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