A Weekly Summary of GAO Reports for the Week of 7 October 2024
A Weekly Summary of GAO Reports for the Week of 7 October 2024
Noncitizens in the U.S.: Publication on Federal incarcerations.
The GAO report found that the number of noncitizens incarcerated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) decreased by approximately 33% from 2017 to 2022, with most noncitizens sentenced for immigration-related crimes. However, federal agencies lack comprehensive information on the citizenship status of individuals incarcerated in state and local facilities, posing a significant data limitation.
Implications for federal government contractors: Contractors involved in data management or prison services should be aware of this gap and the potential for future initiatives addressing the collection and management of incarceration data across federal, state, and local levels. This could lead to new opportunities in improving data systems for more accurate reporting on incarcerated noncitizens. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-107598
Conflict Minerals: Peace and Security in Democratic of the Congo Have Not Improved with SEC Disclosure Rule
The GAO report (GAO-25-107018) on conflict minerals found that the SEC's 2012 conflict minerals disclosure rule has not effectively reduced violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or surrounding countries. Instead, it may have contributed to an increase in violence around gold mining sites, as armed groups shifted to exploiting gold, which is harder to trace.
Implications for federal government contractors: Contractors involved in the supply chain of tantalum, tin, tungsten, or gold should be aware of ongoing challenges in tracing the origins of these minerals. Despite improvements in reporting and transparency, significant risks remain, especially for those working with gold. Contractors must ensure robust due diligence to avoid sourcing from conflict-affected areas, as noncompliance could lead to reputational risks and potential legal consequences. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-107018.pdf
Workplace Safety and Health: OSHA should take steps to better identify and address ergonomic hazards at warehouses and delivery companies.
The GAO report titled "Workplace Safety and Health: OSHA Should Take Steps to Better Identify and Address Ergonomic Hazards at Warehouses and Delivery Companies" finds that OSHA lacks an ergonomic standard, making it difficult to address musculoskeletal hazards in warehouses and delivery services, particularly in e-commerce and last-mile delivery. Despite the high rate of serious injuries caused by overexertion and musculoskeletal disorders, OSHA’s reliance on the general duty clause creates enforcement challenges.
Implications for federal government contractors: Contractors in sectors involving warehousing or last-mile delivery must ensure robust ergonomic safety practices, as OSHA may focus more on enforcing ergonomic hazard prevention. Implementing effective safety measures can mitigate risks of injury, while non-compliance may result in inspections and penalties, especially under OSHA's increased scrutiny in this area. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-24-106413.pdf
Homelessness: Action to help better address older adults’ housing and health needs.
The GAO report on homelessness among older adults found that an increasing number of older adults are experiencing homelessness due to factors like rising housing costs and specific health challenges, such as mobility limitations and chronic conditions. Federal agencies are working on addressing these issues, but there are significant gaps in housing accessibility and health care services for this population.
Implications for federal government contractors: Contractors involved in housing development, health services, or community support should anticipate growing demand for accessible housing and tailored health services for older adults. Opportunities may arise in providing solutions that address these specialized needs, especially in federally funded programs aimed at reducing homelessness. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-24-106300.pdf
Federal Student Loans: How education has communicated with borrowers about resuming payments.
The GAO report on federal student loans found that the Department of Education effectively communicated with borrowers about the resumption of student loan payments after a 3.5-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, using various methods such as emails, social media, and the StudentAid.gov website. However, challenges remain as Education continues to refine its communication strategies to address borrowers most at risk of delinquency, including implementing relief options like the "on-ramp" period and the SAVE income-driven repayment plan.
Implications for federal government contractors: Contractors involved in communication services or technology solutions for government agencies can find opportunities in supporting large-scale communication efforts, especially for programs that require personalized and consistent outreach to millions of users. There's a growing need for innovative, user-friendly platforms that enhance borrower engagement and simplify complex repayment processes. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-107111.pdf
Social Security Administration: Actions needed to help ensure of electronic verification service.
The GAO report on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) service found that SSA did not fully follow best practices for cost estimation and has not yet recovered the majority of its costs due to lower-than-expected industry participation. Challenges with eCBSV include high and increasing user fees, complex verification results, and underutilization, which have impacted cost recovery efforts.
Implications for federal government contractors: Contractors involved in IT projects and services for government agencies should ensure robust cost estimation and stakeholder engagement practices. Additionally, those providing verification services or similar tools should focus on user-friendly solutions and transparent pricing to encourage wider adoption and cost recovery. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-24-106770.pdf
DOD Financial Management: Action needed to enhance workforce planning
The GAO report on the Department of Defense (DOD) financial management workforce planning highlights that while the DOD has generally aligned with most principles of strategic workforce planning, it lacks comprehensive data on contractor personnel performing financial management functions, which impedes accurate workforce planning. Additionally, DOD has not developed documented succession plans for key financial management positions, increasing the risk of skill gaps in the future.
Implications for federal government contractors: Contractors working with the DOD may face increased scrutiny and demands for transparency regarding the functions they perform, as DOD seeks better oversight of its contractor workforce. Furthermore, opportunities may arise for contractors specializing in workforce planning and management to help the DOD address these gaps, particularly in developing strategies for succession planning and skills development. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-105286.pdf
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