GAO

GAO: HHS Guidance on State Congregate Care Spending

The GAO has issued guidance recommending that HHS provide clearer details on when states can apply exemptions to the 14-day limit for congregate care spending under the Family First Act. This aims to ensure consistent application of exemptions, particularly for youth at risk of sex trafficking, and address states' varying interpretations of funding rules.

GAO: SBA Should Improve Data Sharing Efficiency with IRS

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report recommending that the Small Business Administration (SBA) take steps to make data sharing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) more efficient. The report highlights inefficiencies in verifying taxpayer consent for data sharing, suggesting direct data receipt or technological improvements could prevent fraud and improper payments.

GAO Report: VA Not Fully Implementing Caregiver Support Recommendations

A GAO report released March 2, 2026, found the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has not fully implemented GAO's recommendations to improve access to community care and caregiver support programs. The report highlights ongoing issues with timely appointment scheduling, referral coordination, and communication, despite legislative mandates from the Dole Act.

GAO Report on Federal Agency Whistleblower Protections

A GAO report highlights that federal agencies employ various methods to encourage and protect whistleblowers, such as confidentiality and award programs. The report notes challenges like processing high volumes of reports and addresses concerns about overly broad non-disclosure agreements impacting employees' ability to report wrongdoing.

GAO Report on Animal Drug Incentives and Unmet Needs

The GAO released a report highlighting a lack of FDA-approved animal drugs for minor species and rare conditions, despite existing incentives. The report identifies high development costs and limited markets as key barriers and suggests FDA develop a benefit-risk assessment for alternative approaches to drug approval.

GAO Report: DOE Nuclear Waste Cleanup Cost and Schedule Accuracy Needs Improvement

A GAO report released March 2, 2026, found that the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) needs to improve the accuracy and consistency of its cost and schedule estimates for nuclear waste cleanup projects. The report highlights significant cost increases and data management challenges, impacting over $500 billion in ongoing cleanup efforts.

GAO Report: K-12 COVID-19 Relief Funding Grant Monitoring Lessons

A GAO report released January 29, 2026, found that the Department of Education could have improved its oversight of K-12 COVID-19 relief funding to ensure states protected low-income schools. The report highlights issues with data reliability and the lack of internal procedures for providing technical assistance to states.

Medicare Part D: Beneficiary Premium Stabilization Demonstration

The U.S. GAO has released a report on the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration, implemented by CMS in 2025. The demonstration aimed to prevent significant premium increases for beneficiaries following changes from the Inflation Reduction Act, costing an estimated $9.8 billion over 2025-2026.

GAO Report on DOD Efforts to Develop Domestic Biomanufacturing

The U.S. GAO has released a report detailing the Department of Defense's (DOD) efforts and investments in developing domestic biomanufacturing capabilities. Since 2020, DOD has invested approximately $965 million to build facilities and support industry partners, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and enhance the defense industrial base. A forthcoming roadmap is expected in 2026.

GAO Report: Improvements Needed for Federal Workforce Senior Position Data Transparency

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report finding that the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) PLUM Reporting website, which tracks senior federal positions, has data quality issues. GAO recommended OPM improve data collection and reporting to increase transparency for the public and Congress.