GAO FY 2025 Performance and Accountability ReportPerformance information for Strategic Goal 1 of the U.S. Government Accountability Office FY 2025 Performance and Accountability Report (GAO-26-900644), covering the period October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, with FY 2026 targets.Pursuant to GPRAMA Section 10, agencies are required to publish strategic plans and performance reports in machine-readable format. GAO, as a legislative branch agency, voluntarily holds itself to the spirit of GPRA and GPRAMA. StratML conversion: AI-assisted extraction using Claude (Anthropic), February 2026.U.S. Government Accountability OfficeGAOuuid-7A3F9B02-1C4E-4D8A-B561-E2F03A8C6D19An independent, nonpartisan professional services agency in the legislative branch of the federal government. Commonly known as the congressional watchdog, GAO examines how taxpayer dollars are spent and advises policymakers and agency heads on ways to make government work more efficiently. Established 1921. As of end of FY 2025: 3,556 FTEs; offices in Washington D.C. and 11 field locations. Total net cost of operations FY 2025: $939.6 million.U.S. CongressGAO's primary client. GAO supports the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. In FY 2025, GAO received 538 requests from 90 percent of the full committees of the Congress.Primary ClientBeneficiaryAmerican PeopleThe ultimate beneficiaries of GAO's work to improve the performance and accountability of the federal government.Ultimate BeneficiaryBeneficiaryThe federal government is accountable to the benefit of the American people_f953b0de-0de6-11f1-97ae-080e87babdf6To support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and help improve the performance of the federal government_f953ba7a-0de6-11f1-97ae-080e87babdf6AccountabilityEnhance the economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and credibility of the federal government.IntegrityConduct professional, objective, fact-based, non-partisan, nonideological, fair, and balanced work.ReliabilityProduce timely, accurate, useful, clear, and candid products.PerspectiveSeek out and appreciate each person's perspectives.RespectTreat everyone with dignity.FairnessFoster a work environment that provides opportunities for all.Well-being & Financial SecurityAddress Current and Emerging Challenges to the Well-being and Financial Security of the American Peopleuuid-2D6F0A85-B3C7-4E92-A104-F8D2E5C31B671Externally focused goal. Multi-year strategic period: FYs 2022-2027. Net cost of operations: FY 2025 $374.9M; FY 2024 $327.0M. Work performed primarily by GAO teams: Education, Workforce, and Income Security; Financial Markets and Community Investment; Health Care; Homeland Security and Justice; Natural Resources and Environment; and Physical Infrastructure. Note: Goals 1-3 goal-level performance measure targets do not sum to agency-wide totals, as a portion of targets is left unassigned; GAO expects to meet agency-wide targets but cannot always predict results by goal.Goal 1 Performance SummaryAggregate annual performance results for Strategic Goal 1, reported in Table 16 of the PAR. These three measures — financial benefits, other benefits, and senior executive testimonies — apply across all ten strategic objectives under Goal 1 and are not attributable to any single objective._f953c22c-0de6-11f1-97ae-080e87babdf61.0Goals 1-3 goal-level targets do not sum to agency-wide totals, as a portion of targets is left unassigned. GAO expects to meet agency-wide targets but cannot always predict results by goal. Historical data and rolling averages are included in the MeasurementInstance and OtherInformation elements of each PerformanceIndicator below.1.0.1Financial BenefitsDollars in Billionsuuid-E4D8B920-5F3A-4C17-9E06-A72B1D3C8F54PLACEHOLDER_12019-10-012020-09-3066.8AnomalyUnusually large result; not expected to recur at this levelFY 2020 actual Goal 1 financial benefits.2020-10-012021-09-3048.0AnomalyUnusually large result; not expected to recur at this levelFY 2021 actual Goal 1 financial benefits.2021-10-012022-09-3010.3StatusHistorical actualFY 2022 actual Goal 1 financial benefits.2022-10-012023-09-3013.6StatusHistorical actualFY 2023 actual Goal 1 financial benefits.2023-10-012024-09-3045.0AnomalyUnusually large result; not expected to recur at this levelFY 2024 actual Goal 1 financial benefits.2024-10-012025-09-3013.5FY 2025 Goal 1 financial benefits target.2024-10-012025-09-3042.8StatusMet — exceeded target by $29.3 billionFY 2025 actual Goal 1 financial benefits. Exceeded target by $29.3B. Major contributors: (1) Medicaid budget neutrality — HHS Sept 2022 policy change better aligning states' estimates with recent costs, calculated in Sept 2025 to have saved $15.7B in FY 2024 (GAO-25-107445, GAO-13-384, GAO-08-87, GAO-02-817); (2) DOE Savannah River radioactive waste cleanup acceleration, saving $5B through FY 2025 (GAO-19-339); (3) Federal crop insurance provider compensation reduction, additional $1.6B savings calculated in FY 2025. NOTE: Unusually large result — not expected to recur at this level in FY 2026.2025-10-012026-09-3016.0FY 2026 Goal 1 financial benefits target, set based on recent performance and Goal 1 team assessments of past, ongoing, and expected work.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: $50.6B; FY2021: $57.0B; FY2022: $46.4B; FY2023: $34.7B; FY2024: $29.2B; FY2025: $27.9B. Financial benefits are reported net of costs and generally claimed within 5 fiscal years of the action taken. Estimates are based on information from non-GAO sources (agency, congressional committee, or CBO).1.0.2Other BenefitsCount of Program and Operational Improvementsuuid-3C9E7F41-D0B2-4A85-8617-B5F1E2D09C73PLACEHOLDER_22019-10-012020-09-30296StatusHistorical actualFY 2020 actual Goal 1 other benefits.2020-10-012021-09-30320StatusHistorical actualFY 2021 actual Goal 1 other benefits.2021-10-012022-09-30307StatusHistorical actualFY 2022 actual Goal 1 other benefits.2022-10-012023-09-30314StatusHistorical actualFY 2023 actual Goal 1 other benefits.2023-10-012024-09-30338StatusHistorical actualFY 2024 actual Goal 1 other benefits.2024-10-012025-09-30276FY 2025 Goal 1 other benefits target.2024-10-012025-09-30313StatusMet — exceeded target by 37 benefitsFY 2025 actual Goal 1 other benefits: 313, exceeding target of 276 by 37. Primarily in categories of public safety and security and public insurance and benefits. Other benefits are non-monetary improvements such as better public services, statutory or regulatory changes, and improved government operations. Benefits are generally claimed within 2 fiscal years of the action taken.2025-10-012026-09-30276FY 2026 Goal 1 other benefits target, based on recent performance and Goal 1 team assessments.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: 267; FY2021: 281; FY2022: 292; FY2023: 309; FY2024: 320; FY2025: 318.1.0.3Senior Executive TestimoniesCount of Congressional Testimoniesuuid-8F2A5C60-9E4B-4D73-A195-C3D7E01B8F26PLACEHOLDER_32019-10-012020-09-3022StatusHistorical actualFY 2020 actual Goal 1 testimonies.2020-10-012021-09-3033StatusHistorical actualFY 2021 actual Goal 1 testimonies.2021-10-012022-09-3030StatusHistorical actualFY 2022 actual Goal 1 testimonies.2022-10-012023-09-3021StatusHistorical actualFY 2023 actual Goal 1 testimonies.2023-10-012024-09-3026StatusHistorical actualFY 2024 actual Goal 1 testimonies.2024-10-012025-09-3041FY 2025 Goal 1 testimonies target.2024-10-012025-09-3014StatusNot Met — fell short of target by 27 testimoniesFY 2025 Goal 1 actual testimonies: 14, falling short of target of 41 by 27. This measure is client-driven; congressional committees held fewer hearings in FY 2025. Testimony topics included: FAA ATC systems modernization (GAO-25-108162); veterans' access to health care through community providers (GAO-25-108101); HHS oversight of TANF (GAO-25-108205); unaccompanied children care; Bureau of Indian Education school support and oversight.2025-10-012026-09-3039FY 2026 Goal 1 testimonies target, based on recent experience.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: 39; FY2021: 35; FY2022: 32; FY2023: 27; FY2024: 28; FY2025: 23. Testimonies are counted when GAO senior executives (above GS-15 or equivalent) are invited to testify at congressional hearings.Health NeedsPrograms and Financing to Serve the Health Needs of an Aging and Diverse Populationuuid-A1C3E572-8D9F-4B06-B284-15F7A02C9E831.1Work performed by GAO's Health Care team. FY 2025 accomplishments are captured in the PerformanceIndicators below.1.1.1Medicare Advantage Improper Payment RecoveryQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-1-1PLACEHOLDER_42024-10-012025-09-30TargetHHS finalizes rule focusing Medicare Advantage audits on highest-risk contractsGAO 2016 recommendation that HHS focus Medicare Advantage audits on contracts most likely to have higher rates of improper payments. (GAO-16-76)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedHHS finalized a rule focusing Medicare Advantage audits on contracts at highest risk of improper payments, resulting in estimated $350.85M in improper payment recoveries in FY 2025. (GAO-16-76)1.1.2IHS Patient Safety and Provider OversightQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-1-2PLACEHOLDER_52024-10-012025-09-30TargetIHS improves serious medical event data and provider requirement documentationGAO 2023 and 2024 recommendations that IHS improve tracking of serious medical events and documentation of provider qualification requirements. (GAO-24-106230, GAO-23-105722)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedBy October 2024, IHS reported on serious medical event trends and finalized a manual on provider requirements, improving patient safety and quality care for American Indians and Alaska Natives. (GAO-24-106230, GAO-23-105722)1.1.3Military Beneficiary Prenatal and Postnatal Mental HealthQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-1-3PLACEHOLDER_62024-10-012025-09-30TargetDOD improves prenatal and postnatal mental health services for TRICARE beneficiariesGAO 2022 findings that approximately 36 percent of TRICARE beneficiaries received a mental health diagnosis during or after pregnancy (2017-2019), informing an NDAA FY 2025 directive to DOD. (GAO-22-105136)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented via legislationNational Defense Authorization Act for FY 2025 directed DOD to implement a program to improve pre- and post-natal mental health services for TRICARE health care beneficiaries, pursuant to GAO findings. (GAO-22-105136)Lifelong LearningLifelong Learning to Enhance U.S. Competitivenessuuid-C5D1F803-4A7E-4B92-9362-D8F0B2A15E471.2Work performed by GAO's Education, Workforce, and Income Security team.1.2.1College Student Access to SNAP BenefitsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-2-1PLACEHOLDER_72024-10-012025-09-30TargetEducation clarifies use of student aid data to connect eligible students with SNAPGAO audit work (2022-2024) found that Education needed to clarify how federal student aid data can be used to conduct SNAP eligibility outreach, given that nearly 25 percent of college students in 2020 had limited food access. (GAO-25-106000, GAO-24-107074, GAO-19-95)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedAs of December 2024, Education issued new guidance and provided training to help colleges and states better connect eligible students with SNAP benefits. (GAO-25-106000, GAO-24-107074, GAO-19-95)Workers, Families & ChildrenBenefits and Protections for Workers, Families, and Childrenuuid-71B4E930-F2C5-4D08-A657-09C3E8D71A521.3Work performed by GAO's Education, Workforce, and Income Security team.1.3.1TANF Oversight Congressional TestimonyQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-3-1PLACEHOLDER_82024-10-012025-09-30TargetGAO provides Congress with independent assessment of HHS oversight of TANFGAO has made 13 recommendations to HHS and one to Congress to improve oversight of TANF, which provides $16.5B annually to states in support of low-income individuals and families.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn April 2025, a panel of GAO witnesses testified before the House Subcommittee on Work and Welfare on five dimensions of TANF oversight: states' expenditure reporting; use of TANF for child welfare services; use of data on job training; timeliness of state single audit reports; and TANF fraud risk management. Fully addressing GAO's recommendations would enhance HHS oversight and future decision-making. (GAO-25-108205)Aging Population SecurityFinancial Security and Well-Being of an Aging Populationuuid-9E6C2F47-D3B1-4A80-B593-E15F7D2C0A841.4Work performed by GAO's Education, Workforce, and Income Security team.1.4.1Unclaimed Retirement Savings Transfer GuidanceQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-4-1PLACEHOLDER_92024-10-012025-09-30TargetIRS and DOL clarify requirements for transferring unclaimed retirement savings to statesGAO 2019 recommendation that IRS and DOL clarify requirements for transferring unclaimed retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k) balances from previous employers) to states, increasing the likelihood that owners recover their funds. (GAO-19-88)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn January 2025, DOL published guidance clarifying the optimal conditions for transferring unclaimed retirement savings to states, increasing the likelihood that owners will receive their retirement savings. (GAO-19-88)System of JusticeFair, Responsive, and Effective System of Justiceuuid-B2D5A018-7F4C-4E93-8A16-F4C0E9B32D651.5Work performed by GAO's Homeland Security and Justice team.1.5.1Federal Prison Reentry Identification AcceptanceQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-5-1PLACEHOLDER_102024-10-012025-09-30TargetBOP expands stakeholder outreach to maximize acceptance of federal prison ID cardGAO 2022 recommendation that the Federal Bureau of Prisons expand outreach beyond state motor vehicle departments to health agencies and other stakeholders to maximize acceptance of the federal prison identification card, which is required for housing and employment upon release. (GAO-23-105302)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedVerified in October 2024 that BOP expanded outreach to health agencies and other stakeholders beyond state motor vehicle departments, better positioning BOP to maximize acceptance of the ID card and support successful reentry to the community. (GAO-23-105302)Housing & CommunitiesHousing Finance and Viable Communitiesuuid-5A3F8D61-C9E2-4B07-9F48-2D1A7C05E9301.6Work performed by GAO's Financial Markets and Community Investment team.1.6.1Housing Finance and Community Investment ImprovementsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-6-1PLACEHOLDER_112024-10-012025-09-30TargetNone...2024-10-012025-09-30StatusNoneNo accomplishments for this objective were highlighted in Table 18 of GAO-26-900644 for FY 2025.Financial System StabilityA Stable Financial System and Sufficient Consumer Protectionuuid-D7E4C129-3F8B-4A52-A960-8B2F3D1E7C041.7Work performed by GAO's Financial Markets and Community Investment team.1.7.1Financial System and Consumer Protection ImprovementsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-7-1PLACEHOLDER_122024-10-012025-09-30TargetNone...2024-10-012025-09-30StatusNoneNo accomplishments for this objective were highlighted in Table 18 of GAO-26-900644 for FY 2025.Natural Resources & EnvironmentResponsible and Sustainable Stewardship of Natural Resources and the Environmentuuid-6B1E9F30-2C8A-4D74-B507-A93D0C2E8F151.8Work performed by GAO's Natural Resources and Environment team.1.8.1Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship ImprovementsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-8-1PLACEHOLDER_132024-10-012025-09-30TargetNone...2024-10-012025-09-30StatusNoneNo accomplishments for this objective were highlighted in Table 18 of GAO-26-900644 for FY 2025.Physical InfrastructureA Viable, Safe, Secure, and Accessible National Physical Infrastructureuuid-F8C3D045-B6A9-4E81-9C72-5E2B1A4D7F381.9Work performed by GAO's Physical Infrastructure team.1.9.1FAA Air Traffic Control Systems ModernizationQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-9-1PLACEHOLDER_142024-10-012025-09-30TargetFAA improves project oversight and investment guidance for ATC modernizationGAO 2023 and 2024 findings that FAA's NextGen modernization was delayed with cost overruns, that 51 of 138 ATC systems were unsustainable, and that FAA was slow to modernize the most critical systems. GAO recommended actions to address shortcomings. (GAO-24-105254, GAO-24-107001)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn FY 2025, FAA improved project oversight, investment guidance, and root cause analysis for ATC systems modernization, helping ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel. GAO testified in March 2025 on FAA's reliance on aging ATC systems and mixed progress on NextGen. (GAO-24-105254, GAO-24-107001, GAO-25-108162)1.9.2Federal Radio Spectrum Collaborative ManagementQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-9-2PLACEHOLDER_152024-10-012025-09-30TargetFCC and NTIA establish process for resolving spectrum management disagreementsGAO 2021 recommendation that FCC and NTIA establish a process for resolving matters when they cannot reach consensus on radio-frequency spectrum management, including 5G networks and satellites. (GAO-21-474)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn November 2024, FCC and NTIA's jointly announced Spectrum Coordination Initiative and the new Interagency Spectrum Advisory Council were confirmed as constituting their process for resolving spectrum management disagreements, improving collaborative management of the radio spectrum. (GAO-21-474)Tribal ResponsibilitiesEfforts to Fulfill the Federal Government's Responsibilities to Tribes, Their Members, and Individual Descendantsuuid-3D7A0B52-E1F4-4C96-8B39-C6E5D2A0F8171.10Work performed by GAO's Health Care and Education, Workforce, and Income Security teams.1.10.1IHS Serious Medical Event Reporting and Provider StandardsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-10-1PLACEHOLDER_162024-10-012025-09-30TargetIHS implements recommendations on serious medical event data and provider requirementsGAO 2023 and 2024 recommendations that IHS improve serious medical event data quality and documentation of provider qualification and authorization requirements for American Indian and Alaska Native health services. (GAO-24-106230, GAO-23-105722)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedBy October 2024, IHS reported on serious medical event trends and finalized a manual on provider requirements, improving patient safety and assuring quality care for American Indians and Alaska Natives. (GAO-24-106230, GAO-23-105722)1.10.2Bureau of Indian Education School Oversight TestimonyQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-1-10-2PLACEHOLDER_172024-10-012025-09-30TargetGAO provides Congress with independent assessment of BIE school challengesGAO has made 38 recommendations to BIE to address challenges including safety hazards in schools and weak oversight of spending.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompleted — recommendations partially implementedIn FY 2025, GAO testified on BIE's progress in addressing challenges in its schools, including safety hazards and weak oversight of spending. BIE had addressed 28 of 38 GAO recommendations, but additional action was needed to resolve underlying issues to effectively serve students.Security & Global InterdependenceRespond to Changing Security Threats and the Challenges of Global Interdependenceuuid-GOAL2-GAO-2022-20272Externally focused goal. Multi-year strategic period: FYs 2022-2027. Work performed primarily by GAO teams: Contracting and National Security Acquisitions; Defense Capabilities and Management; Homeland Security and Justice; International Affairs and Trade; and Information Technology and Cybersecurity. Note: Goals 1-3 goal-level performance measure targets do not sum to agency-wide totals, as a portion of targets is left unassigned; GAO expects to meet agency-wide targets but cannot always predict results by goal.Goal 2 Performance SummaryAggregate annual performance results for Strategic Goal 2, reported in Table 19 of the PAR. These three measures — financial benefits, other benefits, and senior executive testimonies — apply across all five strategic objectives under Goal 2 and are not attributable to any single objective.uuid-OBJ-2-SUMMARY-PERF2.0Goals 1-3 goal-level targets do not sum to agency-wide totals, as a portion of targets is left unassigned. GAO expects to meet agency-wide targets but cannot always predict results by goal. Rolling averages are included in the OtherInformation elements of each PerformanceIndicator below.2.0.1Financial BenefitsDollars in Billionsuuid-PI-2-0-1-FINBENPLACEHOLDER_182019-10-012020-09-305.9StatusHistorical actualFY 2020 actual Goal 2 financial benefits.2020-10-012021-09-3011.9StatusHistorical actualFY 2021 actual Goal 2 financial benefits.2021-10-012022-09-303.2StatusHistorical actualFY 2022 actual Goal 2 financial benefits.2022-10-012023-09-304.8StatusHistorical actualFY 2023 actual Goal 2 financial benefits.2023-10-012024-09-3016.0AnomalyUnusually large result; not expected to recur at this levelFY 2024 actual Goal 2 financial benefits.2024-10-012025-09-3010.9FY 2025 Goal 2 financial benefits target.2024-10-012025-09-3012.3StatusMet — exceeded target by $1.4 billionFY 2025 actual Goal 2 financial benefits: $12.3B, exceeding target of $10.9B by $1.4B. Major contributors: (1) Reduction in planned spending for a future Navy frigate, saving $1 billion; (2) Congress rescinded $224 million from the State Department Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance account's unobligated balances (Budget Justification Review); (3) FEMA NFIP higher 2025 premiums estimated to reduce future Treasury borrowing by $652 million (GAO-13-607, GAO-09-12). FY 2026 target of $11.4B set based on recent performance and Goal 2 team assessments.2025-10-012026-09-3011.4FY 2026 Goal 2 financial benefits target, set based on recent performance and Goal 2 team assessments of past, ongoing, and expected work.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: $52.6B; FY2021: $43.9B; FY2022: $42.1B; FY2023: $6.4B; FY2024: $9.0B; FY2025: $9.1B. Note: Rolling averages for FY2020-2022 reflect unusually high results in years prior to those shown in Table 19. Financial benefits are reported net of costs and generally claimed within 5 fiscal years of the action taken.2.0.2Other BenefitsCount of Program and Operational Improvementsuuid-PI-2-0-2-OTHBENPLACEHOLDER_192019-10-012020-09-30646StatusHistorical actualFY 2020 actual Goal 2 other benefits.2020-10-012021-09-30442StatusHistorical actualFY 2021 actual Goal 2 other benefits.2021-10-012022-09-30497StatusHistorical actualFY 2022 actual Goal 2 other benefits.2022-10-012023-09-30462StatusHistorical actualFY 2023 actual Goal 2 other benefits.2023-10-012024-09-30449StatusHistorical actualFY 2024 actual Goal 2 other benefits.2024-10-012025-09-30377FY 2025 Goal 2 other benefits target.2024-10-012025-09-30609AnomalyUnusually large result; not expected to recur at this level in FY 2026FY 2025 actual Goal 2 other benefits: 609, exceeding target of 377 by 232. Many benefits were in the areas of public safety and security, business process improvement, and acquisition and contract management. This level of results is not expected to recur in FY 2026. FY 2026 target set at 382 based on recent performance and Goal 2 team assessments.2025-10-012026-09-30382FY 2026 Goal 2 other benefits target, based on recent performance and Goal 2 team assessments of past, ongoing, and expected work.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: 586; FY2021: 572; FY2022: 567; FY2023: 512; FY2024: 463; FY2025: 504. Other benefits are non-monetary improvements such as better public services, statutory or regulatory changes, and improved government operations. Benefits are generally claimed within 2 fiscal years of the action taken.2.0.3Senior Executive TestimoniesCount of Congressional Testimoniesuuid-PI-2-0-3-TESTPLACEHOLDER_202019-10-012020-09-3017StatusHistorical actualFY 2020 actual Goal 2 testimonies.2020-10-012021-09-3016StatusHistorical actualFY 2021 actual Goal 2 testimonies.2021-10-012022-09-3020StatusHistorical actualFY 2022 actual Goal 2 testimonies.2022-10-012023-09-3014StatusHistorical actualFY 2023 actual Goal 2 testimonies.2023-10-012024-09-3015StatusHistorical actualFY 2024 actual Goal 2 testimonies.2024-10-012025-09-3017FY 2025 Goal 2 testimonies target.2024-10-012025-09-3014StatusNot Met — fell short of target by 3 testimoniesFY 2025 actual Goal 2 testimonies: 14, falling short of target of 17 by 3. Selected testimony topics: U.S. military readiness challenges across air, sea, ground, and space warfighting domains (GAO-25-108104); Coast Guard shore infrastructure project backlogs and $7B cost to address deteriorating assets (GAO-25-108064); Navy shipbuilding practices; State Department overseas program implementation; Defense Production Act authorities (GAO-25-108497). FY 2026 target set at 17 based on experience in recent years.2025-10-012026-09-3017FY 2026 Goal 2 testimonies target, based on experience in recent years.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: 23; FY2021: 22; FY2022: 21; FY2023: 17; FY2024: 16; FY2025: 16. Testimonies are counted when GAO senior executives (above GS-15 or equivalent) are invited to testify at congressional hearings.Homeland SecurityProtect and Secure the Homeland from Threats and Disastersuuid-OBJ-2-1-HOMELAND2.1Work performed by GAO's Homeland Security and Justice team, with support from Contracting and National Security Acquisitions.2.1.1NFIP Premium Transparency ToolsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-1-1PLACEHOLDER_212024-10-012025-09-30TargetFEMA clarifies for policyholders how new NFIP rating model affects their premiumsGAO July 2023 finding that FEMA had not clarified for policyholders how premiums were impacted by the 2021 new risk-based rating model. GAO recommended that FEMA take steps to clarify this for policyholders. (GAO-23-105977)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedConfirmed December 2024 that FEMA developed two online tools posted to the NFIP website: one producing premium quotes and one showing how certain policyholder actions can reduce policy costs. Both tools benefit policyholders and other users seeking to understand their flood insurance premiums under the risk-based rating model. (GAO-23-105977)2.1.2BOP Facility Maintenance Data TrackingQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-1-2PLACEHOLDER_222024-10-012025-09-30TargetBOP implements facility maintenance data tracking to avoid unnecessary costs and delaysGAO 2022 finding that BOP was unable to track and analyze data related to facility maintenance and repair projects, including costs and schedules. GAO recommended BOP develop tracking capability in its property management system. (GAO-22-104289)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented — cost savings verifiedIn FY 2024, BOP added features to its IT systems to track maintenance and repair data and created a real-time monitoring dashboard. Verified in FY 2025 that BOP identified and combined two related projects, yielding cost savings of over $360,000 from a facility maintenance project. (GAO-22-104289)Military CapabilitiesMilitary Capabilities and Readinessuuid-OBJ-2-2-MILITARY2.2Work performed by GAO's Defense Capabilities and Management and Contracting and National Security Acquisitions teams.2.2.1Navy Ship Design and Delivery PracticesQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-2-1PLACEHOLDER_232024-10-012025-09-30TargetNavy adopts commercial industry leading practices for new ship design and deliveryGAO May 2024 report finding persistent Navy challenges in designing and delivering timely, affordable ships; 8 recommendations made to improve efficiency and effectiveness. (GAO-24-105503)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented via legislationIn FY 2025, Congress passed a law requiring the Navy to implement four of GAO's eight recommendations, mandating adoption of commercial industry leading practices to help the Navy deliver new ships that meet its needs faster and more affordably. (GAO-24-105503)2.2.2Navy Surface Warfare Officer Training EfficiencyQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-2-2PLACEHOLDER_242024-10-012025-09-30TargetNavy assesses and improves shipboard training opportunities for Surface Warfare OfficersGAO 2021 examination of factors contributing to 2017 at-sea collisions, finding limited shipboard training opportunities for Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs). GAO recommended the Navy assess training opportunities. (GAO-21-168)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented — $13.3 million in projected training cost savingsIn 2025, the Navy completed its assessment and reduced the number of SWOs, improving training opportunities for remaining officers. This will save approximately $13.3 million in training costs over the next 5 years. (GAO-21-168)2.2.3Military Education China Security ContentQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-2-3PLACEHOLDER_252024-10-012025-09-30TargetDOD clarifies implementation requirements for China security content in officer educationGAO 2023 finding that DOD had not clarified expected implementation dates or reporting requirements for including China security challenge content in military officer education programs. GAO recommended DOD do so. (GAO-23-106070)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn response to GAO's recommendation, DOD required military education programs to report on the implementation of China security challenge content by December 2024, helping ensure officer education curricula address national defense priorities related to China. (GAO-23-106070)2.2.4DOE Nuclear Insider Threat ProgramQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-2-4PLACEHOLDER_262024-10-012025-09-30TargetDOE implements centralized insider threat program for nuclear securityGAO 2023 finding that DOE had not fully implemented its insider threat program, initiated in 2014 to better integrate protections for nuclear weapons and related information against threats from employees, contractors, and trusted visitors. GAO recommended revisions including a move toward centralized management. (GAO-23-105576)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn December 2024, DOE made several program improvements that have better positioned the agency to centrally manage and respond to insider threats to nuclear security. (GAO-23-105576)Foreign PolicyForeign Policy and International Economic Interestsuuid-OBJ-2-3-FOREIGN2.3Work performed by GAO's International Affairs and Trade team.2.3.1State Dept Child Trafficking Performance MeasurementQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-3-1PLACEHOLDER_272024-10-012025-09-30TargetState sets measurable goals and tracks contributions for child trafficking partnership programsGAO April 2023 finding that State Department had not set measurable goals to assess progress of international child trafficking partnership efforts, nor tracked partner countries' contributions or plans to sustain ongoing efforts. GAO recommended corrective action. (GAO-23-105390)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedVerified in FY 2025 that, as of September 2024, State established annual performance indicator targets with partner countries and obtained information on their ability to contribute to and sustain anti-child-trafficking efforts, enabling better assessment of program effectiveness. (GAO-23-105390)2.3.2State Dept Embassy Security Account RescissionQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-3-2PLACEHOLDER_282024-10-012025-09-30TargetCongress reduces new appropriations based on GAO finding of large unobligated Embassy Security balancesGAO Budget Justification Review estimating that the State Department Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance account had an unobligated balance of $7.195 billion in FY 2025. GAO suggested Congress consider unobligated balances when determining new funding levels. (Budget Justification Review — not published externally)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented — $224 million rescindedIn FY 2025, Congress rescinded $224 million from the State Department Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance account's unobligated balances, acting on GAO's suggestion. Note: The underlying Budget Justification Review is not published externally; final products consist of unpublished data sheets or issue papers provided only to relevant committees or subcommittees.2.3.3Anomalous Health Incident Care Access GuidanceQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-3-3PLACEHOLDER_292024-10-012025-09-30TargetDOD clarifies how victims of anomalous health incidents can access treatmentGAO July 2024 recommendation that DOD provide written guidance clarifying how current and former federal employees and family members with anomalous health incident conditions (including "Havana Syndrome") can access DOD treatment. (GAO-24-106593)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn January 2025, DOD issued written guidance clarifying how to access care for anomalous health incidents, making it substantially more likely that affected personnel and family members will receive timely and informed care. (GAO-24-106593)2.3.4CBP Antidumping and Countervailing Duty CollectionsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-3-4PLACEHOLDER_302024-10-012025-09-30TargetCBP uses data and risk assessment tools to improve antidumping and countervailing duty collectionsGAO July 2016 finding that CBP could not collect all antidumping and countervailing duties owed from importers. GAO recommended CBP use data and risk assessment information to improve collections. (GAO-16-542)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented — estimated $14 million in increased revenueCBP implemented several data-driven tools, including beginning in January 2024 to use its data to improve the accuracy of estimated duties importers must pay. As of November 2024, these tools increased revenue by an estimated $14 million by helping ensure importers pay their duties. (GAO-16-542)Intelligence CommunityThe Intelligence Community's Management and Integrationuuid-OBJ-2-4-INTEL2.4Work performed by GAO's Defense Capabilities and Management and Homeland Security and Justice teams. No accomplishments for this objective were highlighted in Table 21 of GAO-26-900644 for FY 2025. See source document for additional context.2.4.1Intelligence Community Management ImprovementsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-4-1PLACEHOLDER_312024-10-012025-09-30Target[No accomplishment example provided in Table 21 of GAO-26-900644 for FY 2025][No accomplishment example provided in source document for this objective]2024-10-012025-09-30Status[Not reported in Table 21][No accomplishment example provided in Table 21 of GAO-26-900644 for this objective for FY 2025]CybersecurityThe Cybersecurity of the Nationuuid-OBJ-2-5-CYBER2.5Work performed by GAO's Information Technology and Cybersecurity team.2.5.1State Dept Cybersecurity Program ImprovementsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-5-1PLACEHOLDER_322024-10-012025-09-30TargetState Dept implements GAO cybersecurity recommendations to improve threat identification, detection, and responseGAO September 2023 report making 15 cybersecurity program recommendations to State Department to improve risk and incident response (GAO-23-107012). November 2024 limited distribution report making approximately 500 additional recommendations to address systemic cybersecurity weaknesses.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusSubstantially implemented — 371 of ~500 recommendations closed as of September 2025As of September 2025, State implemented 371 of approximately 500 recommendations from GAO's November 2024 limited distribution report, having committed to close 75 percent by end of 2025. Additionally, in FY 2025, State implemented 9 of 15 cybersecurity program recommendations from GAO's September 2023 report. As a result, State is better able to prevent and respond to cybersecurity threats. (GAO-23-107012)2.5.2Federal Agency Cloud System Security PracticesQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-2-5-2PLACEHOLDER_332024-10-012025-09-30TargetDHS, USDA, DOL, and Treasury fully implement cloud security practices on selected systemsGAO 2023 evaluation finding that four agencies (DHS, USDA, DOL, Treasury) had not fully implemented key cloud security practices on selected systems. GAO made 35 recommendations across the four agencies. (GAO-23-105482)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusSubstantially implemented — 26 of 35 recommendations closedOver the past two years, all four agencies made significant progress: USDA fully implemented cloud security practices on its selected systems; DOL fully implemented FedRAMP requirements for selected cloud systems; Treasury developed requirements for cloud service providers to comply with FedRAMP security authorizations; DHS fully implemented continuous monitoring including review of cloud service provider deliverables. GAO closed 26 of the 35 recommendations. As a result, the agencies improved their ability to identify and address cybersecurity risks associated with cloud systems. (GAO-23-105482)Federal GovernmentHelp Transform the Federal Government to Address National Challengesuuid-GOAL3-GAO-2022-20273Internally and externally focused goal. Multi-year strategic period: FYs 2022-2027. Work performed primarily by GAO teams: Applied Research and Methods; Financial Management and Assurance; FAIS; Information Technology and Cybersecurity; STAA; and Strategic Issues. Also includes bid protest and appropriations law work performed by OGC. Note: Goals 1-3 goal-level performance measure targets do not sum to agency-wide totals, as a portion of targets is left unassigned; GAO expects to meet agency-wide targets but cannot always predict results by goal.Goal 3 Performance SummaryAggregate annual performance results for Strategic Goal 3, reported in Table 22 of the PAR. These three measures — financial benefits, other benefits, and senior executive testimonies — apply across all four strategic objectives under Goal 3 and are not attributable to any single objective.uuid-OBJ-3-SUMMARY-PERF3.0Goals 1-3 goal-level targets do not sum to agency-wide totals, as a portion of targets is left unassigned. In FYs 2022 and 2023, Goal 3 reached $42.1B and $52.0B in financial benefits respectively due to unusually large benefits; these levels are not expected to recur.3.0.1Financial BenefitsDollars in Billionsuuid-PI-3-0-1-FINBENPLACEHOLDER_342019-10-012020-09-305.0StatusHistorical actualFY 2020 actual Goal 3 financial benefits.2020-10-012021-09-306.4StatusHistorical actualFY 2021 actual Goal 3 financial benefits.2021-10-012022-09-3042.1AnomalyUnusually large result due to large one-time financial benefits; not expected to recurFY 2022 actual Goal 3 financial benefits.2022-10-012023-09-3052.0AnomalyUnusually large result due to large one-time financial benefits; not expected to recurFY 2023 actual Goal 3 financial benefits.2023-10-012024-09-306.5StatusHistorical actualFY 2024 actual Goal 3 financial benefits.2024-10-012025-09-306.2FY 2025 Goal 3 financial benefits target.2024-10-012025-09-307.6StatusMet — exceeded target by $1.4 billionFY 2025 actual Goal 3 financial benefits: $7.6B, exceeding target of $6.2B by $1.4B. Major contributors: VA software license management improvements expected to save $125.6M over 5 years (GAO-24-105717); SSA identity verification service cost reduction saving $1.9M in FYs 2025-2026 (GAO-24-106770); SSA full death data sharing with Treasury Do Not Pay system identified, prevented, or recovered $109M in payment errors in 2024 (GAO-22-105715, GAO-20-625, GAO-17-15); DOD polar communications satellite hosting saving $777M from FY 2017 to FY 2024 (GAO-18-493, GAO-13-279sp). FY 2026 target set at $5.9B based on Goal 3 team assessments.2025-10-012026-09-305.9FY 2026 Goal 3 financial benefits target, based on Goal 3 team assessments of past, ongoing, and expected work.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: $7.2B; FY2021: $7.5B; FY2022: $15.1B; FY2023: $26.4B; FY2024: $26.8B; FY2025: $27.1B. Rolling averages for FY2022-2025 are elevated by the anomalous FY2022 ($42.1B) and FY2023 ($52.0B) results. Financial benefits are reported net of costs and generally claimed within 5 fiscal years of the action taken.3.0.2Other BenefitsCount of Program and Operational Improvementsuuid-PI-3-0-2-OTHBENPLACEHOLDER_352019-10-012020-09-30390StatusHistorical actualFY 2020 actual Goal 3 other benefits.2020-10-012021-09-30477StatusHistorical actualFY 2021 actual Goal 3 other benefits.2021-10-012022-09-30458StatusHistorical actualFY 2022 actual Goal 3 other benefits.2022-10-012023-09-30444StatusHistorical actualFY 2023 actual Goal 3 other benefits.2023-10-012024-09-30445StatusHistorical actualFY 2024 actual Goal 3 other benefits.2024-10-012025-09-30380FY 2025 Goal 3 other benefits target.2024-10-012025-09-30373StatusNot Met — fell short of target by 7 benefitsFY 2025 actual Goal 3 other benefits: 373, falling short of target of 380 by 7. Benefits were primarily in the areas of program efficiency and effectiveness, business process improvement, acquisition and contract management, and tax law administration. FY 2026 target set again at 380 based on recent performance and Goal 3 team assessments.2025-10-012026-09-30380FY 2026 Goal 3 other benefits target, based on recent performance and Goal 3 team assessments.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: 478; FY2021: 468; FY2022: 454; FY2023: 442; FY2024: 456; FY2025: 430. Other benefits are non-monetary improvements such as better public services, statutory or regulatory changes, and improved government operations. Benefits are generally claimed within 2 fiscal years of the action taken.3.0.3Senior Executive TestimoniesCount of Congressional Testimoniesuuid-PI-3-0-3-TESTPLACEHOLDER_362019-10-012020-09-3018StatusHistorical actualFY 2020 actual Goal 3 testimonies.2020-10-012021-09-3015StatusHistorical actualFY 2021 actual Goal 3 testimonies.2021-10-012022-09-3022StatusHistorical actualFY 2022 actual Goal 3 testimonies.2022-10-012023-09-3022StatusHistorical actualFY 2023 actual Goal 3 testimonies.2023-10-012024-09-3019StatusHistorical actualFY 2024 actual Goal 3 testimonies.2024-10-012025-09-3022FY 2025 Goal 3 testimonies target.2024-10-012025-09-3018StatusNot Met — fell short of target by 4 testimoniesFY 2025 actual Goal 3 testimonies: 18, falling short of target of 22 by 4. Selected testimony topics: DOD financial management issues and fraud risk, April 2025 (GAO-25-108191); AI and other tools to combat fraud and improper payments, April 2025 (GAO-25-108412); VA electronic health record modernization challenges, February 2025 (GAO-25-108091); DOD fraud risk management; VA IT modernization challenges. FY 2026 target set at 22 based on experience in recent years.2025-10-012026-09-3022FY 2026 Goal 3 testimonies target, based on experience in recent years.2025-10-012026-09-30[To be determined]Four-year rolling averages by fiscal year — FY2020: 25; FY2021: 21; FY2022: 20; FY2023: 19; FY2024: 20; FY2025: 20. Testimonies are counted when GAO senior executives (above GS-15 or equivalent) are invited to testify at congressional hearings.Fiscal ConditionThe Government's Fiscal Condition and Opportunities to Strengthen Management of Federal Financesuuid-OBJ-3-1-FISCAL3.1Work performed by GAO's Financial Management and Assurance and Strategic Issues teams.3.1.1IRS IT Controls Significant Deficiency ResolutionQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-1-1PLACEHOLDER_372024-10-012025-09-30TargetIRS resolves long-standing significant deficiency in IT system controlsGAO has annually audited IRS financial statements and internal controls since 2012, reporting a significant deficiency related to IRS IT system controls and making over 200 recommendations to address issues including access controls and system integrity. (GAO-25-107202, GAO-25-107930)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn November 2024, GAO reported that IRS resolved the long-standing significant deficiency in its IT system controls, improving IRS financial management processes and protecting taxpayer data. (GAO-25-107202, GAO-25-107930)3.1.2IRS COVID Sick and Family Leave Tax Credit VerificationQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-1-2PLACEHOLDER_382024-10-012025-09-30TargetIRS uses tax form data to verify employer eligibility for COVID sick and family leave creditsGAO March 2021 finding that IRS had no plan to use data to verify that employers claiming COVID-19 sick and family leave tax credits met the fewer-than-500-employees eligibility cap. GAO recommended IRS use its tax form data to verify these claims. (GAO-21-387)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented — $104 million in additional taxes collectedIRS implemented GAO's recommendation to use tax form data to verify employer eligibility. Verified in April 2025 that IRS collected an additional $104 million in taxes in FYs 2023 and 2024 as a result of these verification actions. (GAO-21-387)3.1.3IRS Taxpayer Digital Communication ServicesQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-1-3PLACEHOLDER_392024-10-012025-09-30TargetIRS improves secure messaging processes and identity verification for digital taxpayer communicationsGAO December 2019 identification of opportunities to improve IRS piloting of new digital communication services, finding that some taxpayers experienced identity verification challenges preventing participation in pilot programs. (GAO-20-71)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn October 2024, IRS demonstrated it had identified procedures to improve secure messaging processes — including measuring taxpayer satisfaction with secure messaging and developing additional identity verification options — improving taxpayer digital communication services. (GAO-20-71)Fraud, Waste, and AbuseFraud, Waste, and Abuse and Needed Improvements in Internal Controlsuuid-OBJ-3-2-FRAUD3.2Work performed by GAO's Financial Management and Assurance and FAIS teams.3.2.1VHA Controlled Substance Employment DEA Waiver PoliciesQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-2-1PLACEHOLDER_402024-10-012025-09-30TargetVHA issues policies for obtaining DEA waivers before employing controlled-substance felony convictsGAO 2019 finding that VHA had not issued policies for obtaining DEA waivers required before employing individuals convicted of a controlled substance felony in positions with access to controlled substances. GAO recommended VHA do so. (GAO-19-6)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn October 2024, VHA provided policies on DEA waivers and how to request them, helping VHA follow DEA requirements and helping ensure veterans are prescribed controlled substances appropriately and lawfully. (GAO-19-6)Crosscutting ChallengesCrosscutting Issues, Major Management Challenges, and Program Risksuuid-OBJ-3-3-CROSSCUT3.3Work performed by GAO's Strategic Issues and Applied Research and Methods teams, with contributions across GAO's issue area teams.3.3.1DOD Polar Communications Hosted Payload SavingsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-3-1PLACEHOLDER_412024-10-012025-09-30TargetDOD uses commercial satellite hosted payload approach for polar communications systemGAO 2013 recommendation that Congress allow agencies more flexibility to acquire commercial satellite hosted payload services to save time and money. Congress passed legislation requiring DOD to study this option; DOD subsequently began using it for select missions. (GAO-18-493, GAO-13-279sp)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented — $777 million in cumulative savings calculatedIn FY 2025, GAO calculated that DOD saved $777 million from FY 2017 to FY 2024 by using a commercial satellite company to host equipment for its polar communications system, demonstrating the value of the hosted payload approach. (GAO-18-493, GAO-13-279sp)3.3.2VA Software License Management Cost SavingsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-3-2PLACEHOLDER_422024-10-012025-09-30TargetVA tracks software license usage and compares with purchases to eliminate duplicate or unnecessary licensesGAO January 2024 finding that VA could not determine if it was purchasing too many software licenses. GAO recommended VA track licenses in use and compare with purchase records regularly. (GAO-24-105717)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented — $125.57 million in projected savings over 5 yearsVA's Office of Information and Technology established the Enterprise Software Asset Management program and, in May 2025, reported assessing its licenses. VA expects to save $125.57 million over 5 years by ensuring it purchases only necessary software licenses. (GAO-24-105717)3.3.3SSA Identity Verification Service Cost RecoveryQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-3-3PLACEHOLDER_432024-10-012025-09-30TargetSSA reduces fees and recovers costs for its electronic Social Security number verification serviceGAO September 2024 finding that fewer financial institutions than expected were using SSA's electronic Social Security number verification service and that SSA had not fully recovered its development and operating costs as required. (GAO-24-106770)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplemented — estimated $1.9 million reduction in operating costs FY 2025-2026As of April 2025, SSA reduced fees for its identity verification service and identified cost savings to reduce annual operating costs, estimated to reduce operating costs by $1.9 million from FYs 2025-2026. (GAO-24-106770)Science and TechnologyScience and Technology Issuesuuid-OBJ-3-4-SCITECH3.4Work performed by GAO's Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics (STAA) and Information Technology and Cybersecurity teams.3.4.1NASA Researcher Conflict of Interest ProceduresQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-4-1PLACEHOLDER_442024-10-012025-09-30TargetNASA documents procedures for handling researcher failure-to-disclose allegationsGAO December 2020 finding that NASA lacked written procedures, including roles and responsibilities, for handling allegations of researcher failure to disclose required information on potential foreign conflicts of interest. GAO recommended NASA document its procedures. (GAO-21-130)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn October 2024, NASA updated its guidance to document procedures for managing allegations of researchers failing to disclose information on potential conflicts of interest, helping ensure NASA staff understand how to protect U.S. investments in scientific research from undue foreign influence. (GAO-21-130)3.4.2DHS AI Cybersecurity Component MonitoringQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-3-4-2PLACEHOLDER_452024-10-012025-09-30TargetDHS establishes procedures to monitor its AI component used for PII detection in cybersecurity reportingGAO February 2024 finding that DHS lacked specific procedures to monitor its AI component used to detect personally identifiable information (PII) when cyber threats are reported, creating risk that the AI may not be working as intended. GAO recommended DHS establish these procedures. (GAO-24-106246)2024-10-012025-09-30StatusImplementedIn December 2024, DHS issued a monitoring plan to monitor and test its PII-detection AI component, strengthening oversight, helping ensure correct operation, and mitigating privacy risks. (GAO-24-106246)GAO ValueMaximize the Value of GAO by Enabling Quality, Timely Service to the Congress and by Being a Leading Practices Federal Agencyuuid-GOAL4-GAO-2022-20274Internally focused goal addressing continuous improvement in service quality, internal operations, and leading practices. Multi-year strategic period: FYs 2022-2027. Work performed under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer through the following offices: Controller; Financial Management and Business Operations; Human Capital; Information Systems and Technology Services; Infrastructure Operations; Learning Center; Professional Development Program; and Field Operations. Assistance provided by Applied Research and Methods, STAA, Financial Management and Assurance mission teams, and APQA, CR, Continuous Process Improvement, OGC, OPA, and SPEL staff offices. Unlike Goals 1-3, Goal 4 does not report quantitative financial benefits, other benefits, or testimonies performance measures, as it addresses internal management and operations rather than externally focused congressional and federal agency work.Workforce ExcellenceEmpower GAO's Diverse Workforce to Continue to Excel in Mission Delivery through Strategic Talent Managementuuid-OBJ-4-1-WORKFORCE4.1Work performed primarily by GAO's Human Capital, Learning Center, Professional Development Program, and Field Operations offices.4.1.1Intern and Entry-Level Analyst PipelineQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-1-1PLACEHOLDER_462024-10-012025-09-30TargetMaintain year-round intern program and integrate entry-level analyst hires for national security workGAO strategic objective to attract, hire, and retain a diverse, multidisciplinary workforce through structured intern and entry-level programs, including specialized hiring for sensitive and classified national security work.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO successfully managed a year-round program for 189 analysts and operations interns, providing a continuous pipeline of vetted, trained staff to meet agency needs. GAO also effectively integrated 18 entry-level analyst hires dedicated to supporting national security oversight, with a focus on conducting sensitive or classified work.4.1.2Employee Training and Development ProgramsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-1-2PLACEHOLDER_472024-10-012025-09-30TargetDevelop and deliver training to build skills in data reliability assessment, change management, ECM system, and congressional relationsGAO strategic objective to provide training and development programs that enhance employee skills across mission and operational areas.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO developed eLearning on Assessing Data Reliability to help engagement teams identify key data collection steps and make final data reliability determinations; delivered customized workshops to improve managers' ability to support employees during rapid changes in technology, processes, and staffing; developed training, tools, and resources to support the agency's transition to the new Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system; and developed and delivered new congressional relations training for entry-level employees.4.1.3Employee Organization Labor RelationsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-1-3PLACEHOLDER_482024-10-012025-09-30TargetMaintain effective relationships with GAO's internal employee organizations on technology and systems initiativesGAO strategic objective to maintain effective relationships with GAO's internal employee organizations, including the GAO Employees Organization, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 1921.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO worked with the GAO Employees Organization (IFPTE Local 1921) to negotiate on a variety of initiatives, including implementation of the Enterprise Content Management system to replace the previous records management system and implementation of a new online time and attendance application system for all employees.Process Quality and Knowledge SharingRefine GAO's Processes to Deliver High-Quality Results and Products, and Promote Knowledge Sharing, Government Standards, and Strategic Solutionsuuid-OBJ-4-2-PROCESS4.2Work performed with contributions from Financial Management and Assurance, STAA, Applied Research and Methods, and staff offices including APQA, OGC, OPA, and SPEL.4.2.1Congressional Science and Technology OutreachQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-2-1PLACEHOLDER_492024-10-012025-09-30TargetExpand congressional awareness of GAO science and technology expertise through multiple outreach channelsGAO strategic objective to continue to enhance outreach to the Congress and audited entities, particularly regarding science and technology expertise.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO expanded awareness of its science and technology expertise via the Chief Scientist's quarterly science and technology newsletter, office hours in the Longworth House Office Building for on-the-spot technical consultation, and a dozen "Let's Talk Science" events for the Congress. GAO also continued work with the Polaris Council science and technology advisory group and formalized its expert network to provide greater depth of knowledge in support of Congress. GAO also analyzed internal data to improve reliability of tracking and categorization of technical assistance provided to congressional staff, and developed a process to regularly update congressional staff about legal decisions.4.2.2AI Council and Foresight CapacityQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-2-2PLACEHOLDER_502024-10-012025-09-30TargetOperationalize GAO's Artificial Intelligence Council and enhance foresight and strategic planning capacityGAO strategic objective to enhance foresight and strategic planning capacity, including through structured internal coordination on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO operationalized and supported its Artificial Intelligence Council by facilitating four meetings and enhancing internal coordination to promote knowledge sharing and innovation in AI-related work.4.2.3Government Auditing and Internal Control StandardsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-2-3PLACEHOLDER_512024-10-012025-09-30TargetIssue updated government auditing standards and promote consistent application across federal accountability communityGAO strategic objective to develop and continually improve government auditing standards and promote their consistent application domestically and internationally.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO issued the 2025 revision of Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (the "Green Book"), setting updated standards for effective internal control systems for federal agencies. GAO also updated the Government Auditing Standards eLearning ("Yellow Book eLearning") to reflect developments in the 2024 revision related to audit quality management. GAO collaborated with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to improve methodology for financial statement audits of federal entities including IT control assessments, and performed outreach to help ensure consistent application of federal financial accounting, auditing, and internal control standards.4.2.4GAO Communications and Public OutreachQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-2-4PLACEHOLDER_522024-10-012025-09-30TargetEnhance GAO communications quality, accessibility, and digital reachGAO strategic objective to leverage data, technology, staff, and process improvements to enhance GAO's communications, processes, and programs, including WatchBlog, video presence, and report accessibility.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO's WatchBlog received its second ClearMark Award from the Center for Plain Language in the Emails, Newsletters, and Blogs category. GAO expanded its video presence online and enhanced efforts to explain key report findings, including creating video promos of podcast episodes and making videos of GAO directors' opening statements from nearly 40 congressional hearings available on YouTube and GAO.gov. GAO also expanded accessibility of all standard reports and testimonies by implementing HTML in addition to PDF format, enabling viewing on mobile and other devices. Additionally, GAO's Adjunct Faculty Program was featured as a model for other Supreme Audit Institutions in the International Journal of Government Auditing.Modern Tools and SystemsProvide Modern Integrated Tools and Systems in a Secure, Collaborative, and Flexible Environmentuuid-OBJ-4-3-TOOLS4.3Work performed primarily by GAO's Information Systems and Technology Services (ISTS) and Infrastructure Operations offices.4.3.1Secure Physical and Technological InfrastructureQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-3-1PLACEHOLDER_532024-10-012025-09-30TargetImplement PIV credentials, complete cloud migration, and advance dedicated analytical computing environmentGAO strategic objective to ensure a secure, cost-effective physical and technological infrastructure, including cloud migration, identity credentialing, and analytical computing capacity.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO improved capacity to advance complex analytical and exploratory computing functions through a dedicated cloud-based computing environment. GAO provided PIV cards to employees to enhance network and data security. GAO completed cloud migration of employee-facing tools, strengthening authentication and securing applications. GAO also continued field office space-optimization efforts to reduce its physical footprint.4.3.2Collaborative and Integrated Staff ToolsQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-3-2PLACEHOLDER_542024-10-012025-09-30TargetEnhance generative AI system and roll out new operating system with integrated collaboration toolsGAO strategic objective to empower staff with collaborative, integrated tools, including AI-assisted tools and modernized operating systems.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO enhanced its generative AI system by identifying metrics to assess whether system responses are grounded and relevant. GAO also initiated rollout of a new operating system to provide employees integrated applications, enhanced collaboration tools, and faster processing time.4.3.3Enterprise Data Integration for Decision-MakingQualitative Assessmentuuid-PI-4-3-3PLACEHOLDER_552024-10-012025-09-30TargetEnhance tools that integrate crosscutting enterprise data to facilitate data-driven decision-makingGAO strategic objective to enhance tools that integrate crosscutting enterprise data to facilitate decision-making and minimize operational disruptions from organizational changes.2024-10-012025-09-30StatusCompletedIn FY 2025, GAO enhanced its organizational change management dashboard to identify interdependencies, reduce collisions, and enable data-driven decisions while minimizing operational disruptions across the agency.uuid-1A4F8C93-D2E7-4B05-9360-F7A1B6D3E5292024-10-012025-09-302026-01-29https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-900644.pdfuuid-SUBMITTER-OA-2026-001OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net