Peer Review Requires Extensive Preparation

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Peer Review Requires Extensive Preparation

  • Effective first-time preparation for peer review takes several years and should be carefully managed.

  • Key parts of GAO's preparation for peer review of its performance audit practice included:

    • Developing Quality Assurance Framework
    • Review and update of policies, guidance and training
    • Additional staff training — revised standards
    • Creation of a crosswalk from the standards to the policies to demonstrate that the policies are complete
    • "Help reviews" — a field test of our internal inspection program
    • Implementation of inspection program
    • Internal communication efforts