[Comments on GAO Authorization To Provide Technical Services To Foreign Countries]

GAO commented on its authority to assume a lead agency role for a project under the U.S-Saudi Arabian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation. GAO believes that: (1) the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 authorized it to provide technical services to friendly countries on an advance-of-funds or reimbursement basis; and (2) although its mission was to aid and assist Congress in carrying out its responsibilities, it was not in a position to act as a lead agency.