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U.S. Commission on Civil Rights: Agency Lacks Basic Management Controls

HEHS-97-125 Published: Jul 08, 1997. Publicly Released: Jul 08, 1997.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' management of projects during fiscal years (FY) 1993 through 1996 and its process of disseminating project reports to the public.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Commission on Civil Rights The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights should develop and document policies and procedures that: (1) assign responsibility for management functions to the staff director and other Commission officials; and (2) provide mechanisms for holding them accountable for properly managing the Commission's day-to-day operations. This effort should include updating the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) to provide for public access to the current organizational structure, procedures, and program processes of the Commission.
Closed – Implemented
Agency officials report that the revisions to the C.F.R. have been finalized and submitted to the Federal Register.
Commission on Civil Rights The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights should develop and document policies and procedures that: (1) assign responsibility for management functions to the staff director and other Commission officials; and (2) provide mechanisms for holding them accountable for properly managing the Commission's day-to-day operations. This effort should include updating internal management guidance so that staff are assured that their efforts comply with the administrative policies of the Commission, applicable legislation, and federal rules and regulations.
Closed – Implemented
The Commission reported that the Administrative Instructions (AIs) provide internal management guidance to Commission staff. The Administrative Instructions Manual was completed, printed, and disseminated to headquarters and regional offices in early 1999.
Commission on Civil Rights The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights should develop and document policies and procedures that: (1) assign responsibility for management functions to the staff director and other Commission officials; and (2) provide mechanisms for holding them accountable for properly managing the Commission's day-to-day operations. This effort should include establishing a management information system for commissioners and staff to use to plan projects and track progress using the best information available about projects' expected and actual costs, time frames, staffing levels and completion dates.
Closed – Implemented
The Commission reported that a management information system that will accurately track the status of Commission on Civil Rights' projects has been in place since fall 1998.

Full Report

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Topics

AccountabilityAgency reportsCivil rightsCost controlGovernment information disseminationInformation resources managementInternal controlsManagement information systemsNoncompliancePublic relations