U.S.-Canadian Joint Effort Helps To Revitalize Great Lakes Fishery
NSIAD-85-106
Published: Jul 08, 1985. Publicly Released: Jul 17, 1985.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the administration and effectiveness of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) to determine: (1) the extent to which GLFC activities have improved the Great Lakes fisheries; (2) the timeliness and effectiveness of research studies; (3) the process by which U.S. positions on GLFC issues are formulated; (4) the effectiveness of U.S. commissioners; (5) the extent to which alternate commissioners have been used; and (6) the disposition of unused appropriated funds and the interest earned on them.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of State | The Secretary of State should instruct the Executive Director of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs to propose to GLFC that it require: (1) a request for proposals (RFP) when contracting for larger research projects, and a particular dollar threshold should be included in the Executive Director's proposal; and (2) progress reports from researchers at established intervals agreed upon in research agreements. |
Closed – Implemented
RFP are required for solicitations of $20,000 and over. Progress reports are required from researchers 2 weeks prior to completion, as opposed to within 6 months after completion. Nonfinancial benefits may occur if problems are detected and remedied as a result of the revised reporting requirement.
|
| Department of State | The Secretary of State should instruct the Executive Director of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs to renew the Department of State's efforts to have GLFC: (1) apply unused funds against next year's budgeted expenses, in accordance with GLFC regulations; and (2) provide for a working capital fund, based on a percentage of its annual budget, to serve as a hedge against unanticipated shortfalls in funds. |
Closed – Implemented
Discussions were be held at the Executive Session of the U.S. and Canadian Commission Interior Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, December 2 and 3, 1986. Unused funds were applied against subsequent years budget requests and GLFC financial regulations were revised to provide for establishment of a working capital fund.
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Topics
Appropriated fundsConflict of interestsFinancial managementGrant administrationInternational relationsMarine resources conservationOceanographic researchPersonnel managementProgram managementLakes