GAO Month in Review January 2008

About the Month in Review

The Month in Review is a comprehensive list of all reports, testimony, correspondence, and other publications issued by GAO during the previous month, grouped according to subject categories.

Top 10 list of significant work made publicly available in the last month http://www.gao.gov/press/topten.html

Agriculture and Food

Federal Oversight of Food Safety: FDA's Food Protection Plan Proposes Positive First Steps, but Capacity to Carry Them Out Is Critical: GAO-08-435T, January 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 15 pages) Accessible Text

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Budget and Spending

Congressional Directives: Selected Agencies' Processes for Responding to Funding Instructions: GAO-08-209, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 47 pages) Accessible Text

Long-Term Fiscal Outlook: Action Is Needed to Avoid the Possibility of a Serious Economic Disruption in the Future: GAO-08-411T, January 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 17 pages) Accessible Text

Understanding Similarities and Differences between Accrual and Cash Deficits: Update for Fiscal Year 2007: GAO-08-410SP, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Accessible Text

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Economic Development

National Flood Insurance Program: Greater Transparency and Oversight of Wind and Flood Damage Determinations Are Needed: GAO-08-28, December 28, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 35 pages) Accessible Text

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Employment

Posthearing Questions Related to Federal Agencies' Activities regarding the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act: GAO-08-397R, January 9, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 5 pages) Accessible Text

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Energy

Energy Markets: Increasing Globalization of Petroleum Products Markets, Tightening Refining Demand and Supply Balance, and Other Trends Have Implications for U.S. Energy Supply, Prices, and Price Volatility: GAO-08-14, December 20, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 67 pages) Accessible Text

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Environmental Protection

Bureau of Reclamation: Reimbursement of California's Central Valley Project Capital Construction Costs by San Luis Unit Irrigation Water Districts: GAO-08-307R, December 18, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text

Great Lakes Initiative: EPA and States Have Made Progress, but Much Remains to Be Done If Water Quality Goals Are to Be Achieved: GAO-08-312T, January 23, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 9 pages) Accessible Text

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Financial Management

Audits of Public Companies: Continued Concentration in Audit Market for Large Public Companies Does Not Call for Immediate Action: GAO-08-163, January 9, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 114 pages) Accessible Text

Audits of Public Companies: Survey of Public Accounting Firms and Public Companies (GAO-08-164SP, January 2008), an E-supplement to GAO-08-163: GAO-08-164SP, January 9, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (HTML)

Government Auditing Standards: Implementation Tool: Professional Requirements Tool for Use in Implementing Requirements Identified by "Must" and "Should" in the July 2007 Revision of Government Auditing Standards: GAO-08-210G, December 31, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 92 pages) Accessible Text

Improper Payments: Federal Executive Branch Agencies' Fiscal Year 2007 Improper Payment Estimate Reporting: GAO-08-377R, January 23, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 11 pages) Accessible Text

Legal Services Corporation: Improved Internal Controls Needed in Grants Management and Oversight: GAO-08-37, December 28, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 35 pages) Accessible Text

Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today: GAO-08-500CG, January 30, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 18 pages) Accessible Text

U.S. Financial Condition and Fiscal Future Briefing: GAO-08-395CG, January 2, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 35 pages) Accessible Text

U.S. Financial Condition and Fiscal Future Briefing: GAO-08-417CG, January 9, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 33 pages) Accessible Text

U.S. Financial Condition and Fiscal Future Briefing: GAO-08-446CG, January 17, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 42 pages) Accessible Text

U.S. Financial Condition and Fiscal Future Briefing: GAO-08-490CG, January 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 44 pages) Accessible Text

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Government Operations

Bilingual Voting Assistance: Selected Jurisdictions' Strategies for Identifying Needs and Providing Assistance: GAO-08-182, January 18, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 77 pages) Accessible Text

Elderly Voters: Some Improvements in Voting Accessibility from 2000 to 2004 Elections, but Gaps in Policy and Implementation Remain: GAO-08-442T, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 26 pages) Accessible Text

Entitlement Reform Process: Other Countries' Experiences Provide Useful Insights for the United States: GAO-08-372, January 18, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 63 pages) Accessible Text

Feasibility of Outsourcing the Management and Operation of the Capitol Power Plant: GAO-08-382R, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 16 pages) Accessible Text

Federal Acquisition: Oversight Plan Needed to Help Implement Acquisition Advisory Panel Recommendations: GAO-08-160, December 20, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 69 pages) Accessible Text

GAO Performance and Accountability Highlights: Fiscal Year 2007: GAO-08-2SP, January 2, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 59 pages) Accessible Text

Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today: GAO-08-465CG, January 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 18 pages) Accessible Text

State and Local Governments: Growing Fiscal Challenges Will Emerge during the Next 10 Years: GAO-08-317, January 22, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 74 pages) Accessible Text

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Health

End-of-Life Care: Key Components Provided by Programs in Four States: GAO-08-66, December 14, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 23 pages) Accessible Text

Influenza Pandemic: Efforts Under Way to Address Constraints on Using Antivirals and Vaccines to Forestall a Pandemic: GAO-08-92, December 21, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 71 pages) Accessible Text

Medical Devices: Challenges for FDA in Conducting Manufacturer Inspections: GAO-08-428T, January 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 26 pages) Accessible Text

September 11: Improvements Still Needed in Availability of Health Screening and Monitoring Services for Responders outside the New York City Area: GAO-08-429T, January 22, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 12 pages) Accessible Text

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Homeland Security

Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry: GAO-08-329T, January 3, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 13 pages) Accessible Text

Observations on Implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: GAO-08-274R, December 20, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text

Supply Chain Security: Examinations of High-Risk Cargo at Foreign Seaports Have Increased, but Improved Data Collection and Performance Measures Are Needed: GAO-08-187, January 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 71 pages) Accessible Text

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Income Security

Office of Personnel Management: Improvements Needed to Ensure Successful Retirement Systems Modernization: GAO-08-345, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 64 pages) Accessible Text

Social Security Disability: Better Planning, Management, and Evaluation Could Help Address Backlogs: GAO-08-40, December 7, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 82 pages) Accessible Text

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Information Management

Information Security: IRS Needs to Address Pervasive Weaknesses: GAO-08-211, January 8, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 27 pages) Accessible Text

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International Affairs

Export Promotion: Export-Import Bank Has Met Target for Small Business Financing Share: GAO-08-419T, January 17, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 13 pages) Accessible Text

Iran Sanctions: Impact in Furthering U.S. Objectives Is Unclear and Should Be Reviewed: GAO-08-58, December 18, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 60 pages) Accessible Text

Iraq Reconstruction: Better Data Needed to Assess Iraq's Budget Execution: GAO-08-153, January 15, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 39 pages) Accessible Text

Nuclear Nonproliferation: DOE Needs to Reassess Its Program to Assist Weapons Scientists in Russia and Other Countries: GAO-08-434T, January 23, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 13 pages) Accessible Text

Nuclear Nonproliferation: DOE's Program to Assist Weapons Scientists in Russia and Other Countries Needs to Be Reassessed: GAO-08-189, December 12, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 78 pages) Accessible Text

United Nations: Management Reforms and Operational Issues: GAO-08-246T, January 24, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 18 pages) Accessible Text

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Justice and Law Enforcement

Convicted Sex Offenders: Factors That Could Affect the Successful Implementation of Driver's License-Related Processes to Encourage Registration and Enhance Monitoring: GAO-08-116, January 30, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 48 pages) Accessible Text

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National Defense

Army Corps of Engineers: Known Performance Issues with New Orleans Drainage Canal Pumps Have Been Addressed, but Guidance on Future Contracts Is Needed: GAO-08-288, December 31, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 42 pages) Accessible Text

Chemical Demilitarization: Additional Management Actions Needed to Meet Key Performance Goals of DOD's Chemical Demilitarization Program: GAO-08-134, December 6, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 84 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Acquisitions: Departmentwide Direction Is Needed for Implementation of the Anti-tamper Policy: GAO-08-91, January 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Contracting: Contract Risk a Key Factor in Assessing Excessive Pass-Through Charges: GAO-08-269, January 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 33 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Infrastructure: Realignment of Air Force Special Operations Command Units to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico: GAO-08-244R, January 18, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 14 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Logistics: The Army Needs to Implement an Effective Management and Oversight Plan for the Equipment Maintenance Contract in Kuwait: GAO-08-316R, January 22, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 28 pages) Accessible Text

Defense Trade: State Department Needs to Conduct Assessments to Identify and Address Inefficiencies and Challenges in the Arms Export Process: GAO-08-89, November 30, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 31 pages) Accessible Text

Force Structure--Need for Greater Transparency for the Army's Grow the Force Initiative Funding Plan: GAO-08-354R, January 18, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 11 pages) Accessible Text

Global War on Terrorism: Reported Obligations for the Department of Defense: GAO-08-423R, January 30, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 12 pages) Accessible Text

Maritime Security: Federal Efforts Needed to Address Challenges in Preventing and Responding to Terrorist Attacks on Energy Commodity Tankers: GAO-08-141, December 10, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 105 pages) Accessible Text

Military Operations: Implementation of Existing Guidance and Other Actions Needed to Improve DOD's Oversight and Management of Contractors in Future Operations: GAO-08-436T, January 24, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 24 pages) Accessible Text

VA and DOD Health Care: Administration of DOD's Post-Deployment Health Reassessment to National Guard and Reserve Servicemembers and VA's Interaction with DOD: GAO-08-181R, January 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 16 pages) Accessible Text

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Social Services

Bankruptcy and Child Support Enforcement: Improved Information Sharing Possible without Routine Data Matching: GAO-08-100, January 23, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 35 pages) Accessible Text

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Tax Policy and Administration

Tax Compliance: Qualified Intermediary Program Provides Some Assurance That Taxes on Foreign Investors Are Withheld and Reported, but Can Be Improved: GAO-08-99, December 19, 2007; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 45 pages) Accessible Text

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Transportation

Federal-Aid Highways: Increased Reliance on Contractors Can Pose Oversight Challenges for Federal and State Officials: GAO-08-198, January 8, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 74 pages) Accessible Text

Freight Transportation: National Policy and Strategies Can Help Improve Freight Mobility: GAO-08-287, January 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 53 pages) Accessible Text

Motor Carrier Safety: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Has Developed a Reasonable Framework for Managing and Testing Its Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 Initiative: GAO-08-242R, December 20, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 22 pages) Accessible Text

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Legal Products: Decisions and Opinions

AdaRose Inc.--Protest and Costs: B-299091.2, January 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 5 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Comprehensive Health Services, Inc.: B-310553, December 27, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 11 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

D&J Enterprises, Inc.: B-310442, December 13, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 5 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Daylight Tree Service & Equipment, LLC: B-310808, January 29, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Engineered Electric Company d/b/a/ DRS Fermont: B-295126.5; B-295126.6, December 7, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 2 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Engineering Construction Services, Inc.: B-310311.2, December 12, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 7 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Essan Metallix Corporation: B-310357, December 7, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Horizon Industries, Limited: B-310542, January 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 6 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

ICON Consulting Group, Inc.: B-310431.2, January 30, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

IMLCORP LLC; Wattre Corporation: B-310582; B-310582.2; B-310582.3; B-310582.4; B-310582.5, January 9, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 8 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

IVI Corp.: B-310766, January 23, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Lakeside Escrow & Title Agency, Inc.: B-310331.3, January 7, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 8 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

NAC International, Inc.: B-310065, November 21, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 12 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

National Telecommunications and Information Administration--Gift Cards for Respondents to the Converter Box Coupon Program Survey: B-310981, January 25, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 6 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

PMC Solutions, Inc.: B-310732, January 22, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

PWC Logistics Services Company KSC(c): B-310559, January 30, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 14 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Pemco Aeroplex, Inc.: B-310372, December 27, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 18 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Precision Standard, Inc.: B-310684, January 14, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Presidential Signing Statements--Agency Implementation of Ten Provisions of Law: B-309928, December 20, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 17 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Recon Optical, Inc.: B-310436; B-310436.2, December 27, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 18 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Rocketplane Kistler: B-310741, January 28, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 6 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Sherrick Aerospace: B-310359.2, January 10, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 11 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Singleton Enterprises-GMT Mechanical, A Joint Venture: B-310552, January 10, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 4 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Sunrise Medical HHG, Inc.: B-310230, December 12, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 11 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Superlative Technologies, Inc.: B-310489; B-310489.2, January 4, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 9 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Team BOS/Naples-Gemmo S.p.A./DelJen: B-298865.3, December 28, 2007; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 17 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

Utility Tool & Trailer, Inc.: B-310535, January 3, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 5 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

World Communications Center, Inc.--Costs: B-310398.4, January 16, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Decision (PDF, 2 pages) Full Decision (HTML)

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Legal Products: Federal Agency Major Rules

Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency: 2005-2007 Livestock Compensation and Catfish Grant Programs: GAO-08-393R, January 8, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency: Emergency Agricultural Assistance, 2007; Crop Disaster and Livestock Indemnity Programs: GAO-08-392R, January 8, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Medicaid Program; Elimination of Reimbursement Under Medicaid for School Administration Expenditures and Costs Related to Transportation of School-Age Children Between Home and School: GAO-08-394R, January 11, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Hours of Service of Drivers: GAO-08-390R, January 3, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

Environmental Protection Agency: Standards of Performance for Stationary Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Engines and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines: GAO-08-441R, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

Federal Communications Commission: Exclusive Service Contracts for Provision of Video Services in Multiple Dwelling Units and Other Real Estate Developments: GAO-08-406R, January 18, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

Securities and Exchange Commission: Acceptance From Foreign Private Issuers of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With International Financial Reporting Standards Without Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP: GAO-08-404R, January 18, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

Social Security Administration: Suspension of New Claims to the Federal Reviewing Official Review Level: GAO-08-455R, January 31, 2008; Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 4 pages) Full Report (HTML)

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