Yearend Spending by Federal Agencies
PSAD-80-60: Published: Jul 7, 1980. Publicly Released: Jul 7, 1980.
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There are many reasons why Federal agencies have a yearend surge in expenditures, not all of them are avoidable or wasteful. Some yearend obligations are illusions and do not represent the actual expenditure of funds. Certain agencies have prerecorded future obligations to prevent funds from lapsing, give the appearance of greater achievement than has actually transpired, or recognize potential liabilities that are at the best speculative. A certain amount of wasteful yearend spending occurs when an agency finds itself with substantial amounts of unobligated funds at the close of the fiscal year. Waste occurs through funding of low-priority projects, stimulating demand for unplanned products or services and shortcutting the procurement process. Premature funding of existing contracts beyond current period needs and awarding Small Business Act contracts months before a subcontractor, who will actually provide the supply or service, has been selected also occur. GAO believes a significant amount of yearend contracts and grants is awarded for the purpose intended, but poor planning causes a bunching up of procurement at the end of the year. There are many legislative proposals to place limits on the percentage of total expenditures during the last several months of the fiscal year. While such measures will not necessarily prevent wasteful expenditures, they will stimulate better planning and contribute to more prudent contract and grant activity.
Dec 15, 2020
The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Information on the Spending and Revenue Implications of Potential Debt TargetsGAO-21-211: Published: Dec 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 15, 2020.
Oct 7, 2020
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
A Long-Term Plan Is Needed for Fiscal SustainabilityGAO-21-161T: Published: Oct 7, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 7, 2020.
Sep 23, 2020
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Effective Use of Fiscal Rules and TargetsGAO-20-561: Published: Sep 23, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 23, 2020.
Jan 23, 2020
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Federal Trust Funds and Other Dedicated Funds:
Fiscal Sustainability Is a Growing Concern for Some Key FundsGAO-20-156: Published: Jan 16, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 23, 2020.
Dec 19, 2019
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State and Local Governments' Fiscal Outlook:
2019 UpdateGAO-20-269SP: Published: Dec 19, 2019. Publicly Released: Dec 19, 2019.
Nov 14, 2019
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Certificated Expenditures:
Executive Office of the President FY 2018 Certificated Expenditures Were Spent for Authorized PurposesGAO-20-139R: Published: Nov 14, 2019. Publicly Released: Nov 14, 2019.
Oct 16, 2019
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Civilian Personnel:
Additional Guidance and Consistent Data Reporting Could Help Improve the Marine Corps' Budget ManagementGAO-20-148: Published: Oct 16, 2019. Publicly Released: Oct 16, 2019.
Jun 26, 2019
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Actions Needed to Achieve Long-Term Fiscal SustainabilityGAO-19-611T: Published: Jun 26, 2019. Publicly Released: Jun 26, 2019.
Apr 10, 2019
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The Nation's Fiscal Health:
Action Is Needed to Address the Federal Government's Fiscal FutureGAO-19-314SP: Published: Apr 10, 2019. Publicly Released: Apr 10, 2019.
Mar 27, 2019
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Fiscal Exposures:
Federal Insurance and Other Activities That Transfer Risk or Losses to the GovernmentGAO-19-353: Published: Mar 27, 2019. Publicly Released: Mar 27, 2019.
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