Chief Information Officer Open Recommendations: Department of Commerce

What GAO Found

In August 2025, GAO identified 23 open recommendations under the purview of the Department of Commerce (Commerce) Chief Information Officer (CIO), including seven that are relevant to component-level CIOs, from previously issued work. Each of these recommendations relates to a GAO High-Risk area: (1) Ensuring the Cybersecurity of the Nation or (2) Improving IT Acquisitions and Management. In addition, GAO has designated four of the 23 as priority recommendations.

For example, GAO previously recommended that Commerce fully implement all cybersecurity event logging requirements as directed by the Office of Management and Budget. Further, GAO recommended that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration develop a comprehensive, organizational risk assessment.

GAO also previously recommended that the department complete annual reviews of its IT portfolio in conjunction with the Federal CIO. The CIO's continued attention to these recommendations will help ensure the secure and effective use of IT at the department.

Why GAO Did This Study

CIO open recommendations are outstanding GAO recommendations that warrant the attention of agency CIOs because their implementation could significantly improve government IT operations by securing IT systems, identifying cost savings, improving major government programs, eliminating mismanagement of IT programs and processes, or ensuring that IT programs comply with laws, among others.

For more information, contact Nick Marinos at marinosn@gao.gov.