Chief Information Officer Open Recommendations: Department of the Interior

What GAO Found

In September 2025, GAO identified 13 open recommendations under the purview of the Department of the Interior's Chief Information Officer (CIO), including two 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 one of the 13 as a priority recommendation.

For example, GAO previously recommended that Interior fully implement all cybersecurity event logging requirements as directed by the Office of Management and Budget. Further, GAO recommended that Interior implement leading practices in executive-level IT governance for major IT investments.

GAO also previously recommended that the department complete annual reviews of its IT portfolio consistent with federal requirements. 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.