Reports & Testimonies
Recommendations Database
GAO’s recommendations database contains report recommendations that still need to be addressed. GAO’s priority recommendations are those that we believe warrant priority attention. We sent letters to the heads of key departments and agencies, urging them to continue focusing on these issues. Below you can search only priority recommendations, or search all recommendations.
Our recommendations help congressional and agency leaders prepare for appropriations and oversight activities, as well as help improve government operations. Moreover, when implemented, some of our priority recommendations can save large amounts of money, help Congress make decisions on major issues, and substantially improve or transform major government programs or agencies, among other benefits.
As of October 25, 2020, there are 4812 open recommendations, of which 473 are priority recommendations. Recommendations remain open until they are designated as Closed-implemented or Closed-not implemented.
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Results:
Subject Term: "Drug abuse treatment"
GAO-20-423, May 26, 2020
Phone: (202) 512-8777
Agency: Department of Justice: Bureau of Prisons
Status: Open
Comments: BOP concurred with this recommendation and is taking steps to implement it. Specifically, as of June 2020, BOP stated it is working to identify the number of additional agency personnel needed to support its MAT program expansion, including evaluating existing program requirements and consulting with external subject matter experts. To fully address this recommendation, BOP will need to provide documentation on how it determined the number of additional agency personnel it needs to fully implement the MAT program.
Agency: Department of Justice: Bureau of Prisons
Status: Open
Comments: BOP concurred with this recommendation and is taking steps to implement it. Specifically, as of June 2020, BOP stated that its recruiters for medical personnel positions needed to implement the MAT program were being trained to focus on promising candidates within a larger pool. Additionally, BOP stated that market factors had been established to incentivize new applicants and existing BOP personnel to engage in the MAT program. To fully implement this recommendation, BOP must provide more information and documentation supporting these steps, and additionally, provide information on how these and other steps relate to BOP's plans for recruiting and onboarding necessary personnel.
Agency: Department of Justice: Bureau of Prisons
Status: Open
Comments: BOP concurred with this recommendation and, as of June 2020, indicated that it continues to develop and adjust target goals and milestones for MAT services expansion leading to full nationwide implementation. To fully implement this recommendation, BOP will need to provide evidence that it has developed and documented time frames and target goals for expanding the MAT program, including a target date for when the MAT program expansion will be completed.
Agency: Department of Justice: Bureau of Prisons
Status: Open
Comments: BOP concurred with this recommendation and indicated in June 2020 that it would provide GAO with an updated program evaluation plan. To fully implement this recommendation, BOP will need to provide this updated plan along with supporting documentation outlining BOP's process for updating it.
Agency: Department of Justice: Bureau of Prisons
Status: Open
Comments: BOP concurred with this recommendation and is taking steps to implement it.
Agency: Department of Justice: Bureau of Prisons
Status: Open
Comments: BOP concurred with this recommendation and is taking steps to implement it. Specifically, as of June 2020, BOP stated it will develop a portfolio management plan to ensure necessary resources are secured and appropriately allocated in a manner consistent with the agency's strategic plan. To fully implement this recommendation, BOP will need to develop this plan to include, among other components, specific activities and resources necessary to effectively manage its portfolio of drug education and treatment programs.
Agency: Department of Justice: Bureau of Prisons
Status: Open
Comments: BOP concurred with this recommendation and is taking steps to implement it.
GAO-20-337, May 21, 2020
Phone: (617) 788-0580
Agency: Department of Labor
Status: Open
Comments: DOL agreed with this recommendation. ETA anticipates providing information and technical assistance to help workforce system grantees understand how they can address the impacts of SUD on the workforce. The agency also plans to issue guidance by the end of 2020 to share promising practices and describe how WIOA funds can be used to support job seekers in recovery and employers.
Agency: Department of Labor
Status: Open
Comments: DOL agreed with this recommendation, noting that ETA has created resources that are available to all states based on its experience administering some of the targeted grants. ETA officials cited the recently published literature review and companion resource guide, and said they also plan to share the evaluation of the Phase 1 grants widely when it is available, including any resources or tools developed by states that were awarded Phase 1 grants. In addition, ETA plans to host at least one webinar to share additional promising practices from the targeted grants that could be useful to local workforce boards around the country.