Government Accountability Office

From Govit

Background
The Government Accountability Office is part of the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government. The office is the arm of the United States Congress responsible for audits, evaluations, and investigations.

The GAO originally was established as the General Accounting Office by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, tasked with investigating all matters relating to the receipt, disbursement, and application of public funds. Its responsibilities include aissuing reports and recommendations on ways to improve the economy or efficiency of government business. [1]

The name was changed in 2004 to better reflect the broader mission of the office.

Headquarters: 441 G St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20548
Employees: 3,300
Annual Budget: $488.6 million (2007)
Agency Executive: David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States

1 What the GAO Offers
2 Latest News from GAO
3 Notes
4 External Links

What the GAO Offers

Most GAO reports (initiated by requests from members of Congress) are available on its website , except for select reports designated as limited to official use. Topics range from Federal Budget and Fiscal Issues to Financial Management, Education, Retirement Issues, Defense, Homeland Security, Administration of Justice, Health Care, Information Management and Technology, Natural Resources, Environment, International Affairs, Trade, Financial Markets, Housing, Government Management and Human Capital.

The office also establishes standards for audits of government organizations, programs, activities, and functions, including the grants or contracts made by government offices to contractors, nonprofit organizations, and other nongovernmental organizations.