US Government Accountability Office

We’ve identified new issues related to how IRS manages the security, access, and configuration of its IT systems. We’ve also found that IRS has yet to address about 70% of our recommendations from previous reports about these IT systems and other issues. Learn more in our new report: https://lnkd.in/eRgraBbz

NEW BLOG POST—Older adults and those with disabilities may need assistance when making tough decisions with lasting financial consequences or navigating the government benefits system. They may also be more vulnerable to financial scams. Today’s WatchBlog post looks at 24 federal financial literacy programs that can help: https://lnkd.in/eX6a-RMb

SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT—Do you live in Colorado? And did you or a family member with a disability work in a sheltered workshop or for less than minimum wage before July 2023? If so, we want to hear about your experiences. Please email 14csurvey@gao.gov by Saturday, April 27 if you would be interested or would like more information. Learn more about GAO: https://www.gao.gov/about

The IRS’s Direct File pilot helps certain taxpayers prepare and file their taxes for free. But IRS hasn’t estimated the full costs of developing and operating a Direct File system. GAO’s Jay McTigue discusses on Federal News Network’s podcast Federal Drive: https://lnkd.in/evytmBzk

We’re hiring! GAO is looking for a Public Affairs Specialist with a strong writing & editing background to join our team at one of the best places to work in the federal government! As a PA Specialist, you will translate complex material from our GAO reports into clear, concise messages that will expand our reach to new audiences. This announcement closes on April 29, so apply now: https://lnkd.in/eYG9eKXy

There’s still a lot to learn about biometric identification technologies—such as facial recognition and fingerprinting—including how they can affect low-income and minority communities. In our new report, we interview academics, advocacy groups, and technology experts to find out more about the potential positive and negative effects of this technology: https://lnkd.in/eBJhSxnJ

At the tail end of COVID, the United States faced another public health emergency—an outbreak of #Mpox. This disease is in the same family as smallpox with some nasty symptoms. But even after all we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government’s response faced some of the same challenges. Find out more on our new podcast with GAO’s Mary Denigan-Macauley: https://lnkd.in/eYXNfNvG

NEW BLOG POST—Earth is our only home, and taking care of it is a big priority. But threats like pollution and water contamination can risk both the planet’s health, and our own. In honor of Earth Day (April 22), today’s WatchBlog post explores some of the efforts to combat these threats: https://lnkd.in/eyZtKrwZ

When unauthorized drones fly near airports they can create safety risks to planes, delay flights, and disrupt air traffic control. Existing drone detection and counter-drone technology could be used to address these risks. Our new report looks at how Congress could help the FAA implement these technologies around airports: https://lnkd.in/eWfADahK [This video has been updated]

We’re hiring! We’re looking for an experienced statistician to work with our analysts on complex analyses, designing efficient sampling approaches, and organizing activities that strengthen analytical skills at GAO. Apply to join our team by April 26: https://lnkd.in/e4UawC9T