GAO Reports - 2021

The following are the GAO reports published in 2021 that are discussed in this wiki (in reverse chronological order). Those reports that have already been summarized are in blue; those that have not yet been summarized are in red.

[NOTE: GAO Reports are often updated; many are updated multiple times. The links below are to the most recent version of the Report.]

December

• Space Command and Control: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Annual Reporting (GAO-22-104685) (Dec. 22, 2021).
• Open Data: Additional Action Required for Full Public Access (GAO-22-104574) (Dec. 16, 2021) (full-text).
• DHS Privacy: Selected Component Agencies Generally Provided Oversight of Contractors, but Further Actions Are Needed to Address Gaps (GAO-22-104144) (Dec. 16, 2021).
• Information Technology: Digital Service Programs Need to Consistently Coordinate on Developing Guidance for Agencies (GAO-22-104492) (Dec 10, 2021).
• Defense Contractor Cybersecurity: Stakeholder Communication and Performance Goals Could Improve Certification Framework (GAO-22-104679) (Dec. 8, 2021).
• Cybersecurity: NIH Needs to Take Further Actions to Resolve Control Deficiencies and Improve Its Program (GAO-22-104467) (Dec. 7, 2021).
• Cybersecurity: Federal Actions Urgently Needed to Better Protect the Nation's Critical Infrastructure (GAO-22-105530) (Dec. 2, 2021).
• NASA: Lessons from Ongoing Major Projects Can Inform Management of Future Space Telescopes (GAO-22-105555) (Dec 1, 2021).

November

• Defense Acquisitions: DOD Should Take Additional Actions to Improve How It Approaches Intellectual Property (GAO-22-104752) (Nov. 30, 2021).
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: CISA Should Assess the Effectiveness of its Actions to Support the Communications Sector (GAO-22-104462) (Nov. 23, 2021).
• Digital Services: Considerations for a Federal Academy to Develop a Pipeline of Digital Staff (GAO-22-105388) (Nov. 19, 2021).

October

• U.S. Agency for Global Media: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Oversight of Broadcasting Networks (GAO-22-104017) (Oct. 27, 2021).
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Education Should Take Additional Steps to Help Protect K-12 Schools from Cyber Threats (GAO-22-105024) (Oct. 13, 2021).

September

• High-Performance Computing: Advances Made Towards Implementing the National Strategy, but Better Reporting and a More Detailed Plan Are Needed (GAO-21-104500) (Sept. 30, 2021).
• COVID-19: Selected Agencies Overcame Technology Challenges to Support Telework but Need to Fully Assess Security Controls (GAO-21-583) (Sept, 30, 2021).
• Aircraft Noise: FAA Could Improve Outreach Through Enhanced Noise Metrics Communication, and Support to Communities (GAO-21-103933) (Sept. 28, 2021).
• Broadband: FCC is Taking Steps to Accurately Map Locations That Lack Access (GAO-21-104447) (Sept. 28, 2021).
• GSA Online Marketplaces: Plans to Measure Progress and Monitor Data Protection Efforts Need Further Development (GAO-21-104572) (Sept 28, 2021).
• Electricity Grid Resilience (GAO-21-105403) (Sept. 20, 2021).
• Electronic Health Records: DOD Has Made Progress in Implementing a New System, but Challenges Persist (GAO-21-571)

(Sept. 20, 2021).

• Exposure Notification: Benefits and Challenges of Smartphone Applications to Augment Contact Tracing (GAO-21-104622) (Sept. 9, 2021).

July

• FY2022 Electronic Warfare Funding Trends, CRS Insight (July 21, 2021).
• Overview of Department of Defense Use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum (updated July 16, 2021).

June

• Software Development: DOD Faces Risks and Challenges in Implementing Modern Approaches and Addressing Cybersecurity Practices (GAO-21-351) (June 23, 2021).
• Sex Trafficking: Online Platforms and Federal Prosecutions (GAO-21-385) (June 21, 2021).
• Defense Cybersecurity: Defense Logistics Agency Needs to Address Risk Management Deficiencies in Inventory Systems (GAO-21-278) (June 21, 2021).
• Commercial Space Transportation: FAA Continues to Update Regulations and Faces Challenges to Overseeing an Evolving Industry (GAO-21-105268) (June 16, 2021).
• Homeland Security:DHS Needs to Fully Implement Key Practices in Acquiring Biometric Identity Management System (GAO-21-386) (June 8, 2021).
• Science & Tech Spotlight: Digital Vaccine Credentials (GAO-21-534SP) (June 3, 2021).

May

• NASA Lunar Programs:Significant Work Remains, Underscoring Challenges to Achieving Moon Landing in 2024 (GAO-21-330) (May 26, 2021).
• DOD is Developing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Technologies to Complement GPS (GAO-21-320SP) (May 10, 2021).

April

• Telecommunications: FCC Assisted in Hurricane Maria Network Restoration, but a Clarified Disaster Response Role and Enhanced Communication Are Needed (GAO-21-297) (Apr. 29, 2021).
• Information Technology:Agencies Need to Develop and Implement Modernization Plans for Critical Legacy Systems (GAO-21-524T) (Apr. 27, 2021).
• Information Technology and Cybersecurity: Significant Attention Is Needed to Address High-Risk Areas (GAO-21-422T) (Apr. 16, 2021).

March

• High-Risk Series: Federal Government Needs to Urgently Pursue Critical Actions to Address Major Cybersecurity Challenges (GAO-21-288) (Mar. 24, 2021).
• Freedom of Information Act: Actions Needed to Improve Agency Compliance with Proactive Disclosure Requirements (GAO-21-254) (Mar. 10, 2021).
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency: Actions Needed to Ensure Organizational Changes Result in More Effective Cybersecurity for Our Nation (GAO-21-236) (Mar. 10, 2021).
• Weapon Systems Cybersecurity" Guidance Would Help DOD Programs Better Communicate Requirements to Contractors (GAO-21-179) (Mar. 04, 2021).
• Data Center Optimization: Agencies Report Progress and Billions Saved, but OMB Needs to Improve Its Utilization Guidance (GAO-21-212) (Mar. 04, 2021).
• Aviation Security Technology: TSA Lacks Outcome-oriented Performance Measures and Data to Help Reach Objectives to Diversify its Marketplace (GAO-21-146) (Mar. 03, 2021).

February

• Defined Contribution Plans: Federal Guidance Could Help Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks in 401(k) and Other Retirement Plans (GAO-21-25) (Feb. 11, 2021).

• Department of Energy: Improved Performance Planning Could Strengthen Technology Transfer (GAO-21-202) (Feb. 1, 2021).

January

• Cyber Diplomacy: State Should Use Data and Evidence to Justify Its Proposal for a New Bureau of Cyberspace Security and Emerging Technologies (GAO-21-266R) (Jan. 28, 2021).

• Telecommunications: FCC Has Implemented the Lifeline National Verifier but Should Improve Consumer Awareness and Experience (GAO-21-235) (Jan. 28, 2021).

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems: FAA Could Strengthen Its Implementation of a Drone Traffic Management System by Improving Communication and Measuring Performance (GAO-21-165) (Jan. 28, 2021).

• GPS Modernization: DOD Continuing to Develop New Jam-Resistant Capability, But Widespread Use Remains Years Away (GAO-21-145) (Jan. 19, 2021).

• Freedom of Information Act: Update on Federal Agencies' Use of Exemption Statutes (GAO-21-148) (Jan. 12, 2021).

• Electronic Health Records: VA Has Made Progress in Preparing for New System, but Subsequent Test Findings Will Need to Be Addressed (GAO-21-224) (Feb. 11, 2021).

Other GAO Reports

The following entries list GAO Reports in chronological order by year:

• 1958 • 1960 • 1963 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1967 • 1968 • 1969 • 1970 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1976 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1980 • 1981 • 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 • 2020