The U.S. Government Accountability Office, or GAO, provides Congress, the heads of executive agencies and the public with timely, fact-based and non-partisan information, according to the agency. The GAO states that this information can be used to improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars.
How work is assigned
Work performed by the GAO is done at the request of congressional committees or subcommittees, according to the agency. Work can also be statutorily required by public laws or committee reports. The agency states that this is done per its Congressional Protocols.
Reports and legal decisions
The agency details a report process that begins with a congressional request and ends with publication, the GAO says. The agency also outlines a legal decision process. According to the GAO, the process moves from a congressional request or a bid protest to the issuance of a legal decision.
Auditing and fraud reporting
The GAO maintains a role as an audit institution. According to the agency, it provides resources for auditors and performs work on national and international auditing standards. It also issues best practices for federal managers.
The agency operates a hotline for the public to report government fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement of federal funds, according to the GAO.
Core values and performance
The GAO lists accountability, integrity and reliability as its mission core values. According to the agency, these values allow it to demonstrate that its work is independent, objective and accurate.
The agency’s performance information includes its budget, strategic and performance planning, performance and accountability reports, and peer review results. Additionally, the Comptroller General makes appointments to health care advisory committees, the GAO says.