The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the “congressional watchdog,” GAO investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. They support congressional oversight by:

• Auditing agency operations to determine whether federal funds are being spent efficiently and effectively
• Investigating allegations of illegal and improper activities
• Reporting on how well government programs and policies are meeting their objectives
• Performing policy analyses and outlining options for congressional consideration
• Issuing legal decisions and opinions, such as bid protest rulings and reports on agency rules

Website: Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Mission Statement
The mission of the GAO is to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. We provide Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonpartisan, nonideological, fair, and balanced.

AcqLinks and References:

• DoD Manual 7600.01-M “DoD Audit Manual” – 13 Feb 09
• DoD Instruction 7600.02 “Audit Policies” – 27 April 2007
• DoD Instruction 7650.02 “GAO Reviews and Reports,” – 20 Nov 2006
• Comptroller General of the United States Guidance, “Government Auditing Standard Guidance on GAGAS Requirements for Continuing Professional Education” – April 2005
• DFARS Subpart 237.2 “Advisory and Assistance Services”
• DCAA 7641.90 “Auditing Contractor Information” – Jan 2005
• Example: Purdue University “Internal Office Audit Plan” – 2005
• Template: Internal Audit Plan, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Website: DoD Office of Deputy Inspector General of Auditing
• Website: Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)
• Website: DCAA 7640.1 “Contract Audit Manual”
• Website: FAR Part 42 “Contract Administration and Audit Services”