Government Accountability Office

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Obtaining Copies of GAO Reports, Testimony, Decisions, and Opinions The fastest and easiest way to obtain copies of GAO documents at no cost is through GAO’s Web site (www.gao.gov) . Each weekday, GAO posts newly released products on its Web site. To have GAO e mail you a list of newly posted products every afternoon, go to www.gao.gov and select “Subscribe to Updates.” ”

“ Requesting a Legal Decision or Opinion By statute, accountable officers and heads of agencies and agency components are entitled to an advance decision of the Comptroller General concerning the obligation, expenditure, and accounting of appropriated funds. 31 U. S. C. § 3529. In addition, as a matter of law and long-standing practice, the Comptroller General renders opinions to committees of Congress on matters within their jurisdiction and to individual Members of Congress. ”

“ In addition, and independently of an audit or investigation, OGC will analyze and opine on the proper use of federal funds and properties or on the scope and exercise of authority by federal officers and employees at the request of Congress, its committees, and Members. ”

“ Informal meetings are ex parte and typically neither informal meetings nor conferences are transcribed. Unlike GAO audit products, OGC does not provide draft copies of its decisions or opinions for agency comment, nor does it provide preliminary conclusions or draft copies to the requesting accountable officers or agency heads or requesting committee or Member staff. ”

“ GAO’s Mission The Government Accountability Office, the audit, evaluation and investigative arm of Congress, exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the American people. GAO examines the use of public funds ”

“ If the alleged error of fact is premised on new information, the request must include the new information and the reasons why it was not previously available and presented for consideration during the development of the original decision or opinion.
Informal Technical Assistance OGC attorneys may provide informal assistance to congressional and agency officers and employees on issues which the attorneys have developed a particular competence. ”