GAO’s Work Led to Over $55 Billion in Financial Benefits for the Federal Government in FY22

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 15, 2022) – The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) work generated $55.6 billion in financial benefits for the federal government and the American people in fiscal year (FY) 2022 – a return of approximately $74 for every dollar invested in GAO.  Additionally, GAO produced more than 1,262 other benefits in FY 2022 that led to legislative solutions and program and management improvements throughout the federal government. These accomplishments, highlighted in our Performance and Accountability Report for FY 2022 that we are issuing today, emphasizes GAO’s commitment to providing reliable, professional, fact-based, non-partisan information to Congress and the public.

“The work GAO accomplished in FY 2022 offered significant value to Congress and the American people and demonstrates our steadfast commitment to help improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government.” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and the head of the GAO. “The hard work and dedication of GAO employees and the continued support of Congress enables GAO to carry out our oversight mission and serve the public on issues affecting the lives of all Americans.”

During the past year, GAO provided lawmakers with timely information on a range of domestic and international challenges and priorities to produce financial benefits, make legislative impacts, and promote better management of federal programs.

Some highlights of this year’s report include: 

Financial Benefits. Almost $36 billion in savings resulted from GAO recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget on their initiative to help agencies purchase goods and services more efficiently through fewer, larger contracts. The Small Business Administration will also recover an estimated $3.5 billion by implementing GAO’s recommendations to better oversee the Paycheck Protection Program to ensure funds were properly distributed and prevent fraud.

Public Safety and Security. Our work this year led the Army to develop guidance to ensure cybersecurity requirements are included in contracts to better protect weapon systems from cyberattacks. Additionally, our work with the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture prompted interagency collaboration into their Food Loss and Waste strategy, which should help reduce food waste and strengthen U.S. food security.

Vulnerable Populations. Our recommendations led the Department of Health and Human Services to provide guidance to state Medicaid, child-welfare, and other officials to improve monitoring of psychotropic medications prescribed to children in foster care. This will help ensure children in foster care receive appropriate health care for their conditions.

Agency Operations. GAO’s work led the Drug Enforcement Administration to use computer algorithms to proactively identify patterns and trends in drug distribution to help identify suspicious activities. Additionally, GAO’s work on diversity and inclusion prompted the State Department to update its Strategic Plan and identify ways to remove barriers and build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

COVID-19 Response and Recovery. GAO continued its oversight and evaluation of the government’s $4.6 trillion response to COVID-19, and issued products in areas like contact tracing for air travel, the distribution of emergency relief funds, and long COVID.  GAO has made more than 300 recommendations on government efforts to improve public health, transparency and the accountability of federal funds.  

In addition to these benefits, GAO continued to build upon its bodies of work focused on the well-being of the American people, including obstacles experienced by students and teachers in high-poverty areas, as well as challenges our veterans face in transitioning to civilian life and accessing disability benefits. Our Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team also issued products on brain-computer interface, deep-sea mining, vaccine development, blockchain, and persistent chemicals—which will influence future policy decisions.

GAO made a total 1,255 new recommendations in FY 2022. In addition, senior GAO officials testified 72 times before 43 different congressional committees/subcommittees on activities at virtually every federal agency.

For more information, contact Chuck Young in the Office of Public Affairs at (202) 512-4800.

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The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.