The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides comprehensive, NOAA-wide technical, programmatic guidance and staff support to the Office of the Under Secretary in the areas of facilities management, i.e. real and personal property, project planning and management; internal control Freedom of Information Act competitive sourcing, OIG/GAO liaison; safety and environmental compliance and other administrative support services. The office provides policy, management and operational direction for the four geographical regions and NOAA-wide guidance and direction for the Directives and Records Management Programs. The office also administers the NOAA-wide Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity programs.