Collaboration
Achieving meaningful national results in many policy and program areas requires some combination of coordinated efforts among various actors across federal agencies, often with other governments (for example, internationally and at state and local levels), nongovernmental organizations (NGO), for-profit and not-for-profit contractors, and the private sector. Examples of such results include
These and many other public issues vividly underscore the critical importance of employing broad governance perspective to meet global and national needs and will highlight challenges Congress and the new administration face in devising integrated solutions to such multidimensional problems.
A longer-term strategic plan for the federal government, along with key national indicators to assess performance, could also enable governmentwide re-examination of both existing programs and proposed new programs.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has a central role in overseeing the management of federal agencies and promoting the President's Management Agenda (PMA). While OMB has used the PMA to foster greater interagency collaboration, its efforts have been limited, and the agency could be doing much more to improve coordination among federal agencies.
The increasing complexity of how the government does its business—and who does it—presents new challenges to congressional decision making, as well. Throughout the nation's history, Congress has consistently shown the ability to respond to the nation's most technically complex and politically difficult challenges. Congress will increasingly need to rely on integrated approaches to help its decision making on the many issues requiring effective collaboration across federal agencies, levels of government, and sectors.
- OMB should fully implement the requirement of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) to develop a governmentwide performance plan.
Highlights of GAO-04-38 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-1026T (PDF)
- Congress should consider amending GPRA to require the President to develop a governmentwide strategic plan.
Highlights of GAO-04-38 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-08-1026T (PDF)
- OMB should focus attention on additional areas in need of greater collaboration to achieve common outcomes and should promote key practices that can enhance and sustain collaboration. These practices include
- Congress should consider developing a more systematic vehicle for communicating its top performance concerns that could then better inform and guide its authorization, appropriations, and oversight processes. Congress could develop a congressional performance resolution identifying key oversight and performance goals that Congress wishes to set for its own committees and for the government as a whole. Such a resolution could be developed from currently used congressional budget resolutions, which are already organized by budget function. Congress and its leadership can also develop a list of key areas of congressional interest and emphasis. Senate and House committees could then be organized and directed to develop integrated oversight agendas that target those areas. Such a broad structured oversight agenda could better coordinate a congressional perspective on crosscutting issues as they are addressed by the individual committees. It can also elevate those issues that might best be served by scheduling joint hearings or crosscutting studies, investigations, or other initiatives.
GAO-08-93SP (PDF)
- Government Performance: Lessons Learned for the Next Administration on Using Performance Information to Improve Results
- GAO-08-1026T, July 24, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 32 pages) Accessible Text
- A Call For Stewardship: Enhancing the Federal Government's Ability to Address Key Fiscal and Other 21st Century Challenges
- GAO-08-93SP, December 17, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 40 pages) Accessible Text
- Results-Oriented Government: Practices That Can Help Enhance and Sustain Collaboration among Federal Agencies
- GAO-06-15, October 21, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 43 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Results-Oriented Government: GPRA Has Established a Solid Foundation for Achieving Greater Results
- GAO-04-38, March 10, 2004
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 280 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
More Reports
- Disaster Assistance: Greater Coordination and an Evaluation of Programs' Outcomes Could Improve Disaster Case Management
- GAO-09-561, July 8, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 56 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- International Aviation: Federal Efforts Help Address Safety Challenges in Africa, but Could Benefit from Reassessment and Better Coordination
- GAO-09-498, June 16, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 43 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Coordinated Federal Decisions and Additional Data Are Needed to Manage Potential Economic Impact of Applying U.S. Immigration Law
- GAO-09-426T, May 19, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 27 pages) Accessible Text
- Foreign Aid Reform: Comprehensive Strategy, Interagency Coordination, and Operational Improvements Would Bolster Current Efforts
- GAO-09-192, April 17, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 59 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Drug Control: Better Coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and an Updated Accountability Framework can Further Enhance DEA's Efforts to Meet Post-9/11 Responsibilities
- GAO-09-63, March 20, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 80 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Defense Management: Actions Needed to Address Stakeholder Concerns, Improve Interagency Collaboration, and Determine Full Costs Associated with the U.S. Africa Command
- GAO-09-181, February 20, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 47 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Seafood Fraud: FDA Program Changes and Better Collaboration among Key Federal Agencies Could Improve Detection and Prevention
- GAO-09-258, February 19, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 53 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Bank Secrecy Act: Federal Agencies Should Take Action to Further Improve Coordination and Information-Sharing Efforts
- GAO-09-227, February 12, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 110 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Highway Infrastructure: Federal Efforts to Strengthen Security Should Be Better Coordinated and Targeted on the Nation's Most Critical Highway Infrastructure
- GAO-09-57, January 30, 2009
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 85 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Radio Communications: Congressional Action Needed to Ensure Agencies Collaborate to Develop a Joint Solution
- GAO-09-133, December 12, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 59 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Genetically Engineered Crops: Agencies Are Proposing Changes to Improve Oversight, but Could Take Additional Steps to Enhance Coordination and Monitoring
- GAO-09-60, November 5, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 109 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Multiple Agencies Provide Assistance to Service-disabled Veterans or Entrepreneurs, but Specific Needs Are Difficult to Identify and Coordination Is Weak
- GAO-09-11R, October 15, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 45 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- USA Patriot Act: Better Interagency Coordination and Implementing Guidance for Section 311 Could Improve U.S. Anti-Money Laundering Efforts
- GAO-08-1058, September 30, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 45 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Rural Economic Development: Collaboration between SBA and USDA Could Be Improved
- GAO-08-1123, September 18, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 51 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Rebuilding Iraq: DOD and State Department Have Improved Oversight and Coordination of Private Security Contractors in Iraq, but Further Actions Are Needed to Sustain Improvements
- GAO-08-966, July 31, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 66 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Afghanistan Security: U.S. Efforts to Develop Capable Afghan Police Forces Face Challenges and Need a Coordinated, Detailed Plan to Help Ensure Accountability
- GAO-08-883T, June 18, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 23 pages) Accessible Text
- Federal Disability Programs: Coordination Could Facilitate Better Data Collection to Assess the Status of People with Disabilities
- GAO-08-872T, June 4, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 10 pages) Accessible Text
- Federal Disability Programs: More Strategic Coordination Could Help Overcome Challenges to Needed Transformation
- GAO-08-635, May 20, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 53 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- VA and DOD Health Care: Progress Made on Implementation of 2003 President's Task Force Recommendations on Collaboration and Coordination, but More Remains to Be Done
- GAO-08-495R, April 30, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 21 pages) Accessible Text
- Homeland Defense: Steps Have Been Taken to Improve U.S. Northern Command's Coordination with States and the National Guard Bureau, but Gaps Remain
- GAO-08-252, April 16, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 57 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- National Disaster Response: FEMA Should Take Action to Improve Capacity and Coordination between Government and Voluntary Sectors
- GAO-08-369, February 27, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 63 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Small Business Administration: Preliminary Views on Increasing Collaboration with Department of Agriculture Rural Development Offices
- GAO-08-278T, November 14, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 15 pages) Accessible Text
- Terrorist Watch List Screening: Recommendations to Promote a Comprehensive and Coordinated Approach to Terrorist-Related Screening
- GAO-08-253T, November 8, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 19 pages) Accessible Text
- Stabilization and Reconstruction: Actions Are Needed to Develop a Planning and Coordination Framework and Establish the Civilian Reserve Corps
- GAO-08-39, November 6, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 60 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Influenza Pandemic: Opportunities Exist to Address Critical Infrastructure Protection Challenges That Require Federal and Private Sector Coordination
- GAO-08-36, October 31, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 51 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Fusion Energy: Definitive Cost Estimates for U.S. Contributions to an International Experimental Reactor and Better Coordinated DOE Research Are Needed
- GAO-08-30, October 26, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 38 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Influenza Pandemic: Opportunities Exist to Clarify Federal Leadership Roles and Improve Pandemic Planning
- GAO-07-1257T, September 26, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 16 pages) Accessible Text
- Influenza Pandemic: Further Efforts Are Needed to Ensure Clearer Federal Leadership Roles and an Effective National Strategy
- GAO-07-781, August 14, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 56 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Aviation Security: Federal Coordination for Responding to In-flight Security Threats Has Matured, but Procedures Can Be Strengthened
- GAO-07-891R, July 31, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 11 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Human Trafficking: A Strategic Framework Could Help Enhance the Interagency Collaboration Needed to Effectively Combat Trafficking Crimes
- GAO-07-915, July 26, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 74 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- U.S. Public Diplomacy: Actions Needed to Improve Strategic Use and Coordination of Research
- GAO-07-904, July 18, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 56 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Homeland Security: Guidance from Operations Directorate Will Enhance Collaboration among Departmental Operations Centers
- GAO-07-683T, June 20, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 24 pages) Accessible Text
- Mine Safety: Better Oversight and Coordination by MSHA and Other Federal Agencies Could Improve Safety for Underground Coal Miners
- GAO-07-622, May 16, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 87 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Information Technology: Homeland Security Information Network Needs to Be Better Coordinated with Key State and Local Initiatives
- GAO-07-822T, May 10, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 19 pages) Accessible Text
- Information Technology: Numerous Federal Networks Used to Support Homeland Security Need to Be Better Coordinated with Key State and Local Information-Sharing Initiatives
- GAO-07-455, April 16, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 81 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- DHS Multi-Agency Operation Centers Would Benefit from Taking Further Steps to Enhance Collaboration and Coordination
- GAO-07-686R, April 5, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 30 pages) Accessible Text
- Foreign Assistance: Enhanced Coordination and Better Methods to Assess the Results of U.S. International Basic Education Efforts Are Needed
- GAO-07-523, March 30, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 80 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Financial Market Regulation: Agencies Engaged in Consolidated Supervision Can Strengthen Performance Measurement and Collaboration
- GAO-07-154, March 15, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 86 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Passenger Rail Security: Federal Strategy and Enhanced Coordination Needed to Prioritize and Guide Security Efforts
- GAO-07-583T, March 7, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 27 pages) Accessible Text
- Section 1206 Security Assistance Program--Findings on Criteria, Coordination, and Implementation
- GAO-07-416R, February 28, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Full Report (PDF, 27 pages) Accessible Text
- Defense Logistics: Improved Oversight and Increased Coordination Needed to Ensure Viability of the Army's Prepositioning Strategy
- GAO-07-144, February 15, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 49 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Passenger Rail Security: Federal Strategy and Enhanced Coordination Needed to Prioritize and Guide Security Efforts
- GAO-07-459T, February 13, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 34 pages) Accessible Text
- Passenger Rail Security: Federal Strategy and Enhanced Coordination Needed to Prioritize and Guide Security Efforts
- GAO-07-442T, February 6, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 33 pages) Accessible Text
- USDA Conservation Programs: Stakeholder Views on Participation and Coordination to Benefit Threatened and Endangered Species and Their Habitats
- GAO-07-35, November 15, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 69 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Homeland Security: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Collaboration at 24/7 Operations Centers Staffed by Multiple DHS Agencies
- GAO-07-89, October 20, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 54 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Information Security: Coordination of Federal Cyber Security Research and Development
- GAO-06-811, September 29, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 34 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Coordination between FEMA and the Red Cross Should Be Improved for the 2006 Hurricane Season
- GAO-06-712, June 8, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 39 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- U.S. Tsunami Preparedness: Federal and State Partners Collaborate to Help Communities Reduce Potential Impacts, but Significant Challenges Remain
- GAO-06-519, June 5, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 65 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Homeland Security: Management and Coordination Problems Increase the Vulnerability of U.S. Agriculture to Foreign Pests and Disease
- GAO-06-644, May 19, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 74 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Corruption, Maintenance, and Coordination Problems Challenge U.S. Efforts to Provide Radiation Detection Equipment to Other Countries
- GAO-06-311, March 14, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 80 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Social Security Numbers: Coordinated Approach to SSN Data Could Help Reduce Unauthorized Work
- GAO-06-458T, February 16, 2006
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 16 pages) Accessible Text
- Prescription Drugs: Enhanced Efforts and Better Agency Coordination Needed to Address Illegal Importation
- GAO-06-175T, December 13, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 50 pages) Accessible Text
- Terrorist Financing: Better Strategic Planning Needed to Coordinate U.S. Efforts to Deliver Counter-Terrorism Financing Training and Technical Assistance Abroad
- GAO-06-19, October 24, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 80 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Results-Oriented Government: Practices That Can Help Enhance and Sustain Collaboration among Federal Agencies
- GAO-06-15, October 21, 2005
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 43 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)