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Summary

On June 27, 2013, we issued a letter to Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, regarding the status of our open audit recommendations. Specifically, the Chairman and Ranking Member requested: (1) the number of open recommendations; (2) cumulative estimated cost savings associated with open recommendations; (3) specifics on the recommendations that could result in cost savings, including their dates and potential monetary benefits; and (4) our three most important or urgent open recommendations, including their status, estimated cost savings, and accompanying reports or documentation.

As of June 18, 2013, we identified 544 open recommendations, which were included in 198 audit reports issued between September 30, 2004, and June 18, 2013. Of these 544 recommendations, 45, which were included in 39 reports, carry potential monetary benefits or cost savings totaling more than $4.9 billion. We identified our three most important open recommendations based on their impact on safety, economy, or efficiency; documented vulnerabilities; and the ability of the Department to effect change in these programs or areas. We selected one recommendation from each of these reports: FAA and Industry Are Taking Action To Address Pilot Fatigue, but More Information on Pilot Commuting Is Needed; Assessment of FHWA Oversight of the Highway Bridge Program and the National Bridge Inspection Program; and Timely Actions Needed To Improve DOT’s Cybersecurity.