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Summary

We found that the use of risk assessments by FHWA’s division offices do not provide a systematic approach for assessing program risks throughout the agency. The risk assessments did not address all major programs, were not consistent in scope and approach, and differed in risk classification. Further, FHWA did not follow up to ensure Division offices properly refocused oversight around identified risks or use the results to analyze program trends. We recommended that the FHWA require that all Division offices conduct risk assessments; issue guidance identifying major programs and program components to be evaluated and the methodology to be used for evaluating and classifying program risks; analyze the individual risk assessment results to identify program-wide issues; and follow-up with Division offices to ensure oversight attention is given to high-risk areas. FHWA concurred with our recommendations.