GAO Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics Team: Initial Plan and Considerations Moving Forward

The 2019 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Conference Report encouraged the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) to reorganize its technology and science function by creating a new office within GAO and to report to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittees on plans for doing so. In January 2019, GAO created the Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics (STAA) team to build on its decades-long track record of providing Congress with science and technology (S&T) analysis. GAO is implementing a number of steps that take into account unique requirements of technology assessments and related S&T work in order to meet the needs of Members of Congress and congressional staff. As GAO builds on its existing capabilities and grow the new STAA team, it will focus on the following areas to continue and further enhance this line of work:

• development of additional product types and formats to ensure clear and concise communication on technical topics with quick turnaround;
• development of additional methods and standards that are appropriate to TAs and separate from those covering our audit work;
• designation of staff whose primary focus will be TAs and technical assistance;
• continued engagement with external experts and advisory boards, as appropriate; and
• development of policy options to provide Members of Congress and staff with a broader base of information for decision-making.