Evaluating for Efficiency: Lessons from GAO and Inspectors General

Recording

Overview

With government efficiency a priority of the Executive Branch and Congress, understanding how existing nonpartisan watchdogs have achieved results—and what could be improved—has become increasingly relevant government-wide. 

Attendees joined the Data Foundation and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for a webinar in our Issues in Evaluation series, featuring insights from experienced practitioners of improving government efficiency and effectiveness. For years, GAO and Offices of Inspectors General (IGs) have been leaders in making objective, evidence-informed recommendations on the performance of federal programs and identifying cases of waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer resources. This timely discussion explored the successes GAO and IGs achieved in improving government performance, such as the billions in taxpayer savings identified in GAO’s annual reports and biennial High-Risk Lists, as well as the lessons learned from decades of program oversight. 

Our distinguished panelists shared their perspectives on:

• Strategies for balancing fiscal responsibility with mission effectiveness
• Best practices for making cost-saving recommendations while supporting agencies' capacity
• Lessons learned from working with agencies to ensure recommendations are implemented effectively
• Relevant principles from legislation, such as the Evidence Act and the Government Performance Results Act (GPRA)
• Preserving objectivity and nonpartisan professional standards when seeking efficiencies

Speakers

• Linda Miller, Chair and Co-Founder, Program Integrity Alliance
• Steven Putansu, Assistant Director, U.S. Government Accountability Office
• Terell Lasane, Assistant Director, Supervisory Social Science Analyst, US Government Accountability Office
• Sara Stefanik, Director, Evidence Capacity, Data Foundation (Moderator)