Federal Reports

This report summarizes the following top management and performance challenges facing the Department of Commerce in FY 2024: (1) continuing the transition to zero trust to overcome IT security shortcomings and strengthen cybersecurity; (2) awarding and overseeing grants to expand broadband access to all Americans; (3) promoting growth in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research; (4) enhancing weather, water, and climate services; (5) leveraging trustworthy artificial intelligence and modernizing IT systems; (6) effectively enforcing export controls and supporting U.S. supply chain resilience; (7) ensuring public safety entities have the network services they need to respond effectively to emergencies; (8) managing and overseeing contracts and grants while ensuring equitable procurement; (9) safeguarding intellectual property to promote innovation and economic prosperity; (10) ensuring the Census Bureau provides quality data to stakeholders; (11) protecting funds awarded under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund grant program; and (12) ensuring strong oversight and effective use of funding for National Institute of Standards and Technology construction and maintenance.

This report, one in a series of audits examining NASA’s development of space flight systems for Artemis IV and future missions, examines the Agency’s plans to move its individual SLS contracts to a commercial services contract to lower the cost of the launch system.

The Office of the Inspector General conducted a review of TVA’s Technology Portfolio Management (TPfM) organization to identify factors that could impact TPfM’s organizational effectiveness. Interviews with TPfM personnel revealed positive interactions within TPfM. However, we identified issues that included engagement risk in one group that affected morale. We also identified opportunities to improve (1) performance of the Technology and Innovation mission pertaining to role clarity and execution and (2) communication and collaboration with business partners.