A report to congressional committees regarding the DoD¿s progress in implementing GAO's recommendations over the last 7 years. During this period of time, GAO issued 637 reports to DoD that included 2,726 recommendations. By law, agencies, including DoD, are required to submit written statements explaining actions taken in response to recommendations that have been made. This report contains the results of an analysis on the implementation status of the 2,726 recommendations made to DoD in reports issued during FY 2001 through 2007. Includes examples of related financial accomplishments reported for the period, based on DoD-related work. Illustrations.

From fiscal years 2001 through 2008, we issued 743 reports to DOD or its components that included 3,099 recommendations. We follow up on the implementation status of each recommendation at least annually after report issuance to determine whether DOD has instituted sufficient corrective actions. This report, which responds to this mandate, contains the results of our analysis on the implementation status of the 3,099 recommendations. The implementation status for each recommendation falls into one of three categories: recommendations that remain open, recommendations that are closed and implemented, and recommendations that are closed but not implemented. As of September 30, 2009, 841 or 27 percent of these recommendations are reported as open, 1,878 or 61 percent are closed-implemented, and 380 or 12 percent are closed-not implemented.

Status of GAO Recommendations to the Department of Defense (Fiscal Years 2001-2007)

Status of GAO Recommendations to the Department of Defense (Fiscal Years 2001-2008)

Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers? Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.