Page i 

Letter 

GAO’s 

International 

Protocols

Introduction 

Sources of GAO’s Work 

GAO’s Approach and Guiding Principles 

International Work Resulting in Written 

Products 

Protocols for U.S. Federal Agencies with 

Programs or Activities Overseas 

Protocols for International Organizations 

Protocols for Foreign Government Minist

and Departments 

Protocols for Supreme Audit Institutions 

General Protocols for Issuing Products on 

International Work 

Protocols for Collaboration with Internati

and National Accountability Organizati

and International Development 

Organizations 

Press Policy 

This is a work of the U.S. government and is not s

copyright protection in the United States. It may b

and distributed in its entirety without further permis

However, because this work may contain copyrigh

other material, permission from the copyright hold

necessary if you wish to reproduce this material s
o

Page 1 

United States Government Accountability Office

Washington, D.C. 20548

January 31, 2006 

This document contains the protocols gov

U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (

that has international components or imp

These protocols provide clearly defined an

policies and practices on how GAO will in

U.S. federal departments and agencies, ot

governments, and international organizati

international work. They identify what in

organizations and supreme audit institutio

expect from GAO. These protocols are in

cover most situations that arise during the 

GAO’s work and are consistent, to the ext

with the protocols that govern GAO’s wor

Congress and with U.S. federal agencies. 

I firmly believe that these protocols, which 

in applicable professional standards and G

values of accountability, integrity, and reli

enable us to conduct international work m

consistently, efficiently, and effectively; ac

strategic goals; support improved governm

performance and accountability worldwid

serve the Congress and the American peo

To ensure the broadest practical exposure 

protocols throughout the international co

pilot-tested the protocols through Octobe

refinements have been made based on co

received.
Page 2 G

Along with members of the GAO team, I look 

using these protocols to continue to serve th

and the American people while maintaining 

constructive relationship with the entities re

GAO’s international work. Questions or com

about GAO’s International Protocols may be 

Helen H. Hsing, Managing Director, Strategic 

and External Liaison, at (202) 512-2639 or via 

InternationalProtocols@gao.gov.

David M. Walker

Comptroller General 

of the United States
Page 3 

Introduction GAO is a professional and nonpartisan leg

agency that supports the U.S. Congress by 

performance of federal agencies, assessin

policies and programs, analyzing the finan

government activities, and anticipating em

In this era of increasing global interdepen

often conducts its work internationally. 

These protocols are general principles an

governing international work undertaken 

work, which generally results in GAO rep

audits, reviews, and related information-g

activities on international programs or ac

involving U.S. federal agencies and, when 

the Congress or applicable congressional 

U.S. participation in international organiz

the World Bank; the International Monetar

the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (N

United Nations, as well as cooperative aud

performed with national audit offices (GA

counterparts known as supreme audit ins

SAI) in other countries. 

GAO also collaborates with international 

accountability organizations in other coun

the International Organization of Supreme 

Institutions (INTOSAI) and the Internatio

of Accountants (IFAC), and development 

such as the World Bank. This collaboratio

result in a GAO report and generally focus

promoting principles related to governme

accountability, such as financial managem

internal control.

Sources of GAO’s 

Work

GAO undertakes work through three prim

(1) U.S. congressional mandates, (2) U.S. 

requests, and (3) legal authority allowing 

Comptroller General of the United States 
Page 4 G

work on his own initiative that is intended to 

U.S. Congress.

GAO’s Approach 

and Guiding 

Principles

To effectively support the Congress and carr

work both domestically and overseas, GAO m

professional, objective, fact-based, nonpartis

nonideological in all of its work. GAO produ

services conform to generally accepted and 

auditing, accounting, investigative, and evalu

principles and standards.1

 GAO will only un

work that is within its scope of authority and 

competency and will exercise the independe

necessary to guarantee that its products and 

conform to applicable professional standard

core values of accountability, integrity, and r

GAO’s international protocols are consistent 

guiding principles and practices contained in 

Congressional Protocols and Agency Protoco

applicable.2

 Adhering to these protocols and 

principles and standards, GAO analysts and a

responsible for planning, conducting, and rep

work in a professional and timely manner. T

required to obtain sufficient, competent, and 

evidence to afford a reasonable basis for any 

findings, conclusions, and recommendations

While the specific protocols vary to some ex

depending on the nature of the work and the 

where GAO is conducting its fieldwork, GAO 

1

The framework of auditing standards is contained in a 

developed by GAO and revised at appropriate intervals, 

Government Auditing Standards (GAO-03-673G, June 

2

Further information about the general principles gover

work for the Congress and its relationship with federal a

found in GAO’s Congressional Protocols, Strategic Plan

Protocols, which are located on GAO’s Web site www.ga
Page 5 

consistent general approach across its int

work. For U.S. federal agencies and inter

organizations that are the focus of its wor

(1) notifies them before initiating work; (2

informed of its progress while conducting 

(3) discusses the completeness, accuracy, 

implications of information gathered duri

with their representatives at an exit confe

(4) gives them an opportunity to review a

on the results of its work that involves the

publicly issuing the results. As noted, GA

coordinate interaction with international 

with the lead U.S. agency responsible for 

U.S. policy at the organization and will pr

notification to the Department of State be

work.

To benefit from and leverage opportunitie

others’ experiences as well as share GAO

and experiences, GAO has designated its 

Planning and External Liaison unit to serv

primary point of contact for communicati

coordinating, and collaborating with inter

colleagues. For example, Strategic Plann

External Liaison facilitates cooperative w

SAIs. This helps ensure that GAO’s work 

the efforts of others, that crosscutting goa

reinforcing and efficiently implemented, a

international work is consistent with GAO

available resources. 

International Work 

Resulting in Written 

Products

GAO’s international work resulting in writ

generally involves audits and reviews of U

government-funded programs or activities 

international implications or components

participation in international organization

cooperative audit work. In conducting thi

staff interview and collect documents from 
Page 6 G

officials and decision makers representing U

foreign governments, international organizat

nongovernmental organizations, and the priv

who can provide perspectives on how progra

management practices work. GAO staff may 

published reports and studies from other gov

or international organizations. Obtaining this 

information may involve international travel 

in-person interviews or may be accomplishe

other means, such as telephone interviews o

exchanges. To the extent possible without 

compromising its independence, GAO coord

overseas travel and contact with foreign gov

officials with the U.S. Department of State.

Audits and Reviews 

of International 

Programs and 

Activities

GAO conducts audits and reviews of interna

programs and activities involving U.S. federa

and international organizations. GAO often c

work at U.S. federal agencies on internationa

such as trade, military activities, foreign assi

diplomacy, nuclear security, and financial ma

addition, the Congress often directs GAO to 

issues that involve programs and activities o

international organizations of which the Unit

a member, such as the World Bank, IMF, NAT

United Nations. GAO coordinates interaction 

organizations with the lead U.S. agency resp

implementing U.S. policy at the organization 

the Department of State. These requests ofte

GAO to obtain documents and meet with off

several international organizations. For exa

series of congressional requests for GAO to r

and international efforts to bring stability to 

led to interviews with officials and staff at N

World Bank, IMF, the Organization for Secur

Cooperation in Europe, and several agencies 

United Nations. 
Page 7 

Cooperative Audit 

Work

Because GAO and many other national au

conduct similar types of work, GAO some

in joint audit work with them on common 

type of international work may result in a 

product. This work can be structured in 

ways: (1) concurrent or parallel work, in w

teams from two SAIs conduct their own w

simultaneously but report separately, or (

in which a single team composed of staff f

does the work and issues a single report. 

joint audits include work done with intern

colleagues on trade and environmental iss

effectiveness of a jointly-developed weap

Protocols for U.S. 

Federal Agencies 

with Programs or 

Activities Overseas

When working at federal agencies, GAO fo

protocols outlined in its Agency Protocols

Agency Protocols summarizes GAO’s proc

obtaining access to information from U.S. 

agencies. Before beginning international 

associated with such work, GAO notifies 

coordinates with (1) the Department of St

appropriate U.S. embassies for nondefens

the cognizant federal agency, and (2) the D

Defense and State and appropriate overse

commands for defense-related work. GAO 

the local U.S. embassy or the U.S. military 

both, to assist in arranging fieldwork at U

government military or civilian facilities w

work is needed. GAO also requests assist

U.S. embassy or military command when 

needed in locations with special security 

transportation circumstances. To the ext

without compromising GAO’s independen

a U.S. embassy official the opportunity to 

meetings with foreign government officia

appropriate and as a matter of profession

GAO notifies the cognizant SAI of any field

in its country. 
Page 8 G

Protocols for 

International 

Organizations 

The Congress frequently asks GAO to condu

knowledge-sharing activities that involve acc

information or staff at international organiza

the United States is a member, such as the W

or NATO. GAO’s interaction with the interna

organization during the course of this work v

widely—from onetime requests for specific p

information to reviews of an international or

programs or operations. GAO notifies and c

with the Department of State and the lead U

a review will involve significant contact with 

international organization.3

 Depending on th

contact needed for a particular review, GAO 

(1) notify the international organization, thro

lead agency, of the review before conducting 

(2) hold an entrance conference (an initial m

between GAO and related international orga

representatives); (3) coordinate with the org

during the work; (4) hold an exit conference 

between GAO and related international orga

representatives typically held at the end of G

collection and analysis phase); and (5) give t

international organization an opportunity to 

comment on the results of work related to th

organization before GAO’s report is released 

public. GAO conducts its work in a manner 

with the international organization’s internal 

and procedures for dealing with external aud

If following such policies and procedures wo

GAO’s independence and ability to perform t

and report results impartially, GAO will seek 

negotiate a mutually acceptable arrangemen

impairment in the scope and methodology se

report, or decline to perform the work.

3

This would not apply to a collection of information pub

for example, at an organization’s information center. 
Page 9 

GAO obtains much of the information nee

conduct a review from the lead U.S. agenc

for implementing U.S. policy at the organi

the offices of the U.S. representative assig

organization. Because GAO does not hav

right of access to information from intern

organizations and they generally are not s

law, obtaining additional information and 

staff at an organization such as the World 

NATO, World Trade Organization, and Un

depends upon the organization’s cooperat

such information is subject to the specific 

outlined here, which are designed to expe

process and maintain good relations.

Notifying 

International 

Organizations

Before beginning work that focuses on an 

organization, GAO notifies, in writing, the 

State and the lead U.S. agency involved in 

U.S. policy related to the institution. To th

practical, the notice

• identifies the source and authority for 

• identifies the GAO point of contact (na

number, and electronic mail address), 

performing the work, and a unique ide

number (the engagement code);

• describes the objectives or key questio

work; 

• indicates where the work will be perfo

time of notification, if known;

• indicates when the work is expected t

• identifies a time frame for holding the 

(the entrance conference) between GA

international organization representati
Page 10 G

GAO staff also request that the lead U.S. age

appropriate international organization repre

of its work. For example, GAO staff ask Dep

the Treasury representatives to inform the W

of any work GAO undertakes that involves th

institution. When the international organiza

external auditor is a SAI, GAO also notifies t

about the work. When appropriate and as a 

professional courtesy, GAO notifies the cogn

any fieldwork planned in its country. 

Holding Entrance 

Conferences for 

International 

Organizations

Once the international organization receives 

of GAO’s work, entrance conferences genera

with appropriate officials from (1) the lead U

government agency charged with formulatin

policy at the organization; (2) the U.S. repres

office at the organization, such as the U.S. E

Director at the IMF; and (3) the internationa

organization. The meetings with these offici

often be combined into a single meeting if al

agree. During these meetings, GAO discusse

(1) source of the work; (2) roles and respons

GAO staff; (3) data and access to officials th

needed; (4) key objectives defined as researc

questions; (5) timing and locations where GA

to conduct its work, when known; and (6) an

special clearances. During the entrance conf

the international organization, GAO also asks 

designate a key contact to provide potential 

information related to the work objectives, s

personnel, available studies, or electronic fil

Coordinating with 

International 

Organizations

Throughout the assignment, GAO staff rema

contact with the organization, the U.S. repre

the organization, and the U.S. agency with po

responsibility. Because GAO work at an inte

organization can involve a variety of interact

some instances GAO and the organization ag
Page 11 

specific written procedures on how this in

to be obtained and protected from disclos

requesting information from an internatio

organization, GAO staff attempt to ensure 

are not available from the U.S. governmen

sources.

Holding Exit 

Conferences with 

International 

Organizations

If the information obtained from the orga

figure prominently in the written report, G

holds an exit conference with the organiz

discuss (1) the completeness and accurac

information that has been gathered and (2

implications of this information and GAO

conclusions and expected recommendatio

conferences are generally held with appro

from (1) the lead U.S. government agency 

for formulating U.S. policy at the organiza

U.S. representative’s office at the organiza

(3) the international organization. A draft 

provided prior to or at the exit conference

material provided at the exit conference i

limited to a compilation of key informatio

Preliminary conclusions and potential 

recommendations that flow from the factu

collected may be discussed but are not pr

writing. 

Giving International 

Organizations the 

Opportunity to 

Comment on GAO 

Work

After completing its work, GAO generally 

findings or observations related to the int

organization with the organization. These 

observations are communicated through t

responsible for formulating U.S. policy at 

organization. For example, GAO sends a 

the Department of the Treasury for IMF an

engagements and to the Department of St

engagements related to the United Nation

the organization an opportunity to comme

information in GAO’s report before it is re
Page 12 G

public. The specific procedures to be follow

depend upon the nature and extent of the GA

any procedures that the organization and GA

developed over time. 

As part of its quality assurance process, GAO 

international organization the opportunity to 

on a draft report, or sections of a draft report

is a party.4

 When the program or operations 

particular international organization are the 

focus of the report, the entire draft report ge

shared with the organization. When several 

organizations are the focus of the work, GAO 

relevant excerpts of the draft report to the c

international organization. Written commen

through signed correspondence from the org

designated to comment on the draft report ar

in the final GAO report, along with GAO’s as

the comments. As with GAO’s reviews of do

agencies, copies of the draft report are sent 

relevant organization for review and comme

simultaneously, the draft is offered to the co

requester for informational purposes. Copie

transmitted to the organization through the l

agency. By law, the Senate Governmental Af

House Government Reform committees may 

when a draft product is sent to an agency for 

a copy of any draft product generated under 

legislative authority that was not conducted 

request of either House of Congress, a comm

Member.5

 GAO will advise these committees 

drafts are sent to the agency for comment.

4

GAO will not seek comments from an international org

cases where (1) disclosure of the results could pose risk

individuals and their confidentiality or (2) premature di

information could compromise the results of the work. 

5

31 U.S.C. § 718 (b)(2)(B). 
Page 13 

Occasionally, GAO collects nonpublic sen

information from the organization during 

ensure that this information is not inadve

disclosed to the public, GAO generally giv

international organization draft segments 

may have relied on nonpublic sensitive in

before the official draft is sent for comme

not expect the entire review process to ex

30-day maximum allowed under its establi

In addition, GAO expects international or

protect draft GAO reports from premature 

Protocols for 

Foreign 

Government 

Ministries and 

Departments

GAO occasionally meets with officials of 

governments to collect information on the 

U.S. programs or activities in their countr

initiating a study that requires interaction 

government, GAO provides written notific

(1) the State Department if foreign travel 

(2) a representative of each country inclu

study, such as an embassy representative; 

SAI from each country included in the stu

appropriate. The notification describes th

objectives, scope, and methodology and n

appropriate GAO contact for the assignme

notification also offers the opportunity fo

conference, where appropriate, to discuss 

nature of GAO’s work in more detail. Whe

work overseas, GAO coordinates its activ

appropriate U.S. Chief of Mission or princ

and considers his or her views with respe

activities.6

 

In conducting studies, GAO generally wor

government officials, foreign embassy rep

6

Coordination with the Chief of Mission is conducte

with the State/GAO Memorandum of Understanding 

Staffing of December 15, 1988.
Page 14 G

the United States, and other SAIs to identify 

officials and other subject matter experts wh

able to provide information. GAO works wit

representatives from the State Department a

governments to facilitate interviews and oth

gathering activities. To the extent possible w

compromising GAO’s independence, GAO gi

embassy official the opportunity to attend its 

with foreign government officials. In additio

the quality of its work, GAO makes arrangem

professional translation and interpretation s

when necessary to conduct its work.

Whenever it is feasible, GAO holds a meeting 

host country’s designated representatives at 

conclusion of a visit to the country. As part o

assurance process, GAO offers these represe

opportunity to comment on the completenes

accuracy of GAO’s description of their progr

practices. GAO may also seek comments fro

matter experts who provided information du

study. 

Protocols for 

Supreme Audit 

Institutions

Cooperative audit work with counterpart SA

comply with GAO’s audit standards and proc

addition, this type of work must be approved 

Comptroller General. Because cooperative a

can be complex, all parties should carefully 

number of factors before deciding to engage 

work. These factors include policies and pro

related to records access, security clearance

standards and related standards of evidence

relationships to the legislature and reporting 

media and public relations, and working lang

cost, timing, and technology compatibility. O

decision has been made to embark on a coop

audit, GAO works with the counterpart SAIs 
Page 15 

formal agreement, often known as a mem

understanding.

General Protocols 

for Issuing 

Products on 

International Work

The following protocols guide GAO’s inter

international organizations with regard to 

(1) completing its work, (2) presenting tes

(3) handling and disclosing information.

Completion of Work Consistent with generally accepted govern

standards, GAO prefers to use published p

communicate the final results of its work 

(1) communicate the results consistently 

Congress and all other interested parties, 

results available to the public, (3) build a 

available subject-matter record for future 

(4) facilitate follow up to determine whet

appropriate corrective measures have bee

needed. However, an oral briefing to the 

be used when GAO (1) determines that fu

not warranted; (2) provides information t

available to the public, such as that in Insp

reports; or (3) develops a summary of pre

GAO products that does not contain any n

conclusions, or recommendations. GAO n

appropriate international entity when its w

terminated without a written product.

GAO’s goal is to post written products on 

site www.gao.gov within 24 hours of their 

release. All products have a targeted issu

will notify requesters approximately 30 ca

before they are to receive a product and g

accommodate their requests for restrictio

release of the product for up to 30 calenda

the issuance date. GAO reserves the right 

product that has been issued to the congr

requester but is under restriction if the pr
Page 16 G

contents are made public prior to the expira

restriction period. GAO products that conta

or restricted data are not posted on the Web 

Classified products are distributed only to re

who are authorized by U.S. statute or regulat

have a need to know.

Presenting Testimony Congressional committee or subcommittee c

frequently request that GAO prepare testimo

statements and that GAO witnesses appear a

GAO is required to follow the rules of the Sen

House of Representatives and relevant comm

subcommittees in connection with any such 

Therefore, GAO’s international protocols are 

such instances to comply with these requirem

example, because most hearing appearances 

requested and statements are delivered with

time frames or are based on work that is new 

quickly developed, ongoing, or already comp

generally does not hold an entrance conferen

officials from the relevant international orga

When officials need to be contacted for infor

was not previously obtained or was not part 

previous review, GAO notifies the organizati

the lead U.S. agency of the need for access t

information.

For testimony based on new work, regardles

whether it is a preliminary or final product, G

the international organization’s views on the 

collected from it to (1) validate the accuracy 

gathered from that organization and (2) disc

implications that flow from the data gathere

international organization’s views are genera

through a meeting with the official designate

for the organization or through other means, 

a telephone conference call. These views ar

reflected in the testimony statement. If the in

organization is unable to schedule a meeting 
Page 17 

its views within the time frame specified b

testimony states that GAO was unable to 

international organization’s views. GAO d

an organization’s views on testimony in ca

(1) disclosure of an audit or evaluation’s r

pose risks to individuals and their confide

(2) premature disclosure of information c

compromise the results of the work. Gen

the testimony statement is based on previ

work, GAO does not seek the internationa

organization’s views. GAO distributes its 

testimony in accordance with the rules of 

House of Representatives, including the a

committees’ rules. 

Handling and 

Disclosing 

Information

GAO secures all information obtained dur

of its work. When GAO needs access to pr

other sensitive information, it complies w

applicable statutory and regulatory requir

including obtaining the necessary security 

clearances for assigned GAO staff. By law

required to give the U.S. agency informati

level of confidentiality accorded by the ag

applies the same policy to information ob

international organizations. GAO general

sign a nondisclosure or other agreement a

of gaining access to sensitive or proprieta

which it is entitled.

While GAO is not subject to the Freedom 

Act, its disclosure policy generally follow

the act, consistent with GAO’s duties and 

responsibilities to the Congress. It is GAO

to provide to the public records that origi

another agency or a nonfederal organizati

GAO refers those who request such recor

originating organization. Further informa

public availability of the documents and d

GAO’s workpapers can be found in 4 C.F.R
Page 18 G

GAO will grant Members of Congress, upon t

request, access to its audit documentation at 

offices or will provide copies of selected aud

documentation after a product has been mad

available. After a product has been issued to 

but is not yet publicly available, GAO may gr

to specific, selected audit documentation aft

a written request from the requesting Membe

situation, copies of the audit documentation 

provided until the report has been made pub

available. This access is subject to legal and 

considerations, such as those concerning tax

return information and protected banking in

Protocols for 

Collaboration with 

International and 

National 

Accountability 

Organizations and 

International 

Development 

Organizations 

GAO engages in many different interactions 

activities, including audit forums, with other 

international and national accountability org

such as INTOSAI and counterpart national a

and international development organizations

the World Bank, to leverage resources; share 

and experiences; and promote standards of a

auditing, financial management, and internal 

These interactions and liaison activities inclu

(1) sponsoring an International Auditor Fello

Program, (2) providing technical assistance 

(3) receiving visiting delegations from SAIs a

foreign government organizations, and (4) re

international information requests. GAO’s S

Planning and External Liaison unit is the cen

point for this work with international accoun

organizations to ensure that GAO presents a 

face to this community. At the same time, St

Planning and External Liaison also coordina

works closely with other GAO offices, as nee

fulfill this responsibility.
Page 19 

International Audit 

Forums

GAO is a member of INTOSAI, the princip

international organization dedicated to 

(1) promoting the exchange of audit and f

management information among its memb

(2) providing a network for the internatio

sector audit community. INTOSAI’s curre

membership includes the national audit o

SAI) of participating countries. GAO is a 

INTOSAI’s Governing Board, and is active

INTOSAI’s audit, information technology, 

controls, public debt, environmental audi

program evaluation initiatives. GAO also 

other international audit forums, such as 

International Consortium on Government

Management.

International Auditor 

Fellowship Program

GAO established its International Auditor 

Program in 1979 to promote improved aud

financial management practices internatio

emphasis on developing nations. This pro

an extensive curriculum to develop and e

fellows’ audit knowledge and skills. To pa

potential fellows must be nominated by th

audit offices. GAO’s Strategic Planning an

Liaison unit, which coordinates the progr

curriculum, considers several factors duri

selection process. Because the program 

middle-to-senior-level managers, attention 

applicants’ responsibilities and backgroun

they expect to apply their program experi

they return to their offices. Although part

selected from all INTOSAI regions, English 

common language, so the nominees’ Engl

important. As a final criterion, an attemp

maintain a reasonable balance among INT

regional working groups over time. The sp

country must cover the fellow’s salary, tra

subsistence expenses. The costs have fre
Page 20 G

paid by one of several international aid organ

after an application for assistance by the res

has been approved. Many of these graduates 

subsequently assumed key leadership positio

respective SAIs and become part of an exten

network of contacts in SAIs worldwide. 

Technical Assistance Periodically, GAO staff travel to other countr

provide technical assistance to a host countr

purpose of this assistance ranges from provi

overview of GAO’s mission, operations, and 

methodologies to providing very specific “ho

assistance related to conducting financial or 

evaluation audits or assessing internal contr

GAO’s assistance is generally requested and 

another U.S. agency, such as the Department 

Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance, it 

approved by GAO’s senior management and c

through the Strategic Planning and External 

unit. 

International Visitors 

Program

GAO receives many requests from its counte

and other foreign government officials to vi

obtain information on audit practices and th

GAO’s work. Because the number of reques

GAO’s capacity to accommodate them, GAO 

prioritizes the requests. GAO assigns the high

to requests for visits from SAIs and legislativ

parliamentary delegations. As time and staff 

are available, GAO also considers (1) reques

related government departments and ministr

example, counterparts to the U.S. Departme

Treasury) and (2) requests for visits related t

special interest to GAO audit teams (for exam

visitors with a special knowledge of areas re

ongoing or future GAO work). GAO appreci

receiving the request for an international vis

30 days in advance, whenever possible, to al
Page 21 

sufficient time to make the necessary arra

if appropriate, to notify the U.S. counterp

Requests for 

Information

In addition to requests for visits, GAO rec

other requests each year for information f

counterpart SAIs and other foreign govern

These requests include inquiries for (1) G

other agency publications, (2) GAO’s view

global issues, and (3) GAO’s assistance on 

conducted by counterpart SAIs. GAO’s po

acknowledge receipt of such requests wit

days. In responding to these requests, GA

Planning and External Liaison unit works 

other relevant GAO offices. 

Press Policy GAO does not generally initiate press con

senior GAO officials may participate in pr

conferences held by members of Congress

Although GAO generally does not issue pr

about products, it does advise the media, 

personnel, international organizations, for

governments, GAO audit counterparts, an

the release of GAO products via its Web s

www.gao.gov and other venues. In respon

inquiries about ongoing work, GAO provid

information only about the objectives, sco

methodology of a review; the source of th

(legislation, name of congressional reques

Comptroller General Authority); and the e

completion date. GAO refers inquiries for 

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