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                    Most Recent Reports**1 - 20 of 271 Reports**
	
	

	
	  **Released on   Mar 18, 2024**
          Commercial Aviation: Key Lessons from COVID-19 Preparedness and Emergency Financial Assistance to the Industry
    GAO-24-106754
      Published:   Mar 18, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 18, 2024
.
    Airlines saw a dramatic, sudden decrease in passengers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government responded—providing billions in financial assistance. What are the lessons learned from the assessment of this response? Our pandemic-related work and information from agencies and industry showed: Greater federal leadership in preparedness and disease mitigation research could better address future communicable disease threats while minimizing aviation disruptions Key lessons, such...
      **Released on   Feb 28, 2024**
          Trusted Traveler Programs: DHS Has Enrollment Processes, but CBP Should Provide Additional Information on Reconsiderations
    GAO-24-106314
      Published:   Feb 28, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 28, 2024
.
    Millions of travelers have enrolled in DHS trusted traveler programs—including Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry—which allow preapproved low-risk travelers to be quickly processed at airports or other ports of entry. There are clear processes for enrolling in these programs and for reconsideration if membership is denied or revoked. But if CBP denies or revokes membership, it doesn't tell travelers how to seek more information...
      **Released on   Feb 27, 2024**
          Aviation Security: Transportation Security Administration Could Further Improve Officer Engagement
    GAO-24-106052
      Published:   Feb 27, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 27, 2024
.
    TSA's nearly 50,000 officers play an important role in keeping potentially dangerous items off airplanes. But TSA officers' engagement—their sense of purpose on the job—has historically ranked among the lowest across the federal government. Employees who feel engaged tend to be more innovative, productive, and committed in their jobs. TSA has taken steps to address key drivers of officer dissatisfaction, such as by setting up...
      **Released on   Feb 7, 2024**
          Surface Transportation Threats: Better Communication with Stakeholders Needed about the Security Clearance Process
    GAO-24-106382
      Published:   Feb 7, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 7, 2024
.
    The U.S. surface transportation system—which includes public transportation, railroads, and pipelines—has been a target for cyberattacks and other threats. To protect it, the Department of Homeland Security shares information about threats with companies and other entities that own or run parts of the system. In some circumstances, entities need security clearances to see classified information. DHS officials and stakeholders we interviewed had different understandings about...
      **Released on   Oct 19, 2023**
          Aviation Security: TSA Could Better Ensure Detection and Assess the Potential for Discrimination in Its Screening Technologies
    GAO-24-107094
      Published:   Oct 19, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Oct 19, 2023
.
    This testimony discusses our prior work on Transportation Security Administration screening technologies. The technologies help screen passengers and their baggage for explosives or prohibited items. TSA must continually assess if its screening operations are effective. But TSA has had issues with ensuring that the technologies consistently meet detection standards after being put into service. And advanced imaging technology scans can result in certain people—like people...
      **Released on   Jul 26, 2023**
          Transit Security: FEMA Should Improve Transparency of Grant Decisions
    GAO-23-105956
      Published:   Jul 26, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jul 26, 2023
.
    The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Transit Security Grant Program is designed to help public transit agencies protect people and critical infrastructure from terrorism. Public transit agencies apply to FEMA for security improvement grants. In its "Notice of Funding Opportunity," FEMA disclosed its process for reviewing and scoring applications. But we found that FEMA didn't always follow that process, favoring some lower-scoring applications in 2015-2021. This...
      **Released on   Nov 17, 2022**
          Passengers with Disabilities: Barriers to Accessible Air Travel Remain
    GAO-23-106358
      Published:   Nov 17, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Nov 17, 2022
.
    Air travel for people with disabilities can be very challenging. We testified about these challenges and actions that airports, airlines, and the Department of Transportation are taking to address them. For example, some airports have smartphone applications to help people with low vision navigate through terminals. Also, some airlines have developed guidance for passengers and training for airline staff to better support those traveling with...
      **Released on   Nov 7, 2022**
          Aviation Security: TSA Should Assess Potential for Discrimination and Better Inform Passengers of the Complaint Process
    GAO-23-105201
      Published:   Nov 7, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Nov 7, 2022
.
    TSA—which screens over 1.5 million airline passengers daily—has faced allegations that some of its screening practices may negatively affect certain passengers. Stakeholder groups and TSA officials said that TSA's advanced imaging technology and other practices could result in certain passengers—like people who are transgender, wear religious headwear, or have disabilities—being referred more frequently for additional screening. But TSA hasn't collected data on these referrals or...
      **Released on   Sep 27, 2022**
          Aviation Security Programs: TSA Should Clarify Compliance Program Guidance and Address User Concerns with Its Data Systems
    GAO-22-105063
      Published:   Sep 27, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Sep 27, 2022
.
    TSA conducted about 28,000 inspections of U.S. airports and passenger airline operations in 2021. When a violation is found during an inspection, airports and air carriers can avoid civil penalties by investing their own resources as part of an action plan to find the root cause of a violation. But, TSA guidance is unclear about when these plans are appropriate. In addition, TSA inspectors at...
      **Released on   Apr 20, 2022**
          Surface Transportation: TSA Implementation of Security Training Requirement
    GAO-22-105315
      Published:   Apr 20, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Apr 20, 2022
.
    Surface transportation operations—including rail and mass transit—are vulnerable to terrorism and other threats. TSA determined that 127 surface transportation operations are at high risk because of their location or other reasons. Their owner/operators are required to develop security training programs to help employees address potential security threats, and must submit the programs for TSA's review. As of Dec. 2021, TSA had approved 73% of the...
      **Released on   Mar 14, 2022**
          Transportation Security: TSA Efforts to Coordinate with Stakeholders on COVID-19 Security Directives
    GAO-22-104583
      Published:   Mar 14, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 14, 2022
.
    Starting in January 2020, presidential executive actions restricted international air travel from certain countries and mandated face masks on transportation systems due to COVID-19 . In response, the Transportation Security Administration coordinated with other federal agencies and industry stakeholders to develop and issue directives. For example, TSA worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate incidents involving non-masked passengers. Of the more than 3,800 incidents...
      **Released on   Dec 16, 2021**
          DHS Privacy: Selected Component Agencies Generally Provided Oversight of Contractors, but Further Actions Are Needed to Address Gaps
    GAO-22-104144
      Published:   Dec 16, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Dec 16, 2021
.
    The Department of Homeland Security and its contractors collect and maintain large amounts of personally identifiable information (PII)—such as a person's date of birth and social security number. DHS has developed policies to ensure that its contractors protect PII. These policies include providing privacy training, and overseeing IT systems operated by contractors. However, DHS didn't fully comply with all of its own policies. For example...
      **Released on   Jul 29, 2021**
          Air Cargo Security: TSA Field Testing Should Ensure Screening Systems Meet Detection Standards
    GAO-21-105192
      Published:   Jul 29, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jul 29, 2021
.
    According to the Transportation Security Administration, the threat of explosives in air cargo coming into the United States is significant. TSA requires air carriers to x-ray or screen the cargo by other means before it enters the country. In 2020, TSA began field testing imaging technology (similar to CT medical imaging) to screen small parcels for explosives. We found TSA didn't follow key design and...
      **Released on   Jul 27, 2021**
          Critical Infrastructure Protection: TSA Is Taking Steps to Address Some Pipeline Security Program Weaknesses
    GAO-21-105263
      Published:   Jul 27, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jul 27, 2021
.
    The U.S. depends on pipelines to deliver the natural gas, oil, and other hazardous liquids that power vehicles, heat homes, and more. But cyberattacks, such as an attack on Colonial Pipeline's IT networks in May 2021, threaten pipeline security. We testified that TSA—which is primarily responsible for pipeline security—is making new requirements for pipeline owners to improve their cybersecurity and prevent attacks. We also testified...
      **Released on   Jun 14, 2021**
          COVID-19: TSA Could Better Monitor Its Efforts to Reduce Infectious Disease Spread at Checkpoints
    GAO-21-364
      Published:   Jun 14, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jun 14, 2021
.
    About 46,000 Transportation Security Officers closely interact with passengers when they screen them at U.S. airports. To respond to COVID-19 , the Transportation Security Administration took steps such as granting officers additional paid leave, and requiring them to use surgical masks and face shields and to physically distance from coworkers and passengers. TSA also changed how some screening technologies are used and is testing new...
      **Released on   Mar 3, 2021**
          Aviation Security Technology: TSA Lacks Outcome-oriented Performance Measures and Data to Help Reach Objectives to Diversify its Marketplace
    GAO-21-146
      Published:   Mar 3, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 3, 2021
.
    The Transportation Security Administration relies on technologies—such as explosives detection systems—to help secure the travel of about 2.8 million passengers every day. TSA has developed a required strategy with 12 initiatives to promote innovation in security technology and get more diverse small businesses into the market. We found this strategy includes the required elements, such as the identification of barriers to entering the market that...
      **Released on   Feb 25, 2021**
          Airport Worker Screening: TSA Could Further Strengthen Its Approach to Estimating Costs and Feasibility of Security Measures
    GAO-21-273
      Published:   Feb 25, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 25, 2021
.
    1.8 million U.S. airport workers have unescorted access to restricted areas and could pose "insider threats." The Transportation Security Administration studied the cost and feasibility of enhanced worker screening that would be similar to passenger screening. TSA estimated it would cost at least $2.9 billion up front and at least $2.5 billion annually. But TSA didn't fully follow best practices for a comprehensive cost estimate...
      **Released on   Jan 12, 2021**
          DHS Employee Morale: Some Improvements Made, but Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Employee Engagement
    GAO-21-204
      Published:   Jan 12, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jan 12, 2021
.
    The Department of Homeland Security has had low employee morale and low employee engagement—an employee's sense of purpose and commitment—since it began operations in 2003. Greater employee engagement results in better performance, studies show. DHS made some progress improving engagement from 2015-2019. However, as of 2019, a federal survey shows that DHS continues to rank lower in engagement than the government-wide average. We found that...
      **Released on   Oct 29, 2020**
          TSA Acquisitions: TSA Needs to Establish Metrics and Evaluate Third Party Testing Outcomes for Screening Technologies
    GAO-21-50
      Published:   Oct 29, 2020
. 
        Publicly Released:   Oct 29, 2020
.
    The machines that screen airline passengers and baggage must be tested before they can be purchased by the Transportation Security Administration. TSA does most of this testing itself. To make the process more efficient and get new technology into airports faster, TSA allows companies to have testing done by other testers in certain situations. Companies have used this option just five times since 2013. TSA...
      **Released on   Oct 20, 2020**
          Homeland Security Acquisitions: DHS Has Opportunities to Improve Its Component Acquisition Oversight
    GAO-21-77
      Published:   Oct 20, 2020
. 
        Publicly Released:   Oct 20, 2020
.
    The Department of Homeland Security's Chief Acquisition Officer designates Component Acquisition Executives to oversee each component's acquisition programs and policies, the acquisition workforce, and program data collection and reporting. But DHS can't be sure all of these executives are qualified or that they're consistently fulfilling all of their acquisition-related responsibilities. For example, of the 5 such executives in DHS's Management Directorate, 4 hadn't been vetted...
    
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