Government Accountability Office

Forest Service warns of budget cuts ahead of a risky wildfire season – what that means for safety

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 16, 2024
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A wet winter and spring followed by a hot, dry summer can be a dangerous combination in the Western U.S. The rain fuels bountiful vegetation growth, and when summer heat dries out that vegetation, it can leave grasses and shrubs ready to burn. In years like this, controlled burns and prescribed fire treatments are crucial to help protect communities against wildfires. Well-staffed fire crews ready to respond to blazes are essential, too.Moore told agency employees to expect budget cuts from Congress in 2024.

Key Points: 


A wet winter and spring followed by a hot, dry summer can be a dangerous combination in the Western U.S. The rain fuels bountiful vegetation growth, and when summer heat dries out that vegetation, it can leave grasses and shrubs ready to burn. In years like this, controlled burns and prescribed fire treatments are crucial to help protect communities against wildfires. Well-staffed fire crews ready to respond to blazes are essential, too.

  • Moore told agency employees to expect budget cuts from Congress in 2024.
  • However, taken at face value, budget cuts could be interpreted as a reduction in the firefighting workforce, compounding recruitment and retention challenges that the Forest Service is already facing.
  • We study wildfire policy and fire ecology, and one of us, Camille Stevens-Rumann, has worked as a wildland firefighter.

The fire funding fix

  • The fire funding fix allows federal firefighting agencies to access up to US$2.25 billion in additional disaster funding a year starting in 2020 and increasing to $2.95 billion in 2027.
  • Prior to the fire funding fix, fighting fires – suppression expenditures – consumed nearly 50% of the U.S. Forest Service budget.
  • The fix protects agency budgets, ensuring that a high-cost fire season will not completely consume the budget, and that allows more funding for preventive efforts and all the other programs of the Forest Service.

Prevention is a rising priority

  • The Forest Service has also made fire prevention a higher priority in recent years.
  • That work won’t be completed before the 2024 fire season, but fuel treatments will be underway.


Prescribed burning must be done when conditions are safe to limit the potential for the fire to get out of control, usually in the spring and early summer. However, climate change is expected to shorten the prescribed burning window in the western U.S.

Staffing is still a concern

  • In 2023, over 18,000 people were employed as federal wildland firefighters.
  • The government boosted firefighters’ pay in 2021, but that increase is set to expire unless Congress votes to make it permanent.
  • The agency has started many initiatives to recruit and retain permanent employees, but it is too early to assess the results.

Everyone has a role in fire protection

  • Homeowners can reduce the fire risk to their own properties by following defensible space recommendations.
  • Several states also have programs, such as Colorado’s Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program to support community investment in wildfire mitigation.
  • Consistent funding is crucial, and homeowners can help by taking defensive action to reduce wildfire risk on their property.


Camille Stevens-Rumann receives funding from US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US department of Agriculture. She used to work for the US Forest Service and works closely with Federal, State, and non-profit organizations that help manage forests across the western US Jude Bayham receives funding from the United States Forest Service. He is on the Protect Our Winters Science Alliance.

Discover New AI Opportunities at GovAI Summit and CodeForward

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Software, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Security, Attention, Artificial intelligence, CISA, Government Accountability Office, Data science, Primary energy, Science, OpenAI, Computer security, Accenture, AI, DHS, Government, Medical device

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has established a roadmap for AI , outlining the public sector’s future plans.

Key Points: 
  • The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has established a roadmap for AI , outlining the public sector’s future plans.
  • Two influential AI events, GovAI Summit and CodeForward , will take place Dec. 5-6 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, to continue the conversation about what’s next for AI.
  • “Events like the GovAI Summit and CodeForward play a crucial role in convening the pioneers who are shaping the responsible development and deployment of AI,” said Pete Erickson, CEO of Modev and organizer of AI-related conferences for more than five years.
  • The agendas promise more than 100 speakers across panels, workshops, keynotes, and sessions focused on AI strategy, responsible implementation, product development, and the future of AI.

Onspring GovCloud Launches OMB A-123 Risk & Controls Software for Federal Agencies

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Classification, Control, SMC, OMB, Enterprise risk management, Risk management, ERM, RMC, Private sector, OMB Circular A-123, POA, International, ICOR, DevOps, GRC, Circular, FedRAMP, Software, Government Accountability Office, Management, Security, Internal control, Virtual Control Program Interface, SAT, Evaluation, Control (management), Medical device, Fraud, Attribute, Privacy, Risk

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Onspring GovCloud, a cloud-based GRC software platform with FedRAMP In Process designation, announced today the launch of its OMB A-123 Risk & Controls Management product – empowering federal agencies to meet the stringent requirements outlined in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-123, "Management's Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control." The Onspring GovCloud OMB A-123 Risk & Controls product is the first cloud-based software offering OMB content in ready-made workflows and reports that directly integrate with POA&M processes.

Key Points: 
  • The Onspring GovCloud OMB A-123 Risk & Controls product is the first cloud-based software offering OMB content in ready-made workflows and reports that directly integrate with POA&M processes.
  • "Our OMB A-123 Risk & Controls software represents a significant leap forward in enabling federal agencies to meet the evolving demands of enterprise risk management and control compliance.
  • Onspring GovCloud OMB A-123 Risk & Controls software strategically aligns with the mandates of the Federal Managers Finance Integrity Act (FMFIA) and the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) Green Book, ensuring comprehensive support for enterprise risk management capabilities and internal control processes.
  • This is the third cloud-based software product released by Onspring GovCloud in a FedRAMP environment to address federal agencies' current and future risk management requirements.

4 Greenberg Traurig Government Contracts Attorneys Named to ABA Public Contract Law Leadership Positions

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, Senior counsel, Public Contract Law Journal, Government Accountability Office, Intellectual property, LLP, American Bar Association, Intellectual property in China, Artificial intelligence, Intelligence, False Claims Act, Greenberg Traurig, Defense, Small business, Committee, ABA, Khoo Swee Chiow, Buy American Act, Small Business Administration, Debarment, Government, Practice of law, Management, Arms industry

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Four attorneys from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP were appointed to leadership positions within the American Bar Association (ABA)'s Section of Public Contract Law.

Key Points: 
  • Four attorneys from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP were appointed to leadership positions within the American Bar Association (ABA)'s Section of Public Contract Law.
  • WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Four attorneys from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP were appointed to leadership positions within the American Bar Association (ABA)'s Section of Public Contract Law.
  • The Greenberg Traurig lawyers appointed to ABA leadership positions include:
    Government Contracts practice Co-Chair Jeffery M. Chiow , who has held numerous ABA leadership positions over the years, received a three-year appointment to the section's council.
  • A prolific writer and frequent public speaker, he also is the co-author of "IP and Technology in Government Contracts," now in its seventh edition.

Otis Commits to Setting Science-Based Targets to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023
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FARMINGTON, Conn., Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) today announced its commitment to setting near-term science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, which have been formally submitted to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for evaluation. 

Key Points: 
  • FARMINGTON, Conn., Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) today announced its commitment to setting near-term science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, which have been formally submitted to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for evaluation.
  • The submission includes proposed GHG emissions reduction targets for Scopes 1, 2 and 3, against a 2021 baseline.
  • This SBTi commitment stands as a significant addition to Otis' existing public Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives and underscores Otis' dedication to combat climate change with decisive and principled action.
  • It defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies' targets.

Entravision Announces Board Updates

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Other Communications, Entertainment, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Audio, Video, General Entertainment, TV and Radio, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Digital, Internal audit, External, Social media, NYSE, Compensated emancipation, AOL, Freddie Mac, Acquisition, Marriott International, Government Accountability Office, Audit committee, Controller, Growth, Professional Football Compensation Committee, George Mason University, Interim, EVC, Senior, Snap Inc., Management, Entravision Communications

Entravision (NYSE: EVC), a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company, today announced the following updates to its Board of Directors (“the Board”), effective immediately, as part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to corporate governance practices and enhancing stockholder value:

Key Points: 
  • Entravision (NYSE: EVC), a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company, today announced the following updates to its Board of Directors (“the Board”), effective immediately, as part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to corporate governance practices and enhancing stockholder value:
    Michael Christenson, Entravision’s Chief Executive Officer, was appointed as a director of the Company.
  • Juan Saldivar von Wuthenau, Entravision’s Chief Digital, Strategy and Accountability Officer, has resigned as a director of the Company.
  • Mr. Saldivar will remain in his current executive role at Entravision which he has held since November 2020.
  • “We are pleased to welcome both Mr. Christenson and Ms. Sweet as directors, consistent with our commitment to corporate governance and periodically refreshing the Board with new perspectives, skill sets and experiences,” commented Paul Zevnik, Chair of Entravision’s Board of Directors.

Verato Forges Strategic Partnership with CLEAR to Accelerate the Adoption of Digital Identity in Healthcare

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Technology, Health, Other Health, Other Technology, Practice Management, Software, Managed Care, Networks, General Health, Hospitals, Internet, Health Technology, Data Management, Security, Partnership, Government Accountability Office, Hospital, Organization, Data management, CLEAR, Ecosystem, Growth, CRM, His, Patient, Nursing, Online shopping

Verato , the identity experts for healthcare, today announced a partnership with CLEAR , the secure identity company, to accelerate the adoption of digital identity in healthcare.

Key Points: 
  • Verato , the identity experts for healthcare, today announced a partnership with CLEAR , the secure identity company, to accelerate the adoption of digital identity in healthcare.
  • Verato and CLEAR believe that digital identity has the potential to transform healthcare data management, enabling healthcare organizations to overcome longstanding system interoperability challenges, vastly improve patient experiences, and reduce healthcare operating costs.
  • Working together, Verato and CLEAR seek to deliver a new standard in trusted identity that can power the next generation of clinical, analytical and engagement workflows.
  • With a secure enterprise-wide single source of truth for identity, Verato ensures that you get identity right from the start.

Citizens Against Government Waste Releases $4 Trillion in Prime Waste-Cutting Recommendations

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Technology, Labor, Homeland Security, Courts, Elections, Campaigns, Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, Congressional News, Views, Healthcare Reform, Public Policy, Government, Advocacy Group Opinion, Internet, White House, Federal Government, Other Policy Issues, Congress, Market Access Program, Government Accountability Office, CAGW, Fraud, Congressional Budget Office, MAP, Citizens Against Government Waste, Medicare, Federation, Reading, Fossil fuel, Pharmaceutical industry

Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) released Prime Cuts 2023 , the latest edition of the group’s comprehensive recommendations to eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in the federal government.

Key Points: 
  • Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) released Prime Cuts 2023 , the latest edition of the group’s comprehensive recommendations to eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in the federal government.
  • Total savings from Prime Cuts 2023 are $402.3 billion in the first year and $4 trillion over five years.
  • There are 543 recommendations from bipartisan and nonpartisan sources, including the Government Accountability Office, Congressional Budget Office, and the budgets of former Presidents Trump and Obama.
  • Since CAGW’s inception in 1984, implementation of the group’s recommendations has helped save taxpayers more than $2.4 trillion.

Otis Earns EcoVadis Gold Sustainability Rating for Second Consecutive Year

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 5, 2023
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FARMINGTON, Conn., Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) earned a gold rating this year from EcoVadis, a global sustainability rating platform.

Key Points: 
  • FARMINGTON, Conn., Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) earned a gold rating this year from EcoVadis, a global sustainability rating platform.
  • It's the second straight year Otis obtained the gold rating – ranking among the top 5% across all assessed companies.
  • With more than 100,000 companies around the world using the same platform, the EcoVadis rating provides a view into a company's commitment to sustainable business practices.
  • In 2021, Otis established 13 ESG goals within the focus areas of Health & Safety, Environment & Impact, People & Communities, and Governance & Accountability.

North America’s summer of wildfire smoke: 2023 was only the beginning

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 1, 2023
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Canada’s seemingly endless wildfires in 2023 introduced millions of people across North America to the health hazards of wildfire smoke.

Key Points: 
  • Canada’s seemingly endless wildfires in 2023 introduced millions of people across North America to the health hazards of wildfire smoke.
  • While Western states have contended with smoky fire seasons for years, the air quality alerts across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast this summer reached levels never seen there before.
  • The smoke left the air so unhealthy in Philadelphia on June 7, 2023, that the Phillies-Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball game was postponed.

Global warming means more fires

    • But wildfires’ contribution to air pollution is increasing again, resulting in flat or rising levels of air pollution in much of the country.
    • Climate models predicted this reality as global temperatures rise.
    • Computer simulations of the future in a warming climate show more smoky days, higher smoke concentrations, larger burned areas and higher emissions – which further fuel climate change.

Preparing for smoky days

    • Think of smoke waves like heat waves: They’re easier to face if you’re prepared and know they’re coming.
    • That means paying attention to forecasts and having face masks, air monitors and clean-air shelters available.
    • Living with wildfire smoke may mean using air filtration devices, wearing N95 or KN95 masks on bad air days, modifying outdoor commuting patterns and activity schedules and changing household ventilation choices.

What schools and communities can do

    • Schools can start with setting a threshold for canceling outdoor activities and making sure staff are ready to meet the needs of kids with asthma.
    • Communities will also need contingency plans for festivals and recreation venues, as well as rules for business to protect outdoor workers.

Improving smoke monitoring and forecasting

    • The U.S. has an extensive air quality monitoring and forecasting system to help provide some early warning.
    • It uses ground-based air quality monitors, satellite remote sensing systems to detect smoke and fires and computer systems that tie observations together with wind, chemistry and weather.
    • This is especially true when smoke blows in from fires far away, or when rapidly changing smoke emission rates and complex wind patterns lead to conflicting forecasts and advisories.


    Maintaining a strong air quality monitoring network is also important. State and local government agencies have reduced the number of ground monitors by about 10% from its peak in 2001. Smoke estimates from satellites and low-cost portable sensors can help, but they work best when they can be cross-calibrated to a well-maintained network of high-accuracy monitors.

We still have a lot to learn

    • A 2023 Government Accountability Office report called for better coordination to help target resources where they can be most effective.
    • Next-generation tools need to be both clear and resilient to the compound hazards that develop when smoke hits simultaneously with other challenges, such as extreme heat.
    • Gregory Carmichael receives funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.