    GAO Strategic Plan, 2007-2012 (30-MAR-07, GAO-07-1SP).

    In keeping with GAO's commitment to update its strategic plan at
    least once every 3 years--consistent with the Government
    Performance and Results Act--this strategic plan describes our
    proposed goals and strategies for serving the Congress for fiscal
    years 2007 through 2012. As expected, with the Congress and the
    nation facing such challenges as the large and growing long-term
    fiscal imbalance and increased concerns about meeting the health
    care needs of American citizens, this plan includes bodies of
    work that address anticipated requests for evaluations of those
    and other major issues. In addition, our plan covers anticipated
    work related to major government transformation efforts,
    especially in the areas of homeland security and defense. Since
    our last update to the strategic plan, many challenges continue
    and others have emerged. For example, the war on terrorism has
    continued, as has the nation's involvement in Iraq and the
    ensuing reconstruction effort that is still unfolding. Hurricanes
    Katrina and Rita and predictions of an influenza pandemic have
    raised the nation's awareness of nonmilitary threats to homeland
    security. Historic budget deficits have added to our country's
    national debt. Perhaps more disturbing is that our nation's
    long-range fiscal outlook remains unsustainable given existing
    federal commitments and the challenges of caring for a growing
    elderly population. Consequently, policymakers will be
    increasingly required to judge what the nation can afford, both
    now and in the future. In addition, national boundaries are
    becoming less relevant to policymakers as they address a range of
    economic, security, social, and environmental issues. At the same
    time, the composition of our nation's population is becoming
    older and more diverse, resulting in a virtual kaleidoscope of
    demands for federal funds and services. Scientific research and
    technological developments provide opportunities to improve the
    lives of U.S. citizens but also raise profound ethical questions
    for society. Accompanying these changes are new expectations
    about the quality of life for Americans and the ways of measuring
    the nation's position and progress. Governance structures are
    evolving in order to contend with these new forces and an
    accelerating pace of change. These broad themes--changing
    security threats, sustainability concerns, economic growth and
    competitiveness, global interdependence, societal change, quality
    of life, and science and technology--provide the context for our
    plan.
    -------------------------Indexing Terms-------------------------
    REPORTNUM:   GAO-07-1SP
        ACCNO:   A67666
      TITLE:     GAO Strategic Plan, 2007-2012
         DATE:   03/30/2007
      SUBJECT:   Accountability
    	     Agency missions
    	     Education
    	     Environmental policies
    	     Financial management
    	     Health care programs
    	     Homeland security
    	     Housing programs
    	     Internal controls
    	     International economic relations
    	     International relations
    	     Performance measures
    	     Population statistics
    	     Program evaluation
    	     Public debt
    	     Quality of life
    	     Reporting requirements
    	     Retirement benefits
    	     Strategic planning
    	     Transportation

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    ******************************************************************
    GAO-07-1SP

         * [1]Table of Contents
         * [2]Abbreviations
         * [3]Letter from the Comptroller General
         * [4]Our Mission, Goals, Strategies, and Means

              * [5]Mission Statement
              * [6]Statutory Responsibilities
              * [7]Our Strategic Goals
              * [8]Key Performance Measures
              * [9]Strategies and Means
              * [10]Internal Management Challenges
              * [11]External Factors That Could Affect Our Performance
              * [12]Our Organizational Structure

         * [13]Themes Affecting the Plan: Preparing the United States for an
           Interdependent World
         * [14]Goal 1 Provide Timely, Quality Service to the Congress and the
           Federal Government to Address Current and Emerging Challenges to the
           Well-being and Financial Security of the American People

              * [15]Strategic Objective 1.1 The Health Needs of an Aging and
                Diverse Population

                   * [16]Performance Goal 1.1.1 Evaluate Medicare Reform,
                     Financing, and Operations
                   * [17]Performance Goal 1.1.2 Assess Trends and Issues in
                     Private Health Insurance Coverage
                   * [18]Performance Goal 1.1.3 Assess Actions and Options for
                     Improving VA's and DOD's Health Care Services
                   * [19]Performance Goal 1.1.4 Evaluate the Effectiveness of
                     Federal Programs to Promote and Protect the Public Health
                   * [20]Performance Goal 1.1.5 Evaluate the Effectiveness of
                     Federal Programs to Prevent, Prepare for, and Respond to
                     Public Health Emergencies
                   * [21]Performance Goal 1.1.6 Evaluate Federal and State
                     Program Strategies for Financing and Overseeing Long-term
                     Health Care
                   * [22]Performance Goal 1.1.7 Assess State Experiences and
                     Federal Oversight in Providing Health Insurance Coverage for
                     Low-Income Populations

              * [23]Strategic Objective 1.2 Lifelong Learning to Enhance U.S.
                Competitiveness

                   * [24]Performance Goal 1.2.1 Identify Opportunities to Improve
                     Programs That Target Federal Resources to Activities That
                     Support Lifelong Learning
                   * [25]Performance Goal 1.2.2 Assess the Effectiveness of
                     Education and Training Programs in Meeting the Needs of the
                     21st Century Workforce
                   * [26]Performance Goal 1.2.3 Support Improved Oversight and
                     Management of Education and Training Programs

              * [27]Strategic Objective 1.3 Benefits and Protections for Workers,
                Families, and Children

                   * [28]Performance Goal 1.3.1Identify Opportunities to Improve
                     Programs That Provide Social Services, Economic, and
                     Nutrition Assistance to Individuals, Families, and Children
                   * [29]Performance Goal 1.3.2 Identify Ways to Improve Federal
                     Policies and Support for People with Disabilities
                   * [30]Performance Goal 1.3.3 Assess the Effectiveness of
                     Strategies and Safeguards to Protect Workers, as Well as
                     Individuals' Identities, in an Increasingly Complex Work and
                     Economic Environment

              * [31]Strategic Objective 1.4 Financial Security for an Aging
                Population

                   * [32]Performance Goal 1.4.1 Assess the Policy and
                     Administrative Challenges to the Federal Government in
                     Providing for Americans' Financial Security in Retirement
                   * [33]Performance Goal 1.4.2 Assess the Financial and
                     Administrative Challenges to Providing Employer-Sponsored
                     Pensions and Retaining Older Americans in the Workforce, and
                     the Implications of These Challenges for National Retirement
                     Security
                   * [34]Performance Goal 1.4.3 Assess Options and Strategies to
                     Help Individuals Ensure Retirement Security for Themselves
                     and Their Families

              * [35]Strategic Objective 1.5 Ensuring a Responsive, Fair, and
                Effective System of Justice

                   * [36]Performance Goal 1.5.1 Assess the Federal Justice
                     System's Ability to Operate Fairly and Efficiently
                   * [37]Performance Goal 1.5.2 Identify Ways to Improve Federal
                     Agencies' Ability to Prevent and Respond to Terrorism and
                     Other Major Crimes

              * [38]Strategic Objective 1.6 The Promotion of Viable Communities

                   * [39]Performance Goal 1.6.1 Assess Federal Community and
                     Economic Development Assistance and Its Impact on
                     Communities
                   * [40]Performance Goal 1.6.2 Assess the Effectiveness of
                     Federal Initiatives to Assist Small and Minority-Owned
                     Businesses
                   * [41]Performance Goal 1.6.3 Assess How the Federal Government
                     Can Balance Promoting Home Ownership and Financial Risk
                     While Adapting to Changing Markets and Policies
                   * [42]Performance Goal 1.6.4 Assess How Well Federal Programs
                     That Support Affordable Rental Housing Meet Objectives,
                     Manage Financial Risk, and Improve Recipients' Well-being

              * [43]Strategic Objective 1.7 Responsible Stewardship of Natural
                Resources and the Environment

                   * [44]Performance Goal 1.7.1 Assess the Nation's Ability to
                     Ensure Reliable and Environmentally Sound Energy for Current
                     and Future Generations
                   * [45]Performance Goal 1.7.2 Assess Federal Strategies for
                     Managing Land and Water Resources in a Sustainable Fashion
                     for Multiple Uses
                   * [46]Performance Goal 1.7.3 Assess Environmental Protection
                     Strategies and Programs
                   * [47]Performance Goal 1.7.4 Assess Efforts to Reduce the
                     Threats Posed by Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes
                   * [48]Performance Goal 1.7.5 Assess Federal Programs' Ability
                     to Ensure a Plentiful and Safe Food Supply, Provide Economic
                     Security for Farmers, and Minimize Agricultural
                     Environmental Damage

              * [49]Strategic Objective 1.8 A Safe, Secure, and Effective
                National Physical Infrastructure

                   * [50]Performance Goal 1.8.1 Assess Strategies for
                     Identifying, Evaluating, Prioritizing, Financing, and
                     Implementing Integrated Solutions to the Nation's
                     Transportation Infrastructure Challenges
                   * [51]Performance Goal 1.8.2 Assess the Impact of
                     Transportation and Telecommunications Policies and Practices
                     on Competition and Consumers
                   * [52]Performance Goal 1.8.3 Assess the Federal Government's
                     Role in Fostering and Overseeing Telecommunications in the
                     Public Interest
                   * [53]Performance Goal 1.8.4 Assess Efforts to Improve Safety
                     in Moving People and Goods across the Nation's
                     Transportation System
                   * [54]Performance Goal 1.8.5 Assess the U.S. Postal Service's
                     Transformation Efforts to Ensure Its Viability and
                     Accomplish Its Mission
                   * [55]Performance Goal 1.8.6 Assess Federal Efforts to Plan
                     for, Acquire, Manage, Maintain, Secure, and Dispose of the
                     Government's Real Property Assets

         * [56]Goal 2 Provide Timely, Quality Service to the Congress and the
           Federal Government to Respond to Changing Security Threats and the
           Challenges of Global Interdependence

              * [57]Strategic Objective 2.1 Protect and Secure the Homeland from
                Threats and Disasters

                   * [58]Performance Goal 2.1.1 Assess Federal Homeland Security
                     Management, Resources, and Coordination
                   * [59]Performance Goal 2.1.2 Assess Efforts to Strengthen
                     Border Security and Immigration Enforcement to Enhance
                     Homeland Security
                   * [60]Performance Goal 2.1.3 Assess U.S. National Emergency
                     Preparedness and Response Capabilities
                   * [61]Performance Goal 2.1.4 Assess Efforts to Strengthen
                     Security in All Transportation Modes
                   * [62]Performance Goal 2.1.5 Evaluate Ways to Strengthen
                     Government Information Security and Protect Computer and
                     Telecommunications Systems That Support the Nation's
                     Critical Infrastructures
                   * [63]Performance Goal 2.1.6 Assess Homeland Security
                     Information and Intelligence Sharing

              * [64]Strategic Objective 2.2 Ensure Military Capabilities and
                Readiness

                   * [65]Performance Goal 2.2.1 Assess DOD's Ability to Maintain
                     Adequate Readiness Levels While Transforming Forces and
                     Capabilities to Meet 21st Century Challenges
                   * [66]Performance Goal 2.2.2 Assess DOD's Efforts to Respond
                     to Emerging Threats and Irregular Warfare
                   * [67]Performance Goal 2.2.3 Assess Progress and Challenges
                     DOD Faces in Emphasizing Increased Joint Capabilities
                   * [68]Performance Goal 2.2.4 Assess Overall Human Capital
                     Management to Ensure a High-Quality Total Force
                   * [69]Performance Goal 2.2.5 Assess the Ability of Weapon
                     System Acquisition Programs and Processes to Achieve Desired
                     Outcomes
                   * [70]Performance Goal 2.2.6 Assess Progress in Improving the
                     Economy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness of DOD's Support
                     Infrastructure and Business Systems and Processes
                   * [71]Performance Goal 2.2.7 Assess the National Nuclear
                     Security Administration's Efforts to Maintain a Safe and
                     Reliable Nuclear Weapons Stockpile
                   * [72]Performance Goal 2.2.8 Analyze and Support DOD's Efforts
                     to Improve Planning, Programming, Budgeting, Execution, and
                     Program Performance

              * [73]Strategic Objective 2.3 Advance and Protect U.S.
                International Interests

                   * [74]Performance Goal 2.3.1 Analyze the Plans, Strategies,
                     Roles, Costs, and Results of the United States and Its
                     Allies in Conflict Interventions
                   * [75]Performance Goal 2.3.2 Analyze the Effectiveness and
                     Management of U.S. Foreign Aid and Developmental and
                     Humanitarian Programs and the Tools Used to Implement Them
                   * [76]Performance Goal 2.3.3 Analyze the Plans, Costs, and
                     Outcomes of Responding to Challenges to U.S. Strategic
                     Interests
                   * [77]Performance Goal 2.3.4 Evaluate the Extent to Which U.S.
                     Interests Are Effectively Served by U.S. Participation in
                     Multilateral Organizations
                   * [78]Performance Goal 2.3.5 Assess the Strategies and
                     Management Practices for U.S. Foreign Affairs Functions and
                     Activities
                   * [79]Performance Goal 2.3.6 Evaluate the Effectiveness and
                     Coordination of U.S. International Counterterrorism Efforts
                   * [80]Performance Goal 2.3.7 Assess the Effectiveness of U.S.
                     and International Efforts to Prevent Proliferating Nuclear,
                     Biological, Chemical, and Conventional Weapons and Sensitive
                     Technologies

              * [81]Strategic Objective 2.4 Respond to the Impact of Global
                Market Forces on U.S. Economic and Security Interests

                   * [82]Performance Goal 2.4.1 Analyze How U.S. Interests Are
                     Served through Trade Agreements, U.S. Programs, and
                     International Cooperative Efforts
                   * [83]Performance Goal 2.4.2 Improve Understanding of the
                     Effects of a Global Supplier Base on U.S. National Security
                     Interests
                   * [84]Performance Goal 2.4.3 Assess How the United States Can
                     Influence Improvements in the World Financial System
                   * [85]Performance Goal 2.4.4 Assess the Ability of the
                     Financial Services Industry and Its Regulators to Maintain a
                     Stable and Efficient Financial System in the Face of Market
                     Change and Innovation
                   * [86]Performance Goal 2.4.5 Assess the Effectiveness of
                     Regulatory Programs and Policies in Ensuring Access to
                     Financial Services and Deterring Fraud and Abuse in
                     Financial Markets

         * [87]Goal 3 Help Transform the Government by Supporting a Broad-Based
           Reexamination of Federal Programs

              * [88]Strategic Objective 3.1 Reexamine the Federal Government's
                Role in Achieving Evolving National Objectives

                   * [89]Performance Goal 3.1.1 Examine Emerging Challenges and
                     Opportunities to Position the Federal Government for the
                     21st Century
                   * [90]Performance Goal 3.1.2 Examine the Relationships of
                     Governmental and Nongovernmental Organizations and the Use
                     of Policy Tools in Achieving National Goals

              * [91]Strategic Objective 3.2 Support the Transformation to
                Results-Oriented, High-Performing Government

                   * [92]Performance Goal 3.2.1 Analyze and Support Efforts to
                     Improve the Human Capital Infrastructure Key to Successfully
                     Transforming the Government
                   * [93]Performance Goal 3.2.2 Assess Efforts to Improve
                     Results-Oriented Management Oversight across the Government
                   * [94]Performance Goal 3.2.3 Identify Ways to Improve the
                     Collection, Dissemination, and Quality of Federal
                     Information
                   * [95]Performance Goal 3.2.4 Identify Ways to Improve
                     Financial Management Infrastructure Capacity to Provide
                     Useful Information for Managing Results and Costs Day to Day
                   * [96]Performance Goal 3.2.5 Assess the Government's Planning,
                     Implementation, and Use of IT to Improve Performance and
                     Modernize Federal Programs and Operations
                   * [97]Performance Goal 3.2.6 Identify Ways to Improve How
                     Federal Agencies Acquire Goods and Services

              * [98]Strategic Objective 3.3 Support Congressional Oversight of
                Key Management Challenges and Program Risks to Improving Federal
                Operations and Ensuring Accountability

                   * [99]Performance Goal 3.3.1 Highlight High-Risk Federal
                     Programs and Operations and Monitor Progress of Executive
                     Branch Management Reforms
                   * [100]Performance Goal 3.3.2 Identify Ways to Strengthen
                     Accountability for the Federal Government's Assets and
                     Operations
                   * [101]Performance Goal 3.3.3 Assess the Management and
                     Results of the Federal Investment in Science and Technology
                     and the Effectiveness of Efforts to Protect Intellectual
                     Property

              * [102]Strategic Objective 3.4 Analyze the Government's Fiscal
                Position and Strengthen Approaches for Addressing the Current and
                Projected Fiscal Gap

                   * [103]Performance Goal 3.4.1 Analyze the Structure and
                     Information for Budgetary Choices and Explore Alternatives
                     for Improvement, Including Implications for the Long-term
                     Fiscal Position
                   * [104]Performance Goal 3.4.2 Contribute to Congressional
                     Deliberations on Tax Policy
                   * [105]Performance Goal 3.4.3 Identify Specific Opportunities
                     to Reduce the Tax Gap and Improve Federal Tax Administration
                   * [106]Performance Goal 3.4.4 Assess the Reliability of
                     Financial Information on the Government's Fiscal Position
                     and Financing Sources

         * [107]Goal 4 Maximize the Value of GAO by Being a Model Federal Agency
           and a World-class Professional Services Organization

              * [108]Strategic Objective 4.1 Improve Client and Customer
                Satisfaction and Stakeholder Relationships

                   * [109]Performance Goal 4.1.1 Strengthen Communication with
                     Congressional Clients
                   * [110]Performance Goal 4.1.2 Measure Our Clients'
                     Satisfaction with Our Work and Act on Client Feedback
                   * [111]Performance Goal 4.1.3 Assess Internal Customer
                     Satisfaction with Our Services and Processes and Implement
                     and Measure Improvement Efforts
                   * [112]Performance Goal 4.1.4 Modernize and Transform the
                     Accountability Profession in the Public and Private Sectors,
                     Both Domestically and Internationally, to Leverage Our
                     Resources and Better Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century

              * [113]Strategic Objective 4.2 Lead Strategically to Achieve
                Enhanced Results

                   * [114]Performance Goal 4.2.1 Ensure a Seamless Strategic
                     Planning, Workforce Planning, and Budget Process to Maximize
                     Results and Manage Risks within Current and Expected
                     Resources
                   * [115]Performance Goal 4.2.2 Strengthen Our Strategic Human
                     Capital Management to Achieve Enhanced Results
                   * [116]Performance Goal 4.2.3 Ensure Exemplary Practices and
                     Systems in Our Fiscal Operations
                   * [117]Performance Goal 4.2.4 Further Enhance IT Governance to
                     Achieve Strategic Results by Applying Emerging Best
                     Practices in IT Processes and Management

              * [118]Strategic Objective 4.3 Leverage Our Institutional Knowledge
                and Experience

                   * [119]Performance Goal 4.3.1 Maximize the Collection, Use,
                     and Retention of Essential Organizational Knowledge
                   * [120]Performance Goal 4.3.2 Increase Our Knowledge-Sharing
                     Capability
                   * [121]Performance Goal 4.3.3 Enhance Knowledge Sharing with
                     Other National and International Accountability and
                     Professional Organizations

              * [122]Strategic Objective 4.4 Enhance Our Business and Management
                Processes

                   * [123]Performance Goal 4.4.1 Streamline the Engagement
                     Process and Improve Engagement Services
                   * [124]Performance Goal 4.4.2 Enhance the Quality, Content,
                     and Appearance of Our Products
                   * [125]Performance Goal 4.4.3 Improve Our Administrative and
                     Management Processes and Use Enabling Technology to Improve
                     Crosscutting Processes

              * [126]Strategic Objective 4.5 Become a Professional Services
                Employer of Choice

                   * [127]Performance Goal 4.5.1 Promote an Environment That Is
                     Fair and Unbiased and That Values Opportunity and
                     Inclusiveness
                   * [128]Performance Goal 4.5.2 Provide Our Staff with Tools,
                     Technology, and a World-class Working Environment
                   * [129]Performance Goal 4.5.3 Provide a Safe and Secure
                     Workplace
                   * [130]Performance Goal 4.5.4 Enhance Employee Views about GAO
                   * [131]Performance Goal 4.5.5 Improve the Development and
                     Experiences of Newly Hired Staff

         * [132]Image Sources

    United States Government Accountability Office

    sTRATEGIC

    PLAN

    2007 - 2012

    Serving the Congress and the Nation

    [133]GAO-07-1SP

                Serving the Congress and the Nation

    				GAO'S StrategiC Plan

                                       2007-2012

    The strategic plan and our performance and accountability reports are available
                   through our Web site at www.gao.gov/sp.html .

         Linked to that same page is our full family of strategic planning and
                      performance and accountability publications.

                                    www.gao.gov

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