VETERANS AFFAIRS: Use of Additional Funding for COVID-19 Relief
Abstract
As of April 14, 2021, VA reported 224,538 cumulative veteran cases of COVID-19, and 11,366 deaths. The CARES Act and Families First Coronavirus Response Act included supplemental funding for COVID-19 relief, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, permitted VA additional flexibility to transfer these funds across the department. The CARES Act also included a provision for GAO to report on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report examines 1) VAs obligations and expenditures of COVID-19 supplemental funding, as well as its plans to obligate remaining funds, and 2) how VA oversees the use of COVID-19 supplemental funds. GAO reviewed VA data on obligations, expenditures, and spend plans for COVID-19 supplemental funding, as well as contracting documentation and documentation on the processes and guidance VA developed to oversee the use of funds. GAO interviewed VA officials responsible for oversight of the supplemental funding, including officials from five regional networks, selected based on funding levels and geography, to gather information about their roles in overseeing the use of and accounting for supplemental funding. VA reviewed a draft of this report and provided a technical comment, which was incorporated as appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1174795
Entities
People
- Britt Carlson
- Caroline Johnson
- Emily Loriso
- Heather Tompkins
- Jacquelyn Hamilton
- Jennie F. Apter
- Jocelyn Yin
- Joy Kim
- Michael Zose
- Sharon M. Silas
- Shelby S. Oakley
- Teague Lyons
- Vikki Porter
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office