Fragmentation, Overlap, and Duplication: An Evaluation and Management Guide
Abstract
Continued and increasing fiscal pressures will require the federal government to make difficult policy decisions. In the near term, executive branch agencies and Congress can act to improve the efficiency of federal programs by maximizing the level of services provided for a given level of resources, as well as improving programs effectiveness in achieving their objectives. In addition, as GAO has reported, opportunities to take action exist in areas where federal programs are inefficient or ineffective because they are fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative. Fragmentation, overlap, and duplication exist across many areas of government activity. However, in some cases it may be appropriate or beneficial for multiple agencies or entities to be involved in the same programmatic or policy area due to the complex nature or magnitude of the federal effort. In February 2010, GAO was statutorily mandated to identify and report annually to Congress on federal programs, agencies, offices, and initiatives- either within departments or government-wide- that have duplicative goals or activities. In four annual reports issued from 2011 through 2014, GAO presented 188 areas wherein opportunities existed for executive branch agencies or Congress to reduce, eliminate, or better manage fragmentation, overlap, or duplication; achieve cost savings; or enhance revenue. GAO has estimated that executive branch and congressional efforts to address suggested actions resulted in roughly $20 billion in financial benefits from fiscal years 2011 through 2014, with another approximately $80 billion in additional benefits projected to be accrued through 2023. To supplement its annual reports and under the authority of the Comptroller General, GAO has developed this guide: one part for analysts- including federal, state, and local auditors; congressional staff; researchers; and consultants-and another part for policymakers-including congressional decision makers and executive branch leaders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1175555
Entities
People
- A. N. Clowers
- Cory Marzullo
- Crystal Wesco
- Jennifer Schwartz
- Jill Naamane
- Jungjin Park
- Kristeen Mclain
- Marc Molino
- Orice W. Brown
- Patricia A. Dalton
- Steven R. Putansu
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office