Sequestration: Comprehensive and Updated Cost Savings Would Better Inform DOD Decision Makers If Future Civilian Furloughs Occur
Abstract
Why GAO Did This Study. In March 2013, DOD s discretionary budget was reduced by $37 billion as a result of sequestration across-theboard spending reductions to enforce certain budget policy goals. In response, the Secretary of Defense implemented an administrative furlough, among other things by placing most of DOD s civilian personnel in a temporary nonduty, nonpay status. An administrative furlough is a planned event by an agency to absorb reductions due to budget situations other than a lapse in appropriations. GAO was mandated to review DOD s implementation of its administrative furlough. This report (1) examined how DOD implemented its furloughs and any reported cost savings, (2) examined the extent to which DOD utilized up-to-date cost-savings information in the planning and implementation of furloughs, and (3) identified any reported examples of impacts that resulted from the furloughs. GAO reviewed DOD furlough guidance, interviewed officials, and conducted visits at selected sites that were selected to represent different categories of furlough exceptions and potential sequestration impacts, among other things. What GAO Recommends. GAO recommends that DOD update and utilize its furlough cost-savings information as it becomes available in the event that it decides to implement another administrative furlough in the future. DOD partially concurred. GAO continues to believe the findings and recommendation are valid, as discussed in the report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA603783
Entities
People
- Amber L. Roberts
- Amie Steele
- Arkelga Braxton
- Brenda S. Farrell
- Cynthia Grant
- Grace Coleman
- John Van Schaik
- Lori Atkinson
- Michael Willems
- Norris Smith
- Rebecca Shea
- Tim Carr
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office