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Priorities for Policy Makers – Our App for Government on the Go

Posted on November 10, 2016
The election is over. The transition is here. But how will new executive branch leaders and new congressional staff decide where to start? As policymakers shift gears from campaigning to governing, they need to quickly learn about their new positions and the challenges before them. That’s why we launched our “Priorities for Policy Makers” app—available on the App Store® or Google Play™. Our app helps users quickly find what the priority recommendations are from GAO—recommendations to improve government operations across almost every major agency. Each year, we make hundreds of recommendations to federal agencies on how they can save money and perform better. The apps give access to our “priority recs”—those that offer an immediate opportunity to improve government operations and reduce costs. Watch Comptroller General Gene Dodaro explain our role, our new app, and other resources we’re making available for the 2017 transition:

GAO: GAO's Transition Resources

Our app helps tackle the federal government’s biggest issues Busy leaders can learn about some of the biggest problems facing the nation—and how to fix them—on the go. And the public can find out what leaders should focus on so they can be held accountable. We recently sat down with Chuck Young, managing director of our Office of Public Affairs, to discuss how our app meets these needs:
GAO's New Transition Smartphone App
As he mentioned, the app is one way we are helping users Another is our High Risk list. Our list calls attention to agencies and programs at high risk because they are vulnerable to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement—or are in need of total transformation. For example, our list includes VA health care, DOD financial management, and funding for the nation’s highways and rail systems. We outline why areas are on the list and, more importantly, what they need to do to get off of it. We update this list at the start of each new Congress and will do so again in February, 2017. We also have a section on Key Issues. If you’re looking to quickly get up to speed on a broad area, such as information security or tax policy, you can explore our Key Issues by topic or agency. And lastly, you’ll want to check out our Management Agenda if you’re interested in the most critical management challenges facing the federal government—including the need to strengthen cybersecurity and enhance civic engagement. The Agenda lays out broad problems, and provides specific solutions. Whether you’re new to the Hill, preparing to join an agency, or just a concerned citizen, our app has got you covered. And it’s free! Download it today.
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