Our Teams | U.S. GAO

Mission Teams

We have 15 mission teams of analysts, financial auditors, and specialists who work on reports and other products that examine various aspects of federal programs and services. Each mission team focuses on key issue areas that help GAO achieve its mission to serve Congress and the American people. Click a mission team to learn more.

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ARM works with GAO mission teams to design financial and performance audits and select and implement appropriate methodologies for obtaining and analyzing information.

Applied Research and Methods (ARM)

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CNSA helps Congress determine how efficiently and effectively federal agencies acquire a broad range of goods and services to fulfill critical government missions.

Contracting and National Security Acquisitions (CNSA)

Defense 3 Pentagon

DCM leads the agency’s efforts to support congressional oversight of both the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community and other agencies that work on national defense and intelligence issues.

Defense Capabilities and Management (DCM)

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EWIS focuses on programs and legislation that affect everyone’s quality of life—from infants to the elderly.

Education, Workforce, and Income Security (EWIS)

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FMA is responsible for financial statement audits of the U.S. government and a handful of executive agencies.

Financial Management and Assurance (FMA)

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FMCI supports Congress by ensuring effective regulatory oversight of financial markets—including banking, securities, insurance, and futures.

Financial Markets and Community Investment (FMCI)

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FAIS focuses on identifying and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse across the federal government.

Forensic Audits and Investigative Service (FAIS)

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HC supports congressional oversight of health care delivery and financing in the United States.

Health Care (HC)

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The HSJ team leads GAO’s oversight of efforts to protect and secure the homeland, strengthen the justice system, and respond to disasters and emergencies.

Homeland Security and Justice (HSJ)

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ITC assists Congress with assessing and improving the government’s critical IT investments and develops best practices that are used across the government to guide decision-making.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity (ITC)

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IAT supports congressional oversight to advance and protect U.S. foreign policy and international economic interests in a complex and challenging global environment.

International Affairs and Trade (IAT)

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NRE is responsible for GAO’s assessments of federal efforts to manage our nation’s land and water resources, to protect air and water quality, and to address climate-related risks.

Natural Resources and Environment (NRE)

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U.S. physical infrastructure is the backbone of the economy and a fixture in millions of people’s daily lives.

Physical Infrastructure (PI)

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STAA is focused on science and technology in the federal government and beyond.

Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics (STAA)

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SI’s work helps Congress address national challenges, such as the nation’s fiscal health, Census operations, tax policy and administration, and federal workforce planning.

Strategic Issues (SI)

Operations and Staff Offices

We have 16 operations and staff offices that work to support the agency’s mission teams and Executive Committee, Congress, and the American people. Click an office to learn more.

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APQA is responsible for establishing and monitoring GAO’s policies and practices that govern its engagements and products on behalf of the Comptroller General and Chief Operating Officer.

Audit Policy and Quality Assurance (APQA)

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CAO is GAO’s operations hub, continuously improving critical services to help employees get their jobs done.

Chief Administrative Office (CAO)

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CR fosters and maintains liaisons with congressional committees, Members of Congress, and congressional staff.

Congressional Relations (CR)

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CPI oversees efforts to maximize GAO’s value.

Continuous Process Improvement (CPI)

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FMBO provides a full range of financial and business operations services that support GAO mission teams and offices.

Financial Management and Business Operations (FMBO)

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FO leads and assists staff in the agency’s 11 field offices across the country.

Field Operations (FO)

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HCO provides strategic human capital leadership and support to GAO managers and staff throughout their careers.

Human Capital Office (HCO)

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IO is responsible for administrative and operational support services for GAO.

Infrastructure Operations (IO)

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ISTS provides the agency’s technology support. GAO employees and contract staff work together to give agency staff the IT tools they need to do their work.

Information Systems & Technology Services (ISTS)

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GAO has a robust internal training program, delivering introductory and continuing education to its staff through its own Learning Center.

Learning Center (LC)

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The PDP focuses on developing entry-level staff knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet GAO’s mission through work experiences, training, and ongoing coaching and feedback throughout a 2-year program.

Professional Development Program (PDP)

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OGC attorneys provide several types of legal support to further GAO’s mission.

Office of the General Counsel (OGC)

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OIG independently conducts audits, evaluations, and other reviews of GAO’s programs and operations and makes recommendations to promote the agency’s economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

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O&I helps GAO promote and maintain a work environment that is fair, unbiased, and inclusive.

Office of Opportunity & Inclusiveness (O&I)

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OPA is the communications arm of the agency that works to inform the Congress and the public of GAO’s work to save taxpayer money.

Office of Public Affairs (OPA)

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SPEL directs four major programs. It also manages advisory boards and external relations with universities, nonprofits, and international organizations.

Strategic Planning and External Liaison (SPEL)

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