Future of GAO, CIGIE Uncertain as Shutdown Begins

By now, you’ve probably heard that due to a congressional lapse on appropriations, the federal government generally is shut down, except for “essential services.” However, what you may not realize is that the appropriation for key independent watchdog agencies also has lapsed, with no immediate sign that this funding will return if and when the shutdown ends.

We at Thompson Grants have always relied on, and reported on, reports from the Government Accountability Office, an independent, non-partisan agency that works for Congress, examining how taxpayer dollars are spent to provide Congress and federal agencies with objective, non-partisan, fact-based information to help the government save money and work more efficiently. Many of their reports involve improving the operations of grant programs. However, as of Oct. 1, the GAO site now contains language stating “Please note that a lapse in appropriations has caused GAO to shut down its operations. Therefore, GAO will not be able to publish reports or otherwise update this website until GAO resumes operations. In addition, the vast majority of GAO personnel are not permitted to work. Consequently, calls or emails to agency personnel may not be returned until GAO resumes operations.”

In light of GAO reports this year finding that the Trump administration violated federal law in withholding Federal Emergency Management Agency funding, among other concerns in reports about the executive office, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has pushed back and has often refused to cooperate with GAO investigations. As recently as last month, OMB officials said that GAO is "a quasi-legislative independent entity ... something that shouldn't exist." Therefore, GAO’s future is tenuous, particularly with the recent retirement of GAO’s Comptroller General Gene Dodaro. We will be watching this situation very closely as it evolves.

Another organization under fire from the administration is the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), which is an independent entity within the executive branch established in October 2008 by the Inspector General Reform Act of 2008. The council addresses integrity, economy and effectiveness issues governmentwide; and develops policies, technical standards and approaches to aid in the establishment of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce in the Office of Inspector General. It is in charge of Oversight.gov, and its staff helps operate hotlines for tips, hosts websites for the inspectors and provides data analysis and investigative tools to help with probes. CIGIE helps support nearly 14,000 federal investigative employees.

Because Trump deems the CIGIE “corrupt,” he has pulled the funding from the organization, thus its website, IGNet.gov, and Oversight.gov both have been shut down. Some congressional Republicans have urged the president not to remove funding for CIGIE.

Things are no better at Grants.gov, which now states: “There has been a lapse in appropriated federal funds as of Oct. 1. Grants.gov will still be available, but service may be delayed with reduced federal support staff presence. For those programs affected by the funding lapse, the Grants.gov system will accept and store applications until such time as the responsible awarding agency has the authority and funding to return to normal business operations.”

And it should be noted that at SAM.gov, as a result of the government shutdown, the Federal Service Desk is not open at this time.

Thompson Grants will continue to report on issues affecting federal financial assistance, although the shutdown makes it harder for all of us. We intend to provide fact-based information to help you continue to meet the goals of your award programs.

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