A GAO report found that the Coast Guard could improve the transparency and quality of the data it uses to report on mission performance.
The report found that USCG needs to collect more complete data to make its program management effective. Last December, for example, GAO found that with more information on vessel safety statistics, the Coast Guard could build a fuller picture on accident, injury and fatality trends.
GAO also found that the Coast Guard’s Annual Performance Report has not been released publicly since 2011, which has reduced visibility of the success of the department’s mission. Coast Guard officials stated that this was because of a decision made by DHS officials to limit the number of performance goals that are publicly shared, but GAO recommends that APRs should be published on the Coast Guard’s website.
The report also found that USCG’s five-year plan for acquisition funding did not consistently reflect current estimates, and it made recommendations to cope with the challenges it will face for future funding constraints.