DOD Compliance With the Federal Advisory Committee Act

GAO discussed the Federal Advisory Committee Act as it related to senior scientific advisory committees in the Department of Defense (DOD), specifically, the extent to which DOD implemented recommendations for the management and operations of these committees. GAO found that: (1) DOD implemented most of the recommendations, and generally was in compliance with the act; (2) the committees documented their panel selection processes but did not have written criteria for achieving balance in panel membership; (3) DOD did not always document financial statements or adequately conduct conflict-of-interest reviews; and (4) DOD did not regularly review committee operations or ensure that the committees promptly reported deficiencies and any corrective actions. GAO also found that the Navy implemented a recommendation that it appoint its panel members as special government employees, subject to the same conflict-of-interest standards as other DOD panel members.