What is the purpose of a GAO evaluation?

• A. An evaluation performed by the GAO to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of government programs and expenditures.
• B. A routine audit of agency financial statements and internal controls.
• C. A legislative process to reallocate funding between programs.
• D. A summary report of environmental compliance by agencies.

Answer: (A)

GAO evaluations systematically examine how well a government program or expenditure achieves its intended results and whether it uses resources efficiently. They look at what the program is supposed to accomplish, how it’s implemented, the outcomes it produces, and the costs involved, then compare these against objectives to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations that help Congress and the public understand program effectiveness and find ways to make government work better and cheaper. While GAO also conducts routine audits of financial statements and internal controls, those focus on financial accuracy and compliance rather than evaluating program performance or value for money.