FederalDaily - April 13, 2006

IRS Staffing Shortages Could Impact Filing Season

A March 2006 review of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Field Assistance Office discovered that several Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) suffer from critical staffing shortages that may affect the 2006 filing season. The review—conducted by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)—found that, as of Dec. 21, 2005, 47 TACs were significantly understaffed. However, because the IRS Field Assistance Office did not maintain a comprehensive list showing staff levels at each TAC, hours of operation and services offered, TIGTA could not confirm how the staffing problem might impact the upcoming tax filing season with any reliable data. The report urged the IRS to establish a reliable management information system. TIGTA also recommended updates to the Internal Revenue Manual to ensure agency guidelines are up to date. To read the report, go to www.treas.gov/tigta/auditreports/2006reports/200640067fr.pdf.

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SSA Needs Tighter System Access

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has not effectively limited user access in the agency’s Integrated Disability Management System (IDMS), according to a March 23 SSA inspector general (IG) report. The IG determined that the SSA has failed to adhere to its information systems principle of “least privilege,” to limit user access to the minimum necessary for an employee to perform his or her job. Out of 289 IDMS Top Secret access profiles, the audit discovered that 84 profiles granted a total of 23,136 “excessive access.” Such permissions, the IG said, give access to bank account and routing number information and allow for edits to medical data and dates. This leaves IDMS vulnerable to inappropriate data edits and erroneous review decisions. The IG recommended that SSA remove unnecessary database access and properly train security officers on profile assignments. The report is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-14-05-15064.pdf.

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FAA Used as Case Study for Congressional Oversight

Effective collection and maintenance of performance and financial data by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could serve as a blueprint for other agencies to follow, particularly with the incorporation of additional technology. In a March 8 report to Congress, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) used the FAA as a case study on how federal agencies can assist Congress in its oversight responsibilities. GAO applauded the FAA’s comprehensive budget and performance documentation. The report included feedback from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has the FAA within its jurisdiction. Committee staff, the report said, agreed that the FAA made large quantities of data available and maintained effective communication with the committee. To further improve the executive-legislative relationship, GAO advised FAA to better leverage its Web site to improve access to basic information, as well as regular meetings between committee staff and key managers. To read the report visit www.gao.gov/new.items/d06378.pdf.

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