U.S. Department of Agriculture: Similarities Between the Activities of the Department and Other Federal Agencies

摘要

We were asked to identify USDA activities that are similar to the activities conducted by other federal agencies and to discuss USDA'S efforts to comply with the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act. In response, we identified apparently similar activities, such as food safety and land management, that are carried out by more than one agency; examined previous GAO reports that highlight these similarities; and reviewed the goals of the Government Performance and Results Act and USDA'S efforts to comply with it. Our analysis highlights many of the activities that are apparently similar. However, USDA'S activities may not be directed at the same clientele as those carried out by other federal agencies, and other agencies' activities may be only a part of their overall mission. Our analysis did not determine all of the similar activities nor the extent of any overlap or duplication. To make such determinations would require a substantially more detailed analysis, which was beyond the scope of our review. We identified similar activities by (1) identifying those federal budget functions and subfunctions in which both USDA and other federal agencies spent funds; (2) comparing USDA'S missions, objectives, and goals as outlined in the Department's strategic and annual performance plans with those of other departments; (3) reviewing the U.S. Government Manual, agency documents, and other relevant documents to determine activities other agencies conduct; and (4) reviewing prior GAO reports on related topics.