GAO Reports Federal Agencies Not Sharing Data on Banned Chinese Tech, Hindering Compliance
A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, published on September 22, found that while federal agencies have significantly reduced spending with five prohibited Chinese telecommunications and surveillance companies, key agencies are not adequately sharing information to ensure broader compliance. The report examined how the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have implemented Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This act prohibits federal agencies from procuring covered equipment or services from specific Chinese companies and from contracting with vendors using such items. Although GSA and DoD have developed internal processes and tools to support compliance, they are not broadly sharing implementation insights, including information about the companies' subsidiaries and affiliates, or methods for improving supply chain visibility, with other federal agencies. This lack of information sharing could delay...
