The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars by auditing agency operations, investigating allegations of illegal and improper activities, and reporting on how well government programs and policies are meeting their objectives. GAO conducts its investigations at the request of congressional committees or subcommittees or as mandated by public laws or committee reports. GAO also undertakes research when asked by the Comptroller General who heads the GAO offices and staff. Under the authority of the Comptroller General and in response to continuing congressional interest in the U.S. government's use of private military and security contractors, the GAO has performed reviews on the contracting, use and oversight of PMSCs by government agencies.

In addition to the reports that appear below, the GAO issues legal decisions, opinions, and reports on "bid protests," challenges to the award or proposed award of a contract by federal government agencies. Bid protest decisions can be found on the GAO website. 

GAO Reports