# GAO Sets Technology Oversight Priorities

On October 15, 2026, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued its 2027–2032 Strategic Plan, identifying federal accountability, fraud and waste reduction, national security, and emerging technologies—including AI and quantum computing—as oversight priorities. GAO also plans to expand its internal use of AI, analytics, and cloud services. The plan is not a solicitation or contract award, but it signals closer congressional scrutiny of technology acquisition and federal programs, with implications for contractors’ performance, security, and stewardship of public funds.

- Contractors supporting federal technology programs should review their risk management, cybersecurity controls, acquisition and software practices, and workforce capabilities in light of the plan’s stated priorities.
- Organizations delivering government services may face closer examination of performance, use of public funds, fraud and waste controls, and technology-related risks.
- The plan identifies AI and quantum computing among the technologies GAO expects to examine; firms working in these areas should be prepared to explain the risks and safeguards associated with their federal work.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity
**Published:** October 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- Congress

### Key Quotes
> We must be agile as congressional needs and priorities rapidly change and federal agencies reimagine how they carry out their missions using emerging technology.
> — Orice Williams Brown, Acting Comptroller General

> Congress needs answers at the speed of today’s challenges, and this plan positions GAO to deliver them.
> — Orice W. Brown, Acting Comptroller General of the United States

### Sources
- [GAO Targets AI, Cybersecurity Oversight in New Strategic Plan – MeriTalk](https://www.meritalk.com/articles/gao-targets-ai-cybersecurity-oversight-in-new-strategic-plan) - MeriTalk
- [GAO Unveils New Strategic Plan Focused on the Nation's Emerging Challenges and Opportunities | U.S. GAO](https://www.gao.gov/press-release/gao-unveils-new-strategic-plan) - GAO