Priority Open Recommendations: National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Summary

What GAO Found In July 2025, GAO identified 11 priority recommendations for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Since then, NTIA has implemented one of those recommendations, bringing the total to 10 as of June 2026. GAO is highlighting the following three areas that warrant timely and focused attention: Managing radio-frequency spectrum, Managing IT and cybersecurity risks to spectrum infrastructure, and Managing federal broadband programs. Addressing GAO's recommendations in these areas would enhance NTIA's efforts to collaborate with other federal agencies; better ensure the success of its IT modernization efforts; and improve the financial sustainability of the agency's grant programs. Taking action to implement all of GAO's open priority recommendations would help NTIA enhance the effectiveness and security of its programs. Why GAO Did This Study Priority open recommendations are the GAO recommendations that warrant priority attention from heads of key departments or agencies because their implementation could save large amounts of money; improve congressional and/or executive branch decision-making on major issues; eliminate mismanagement, fraud, and abuse; or make progress toward addressing a high risk or duplication issue, among other benefits. Since 2015, GAO has sent letters to selected agencies to highlight the importance of implementing such recommendations. For more information, contact Andrew Von Ah at vonaha@gao.gov.