Theme 4

Counter corruption and ensure government integrity and accountability to the public

Status:

56% complete

Select another theme below to explore further:

  • Theme 1

    Improve access to government data, research, and information

  • Theme 2

    Increase civic space to engage the public

  • Theme 3

    Transform government service delivery

  • Theme 5

    Ensure equal justice under the law

Commitments

Implement open government components of a new governmentwide strategy on countering corruption

Enhance transparency and integrity within the financial system by improving information sharing, empowering civil society and media to detect and report corruption, and strengthening international cooperation.


Sub-commitment
US0130.1

Description
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is continuing to build the infrastructure and database for beneficial ownership reporting, and will issue further rulemakings to implement the CTA.

Agency and subagency
U.S. Department of Treasury
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

Status
In progress

Progress update: The Treasury Department continues to support compliance with the new beneficial ownership reporting requirements. The contact center has processed over 6 million filing requests from the estimated 30 million affected companies. Of the 150,000 service tickets received by the program, approximately 143,000 (95%) have been resolved, thanks to the policy team’s efforts to develop accessible guidance. Treasury is also advancing work to finalize the Customer Due Diligence rule as swiftly as possible.

The Department’s outreach and education campaign emphasizes the importance of beneficial ownership information for safeguarding the U.S. financial system and combating illicit finance. FinCEN has addressed a wide array of public inquiries about beneficial ownership filing requirements, underscoring that submitting beneficial ownership information to FinCEN is quick, free, and secure. Through over 170 engagements—including conferences, webinars, roundtables, and informational sessions—FinCEN has directly engaged hundreds of thousands of stakeholders and groups in collaboration with Secretaries of State, industry organizations, Members of Congress, corporate service providers, Chambers of Commerce, government agencies, and other partners. More information can be found at the Beneficial Ownership Information page on FinCEN.gov.

Evidence:


Sub-commitment
US0130.2

Description
The Federal Government commits to working with international partners to further elevate international standards and practices against illicit finance, and continue to build the cooperative relationships to combat such conduct.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
National Security Council

Status
In progress

Progress update: The White House released a fact sheet in October 2024 highlighting the Administration’s achievements implementing the US Strategy on Countering Corruption, which includes measures to curb and combat illicit finance and foster international cooperation. In tandem with this release, Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Daleep Singh held an anti-corruption roundtable with leaders from 15 major US companies to discuss how US efforts to counter corruption globally have benefited American businesses and workers.

Evidence: U.S. Achievements in the Global Fight Against Corruption Fact Sheet

Revitalize the National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct

Create a more transparent financial environment that curbs corrupt practices and supports global anti-corruption efforts.


Sub-commitment
US0131.0

Description
In 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an initiative to update and revitalize the United States National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC). The Federal Government commits to implementation of this RBC National Action Plan.

Agency and subagency
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Status
In progress

Progress update: On November 14, the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Advisory Committee met to hear and deliberate preliminary recommendations from its subcommittees on human rights and environmental due diligence, National Action Plan on RBC implementation, and the U.S. National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines. The day included remarks from Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Assistant Secretary Dafna Rand, remarks from Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs acting Assistant Secretary Amy Holman, and a briefing to the committee by DRL acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Allison Peters. The committee is currently formulating its first report, including approximately 12 recommendations, which it hopes to deliver to the State Department by January 2025. The committee is comprised of 34 representatives of business, civil society, labor, academia, and trade and professional associations.

Evidence: Advisory Committee on Responsible Business Conduct — United States Department of State

Scientific integrity and evidence-based policymaking

Enhance public trust and ensure scientific integrity by supporting evidence-based policy-making, fostering collaboration, and maintaining objectivity in government actions and communications.


Sub-commitment
US0132.1

Description
The Biden-Harris Administration issued a Presidential Memorandum establishing a Task Force on Scientific Integrity as part of the National Science and Technology Council. The Federal Government commits to continuing implementation of this Presidential Memorandum, including by supporting Federal agencies as they revise and implement respective policies on the scientific process.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Science and Technology Policy

Status
Complete

Progress update: Since the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) February 2024 update, OSTP and its federal partners have continue to advance implementation of federal scientific integrity policy and practice, coordinating through the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Subcommittee on Scientific Integrity (SOSI). Nearly all agencies have finalized their new or updated scientific integrity policies that align to the NSTC Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice, while others are nearing completion of their policies following extensive engagement efforts, including requests for public comment and Tribal consultations.

Evidence:


Sub-commitment
US0132.2

Description
In response to the Presidential Memorandum, the Office of Management and Budget released OMB M-21-27, which reaffirms and expands on previous guidance on Learning Agendas and Annual Evaluation Plans. It articulates that Federal agencies are expected to use evidence whenever possible to further both mission and operations, and to commit to build evidence where it is lacking. Agencies are also expected to meaningfully engage a diverse array of stakeholders to ensure they are asking the most relevant and urgent questions, and generating needed information that will be used.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB Evidence Team

Status
Complete

Independence and confidentiality of federal statistical agencies

Maintain public trust in federal statistical agencies and the integrity of their statistics. Enforce the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA) and develop regulations to guide federal statistical agencies in upholding these principles. Ensure federal statistical agencies have the autonomy to generate statistics free from political bias, accurate, and equitably available.


Sub-commitment
US0133.0

Description
The Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA; Public Law 115-435) incorporated those responsibilities into statute, and as required by CIPSEA, OMB is committed to developing and publishing the Trust regulation—formally referred to as “The Fundamental Responsibilities of Recognized Statistical Agencies and Units”—to further guide and support agencies’ fulfillment of these responsibilities.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of the Chief Statistician of the United States

Status
Complete

Progress update: OMB published the final rule for “Fundamental Responsibilities of Recognized Statistical Agencies and Units” in the Federal Register on October 11, 2024. The rule goes into effect on December 10, 2024.

Evidence: Federal Register notice of the final rule.

Improving payment integrity

Strengthen management functions to improve federal payment integrity by combating fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of federal funds by leveraging new tools, training, and support. Continue to engage with agencies managing High Priority Programs.


Sub-commitment
US0134.1

Description
The Administration will continue to take steps to cost-effectively reduce fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of federal funds without negatively affecting the program mission, agency efforts to advance equity, efficiency, customer experience, or the overall operations of the agency.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update: OMB continues to support the fraud symposiums via both the CFOC fraud symposium events and supporting the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP) fraud symposiums and annual conference.

Evidence:


Sub-commitment
US0134.2

Description
As part of these actions, agencies will have access to new toolkits, training materials, and additional support for the Federal workforce.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OMB continues to support the fraud symposiums via both the CFOC fraud symposium events and supporting the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP) fraud symposiums and annual conference.

Evidence:


Sub-commitment
US0134.3

Description
In addition, the White House will continue to engage with the head of each agency that has a High Priority Program as defined by PIIA to report on actions taken to prevent improper payments.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update: OMB continues to meet with High Priority Programs to strategize on preventing improper payments. In addition, OMB provides support to programs through the quarterly scorecard reporting process.


Sub-commitment
US0134.4

Description
The Biden-Harris Administration commits to ongoing efforts to improve annual reporting [to prevent and reduce improper payments].

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

OMB continues to improve the annual reporting of improper payment data. Through a centralized collection of cross government data we are reducing the cost of improper payment reporting.

Evidence:

Transparency of federal funding

Effectively manage federal funding, focusing on accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship. Administer funds from key legislative acts, such as the American Rescue Plan Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. Enhance financial management and public trust through initiatives like the Federal Program Inventory and the Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act. Ongoing efforts include quarterly reporting on performance metrics and continuous enhancement of federal spending transparency.


Sub-commitment
US0135.0

Description
To further the accountability and transparency of Federal spending, the Administration is committed to advancing the Federal Program Inventory efforts as outlined in the Office of Management and Budget’s 2021 report to Congress.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
Complete

Independence of federal inspectors general

Affirm the independence of federal Inspectors General to ensure effective oversight and accountability within the federal government. The Office of Management and Budget issued guidance to promote cooperation and regular communication between agencies and IGs, including best practices for fostering collaboration.


Sub-commitment
US0136.0

Description
In December 2021, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released guidance to Federal agencies and departments, calling on agency heads to establish productive and cooperative relationships with agency IGs. The Biden-Harris Administration commits to ongoing implementation of the December 2021 guidance.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update: OMB continues to work to support budget independence for Inspector Generals (IGs) and collaborate with IGs to support positive relationships between agencies and their IGs.

Evidence:

Oversight of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law implementation

Commit to ongoing collaboration with the Council of the Inspectors General and the oversight community to minimize fraud, waste, and abuse while ensuring timely and budget-conscious implementation of major federal programs. Prioritize equity, transparency, and robust reporting. Use data and evidence to guide decisions and reduce local governments’ barriers to accessing infrastructure funds.


Sub-commitment
US0137.1

Description
For the duration of implementation of programs in BIL, the Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementing this guidance by using data and evidence to guide infrastructure investments and track progress.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Science and Technology Policy

Status
Complete


Sub-commitment
US0137.2

Description
For the duration of implementation of programs in BIL, the Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementing this guidance by… reporting on awards and subawards.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Science and Technology Policy

Status
Complete


Sub-commitment
US0137.3

Description
For the duration of implementation of programs in BIL, the Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementing this guidance by… collaborating with the IG and oversight community, including by engaging with IGs on the front end of program design and holding regular joint program review meetings with IGs.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Management and Budget

Status
Complete


Sub-commitment
US0137.4

Description
For the duration of implementation of programs in BIL, the Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementing this guidance by … reducing barriers faced by State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments in accessing infrastructure funding opportunities, including through outreach, engagement, and technical assistance.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Management and Budget

Status
Complete

Progress update: OMB revised the Uniform Guidance, which went into effect on October 1, 2024. Since then, OMB has been coordinating additional support materials for Agencies to ensure their understanding of the revisions and their consistent implementation of the Uniform Guidance.

Evidence:

  • CFO Uniform Guidance: Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Support strong whistleblower protections

Foster a safe and transparent work environment where federal employees can report concerns and wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. Following guidance from the Office of Management and Budget, federal agencies will provide training on whistleblower rights and protections to reinforce that retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited.


Sub-commitment
US0138.0

Description
Consistent with the guidance that the Office of Management and Budget released in December 2021, Federal agencies will communicate and provide training about whistleblower rights and protections to supervisors and employees. Those protections and trainings will emphasize that agencies and supervisors cannot retaliate against employees who report concerns, cooperate with IGs, or otherwise blow the whistle. The Biden-Harris Administration commits to ongoing implementation of this guidance.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
Complete

Progress update: OMB revised the Uniform Guidance, which went into effect on October 1, 2024. Since then, OMB has been coordinating additional support materials for Agencies to ensure their understanding of the revisions and their consistent implementation of the Uniform Guidance.

Evidence:

  • CFO Uniform Guidance: Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Strengthen implementation of FOIA

Encourage transparency and strengthen access to government information through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Biden-Harris Administration is directing agencies to apply FOIA with a presumption of openness, proactively disclose information, reduce barriers to access, and decrease backlogs. The Department of Justice provides the federal workforce access to FOIA training and resources such as the new FOIA Guidelines,  FOIA Self-Assessment Toolkit, FOIA business standards, and a dedicated website, FOIA.gov, to improve public access to government records.


Sub-commitment
US0139.1

Description
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice commits to the following additional steps to bolster openness and transparency through the FOIA … Issuance of an updated FOIA Self-Assessment Toolkit, originally issued in 2017, to reflect, among other things, additional milestones for proactive disclosures, use of technology, and requirements of the Attorney General’s new FOIA Guidelines.

Agency and Subagency
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Information Policy

Status
Complete


Sub-commitment
US0139.2

Description
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice commits to the following additional steps to bolster openness and transparency through the FOIA … Leading a Chief FOIA Officer Council working group that will collaborate with the Office of Government Information Services at the National Archives and Records Administration, the Office of Shared Services & Performance Improvement at the Government Services Administration, and the Business Standards Council to develop shared FOIA business standards. The shared business standards will make it easier for agencies to acquire FOIA technology and, in turn, improve efficiency and consistency in processing requests across the Federal Government.

Agency and Subagency
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Information Policy

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OIP reviewed and incorporated public feedback received during the public comment period. OIP anticipates completing the baseline business standards in the coming months for final publication.

Evidence:

None.


Sub-commitment
US0139.3

Description
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice commits to the following additional steps to bolster openness and transparency through the FOIA … Enhancement of the user experience on FOIA.gov, the Federal Government’s central website for FOIA, by developing an interactive tool to help members of the public more easily locate records that are already available online or find the right agency to submit their FOIA requests when information is not already posted online.

Agency and Subagency
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Information Policy

Status
Complete

Integrity of administration officials

Public accountability and transparency among administration officials. President Biden signed Executive Order 13989, which enforces a stringent ethics pledge, including post-employment restrictions, a lobbyist gift ban, and increased transparency for ethics waivers.


Sub-commitment
US0140.0

Description
As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to public transparency, we will continue to provide public financial disclosure forms, ethics pledge waivers, White House visitor logs, and the President and Vice President’s tax returns on an ongoing basis online

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
White House Counsel’s Office

Status
Complete

Strengthen agency procurement forecasts

Enhance transparency and accessibility for future federal contract opportunities, particularly for small businesses and underserved communities, by exploring dynamic procurement forecast models with user-friendly search and filter functions on SAM.gov. The Office of Management and Budget is working with agencies to create a consistent and comprehensive list of procurement information in forecasts, making it easier for potential contractors to prepare for federal contract competitions.


Sub-commitment
US0141.0

Description
To strengthen transparency about expected contract opportunities and accessibility to this information, agencies are working with OMB to identify a common list of procurement information to include in agency forecasts of contracting opportunities in order for potential contractors, and especially those in underserved communities, to effectively prepare for future Federal contract competitions. Promising practices are being assessed for moving from a static posting of forecasting data at the beginning of the fiscal year to a timelier and more dynamic model that involves more regular posting of new information on a rolling basis as requirements are identified. User friendly search and filter functions are being explored to improve visibility and accessibility across agency forecasts over time so that entities interested in particular market segments can find relevant information more easily in the official System for Award Management website. The Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementation of these initiatives over the next two years with quarterly progress reporting on the President’s Management Agenda on Performance.gov.

Agency and subagency
General Services Administration
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Status
Complete

Implementing the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal

Continue implementation of the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal (PIDR), a comprehensive set of policy and foreign assistance initiatives. Announced by President Biden at the 2021 Summit for Democracy, the initiative prioritizes support for free and independent media, anti-corruption, democratic reforms, technology for democracy, and free and fair elections.


Sub-commitment
US0142.0

Description
The commitments made as part of the PIDR center on five areas of work crucial to the functioning of transparent, accountable governance: (1) supporting free and independent media, (2) fighting corruption, (3) bolstering democratic reforms, (4) advancing technology for democracy, and (5) defending free and fair elections and political processes.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
National Security Council

Status
In progress

Progress update: In 2021, the United States launched the Summit for Democracy, or S4D, process, recognizing that democracy needs champions around the world. The past three years and three Summits have demonstrated the power of collective action and global leadership to sustain momentum toward democratic resilience — to renew democracy, protect human rights, and advance the fight against corruption. The S4D process has also spurred new multilateral efforts, many through the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal, to strengthen the global democratic architecture, such as the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium (GACC) and the Global Network for Securing Election Integrity, or GNSEI. Since 2021, for example, GACC has expanded partnerships between media and civil society organizations to expose transnational corruption, advocate for policy reforms, and increase accountability for corrupt actors. Through GNSEI’s steering committee, to which USAID is a member, normative documents outlining global practices have been developed on Safeguarding Electoral Management Independence and Promoting Inclusive Electoral Reform.