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Daily Archives: May 21, 2012

Government Auditing Standards, December 2011 Revision

Government Auditing Standards, December 2011 Revision (GAO-12-331G)
Electronic version – (241 pages, PDF): “The December 2011 Revision is the final version of the 2011 Government Auditing Standards. It supersedes the 2011 Internet Version. The December 2011 Revision contains limited changes made since the Internet Version was posted. These include: (1) clarification of references to the AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards; (2) a revision of the list of safeguard examples in paragraph 3.17; and (3) a clarification of and limited change in documentation requirements for procedures related to communication of certain internal control deficiencies, fraud, abuse, and noncompliance in paragraphs 4.26, 5.23, 5.25, 5.49, 5.59, 7.19, and 7.22. Effective dates: The effective date for financial audits and attestation engagements is for periods ending on or after December 15, 2012. The effective date for performance audits is for audits beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Early implementation is not permitted.”

New GAO Reports: Consumer Product Safety, CFPB Controls, Small Employer Health Tax Credit

Consumer Product Safety Commission – A More Active Role in Voluntary Standards Development Should Be Considered, GAO-12-582, May 21, 2012 Management Report – Opportunities for Improvement in the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s Internal Controls and Accounting Procedures, GAO-12-528R, May 21, 2012 Small Employer Health Tax Credit – Factors Contributing to Low Use and Complexity,… Continue Reading

EU Announces Preliminary Conclusions on Google Antitrust Investigation

News release, Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy: “In November 2010, the Commission launched an antitrust investigation into allegations that Google had abused a dominant market position. This followed a number of complaints. We have looked at those complaints and at others we received since the opening. And we… Continue Reading

The Little Green Data Book – comprehensive data on more than 200 countries’ natural capital

News release: “For many low-income countries, natural capital is a critical asset, making up nearly 36 percent of their total wealth. The poorest communities depend on oceans, forests, and soil productivity for their daily existence, and as they grow, the pressure on land and water is increasing, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods in countries with few… Continue Reading

The Little Green Data Book provides comprehensive data on more than 200 countries’'natural capital

News release: “For many low-income countries, natural capital is a critical asset, making up nearly 36 percent of their total wealth. The poorest communities depend on oceans, forests, and soil productivity for their daily existence, and as they grow, the pressure on land and water is increasing, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods in countries with few… Continue Reading

New on LLRX.com – FOIA Facts: Things Requesters Should Know

via LLRX – FOIA Facts: Things Requesters Should Know: FOIA expert Scott A. Hodes shares his professional experience working with FOIA Analysts, and their perspective on how they make the FOIA process smoother in regard to their relationships with requesters. This however is a double edged coin – FOIA requesters can also take specific steps… Continue Reading

CRS – Legislative History Research: A Basic Guide

Legislative History Research: A Basic Guide, Julia Taylor – Section Head – ALD Section and Information Research Specialist, June 15, 2011 “This report provides an overview of federal legislative history research, the legislative process, and where to find congressional documents. The report also summarizes some of the reasons researchers are interested in legislative history, briefly… Continue Reading

Federal Reserve Board Data – Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization – G.17

Federal Reserve Statistical Release, May 16, 2012: “Industrial production increased 1.1 percent in April. Output is now reported to have fallen 0.6 percent in March and to have moved up 0.4 percent in February; previously, industrial production was estimated to have been unchanged in both months. Manufacturing output increased 0.6 percent in April after having… Continue Reading

Google Scholar Gets a New Look

Google Scholar Blog: “We’ve recently been experimenting with a new modern look for Scholar search results. Many of you have already tried the new look and have offered valuable suggestions, which we’ve done our best to incorporate. Thank you for your time and patience! It is time…to launch the new modern look of our search… Continue Reading