Federal spending · FY2024

General Government

The General Government category encompasses a wide array of functions essential for the operation and administration of the federal government itself. Its primary purpose is to provide the foundational infrastructure, services, and regulatory frameworks that enable other government agencies to execute their missions effectively and efficiently. This includes activities such as managing federal finances, overseeing personnel and human resources, conducting internal audits and oversight, managing federal property, and providing general administrative support. Success in this domain is measured by the efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness of government operations, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are managed prudently and that public services are delivered reliably. Key entities involved include the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the various Inspector General offices. The mission is to ensure the government operates smoothly, transparently, and with the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and administrative integrity.

Total spent$472.2B

Problem and solution

The problem

The "stable" status for General Government, accompanied by a notable negative trend (-10.9%), suggests that while current spending is not indicative of waste or mismanagement, there is a deliberate effort to reduce overall expenditures within this broad category. This decline may reflect efficiencies gained through technological adoption, consolidation of administrative functions, or a strategic reduction in the scope of certain government operations. However, the audit must ensure that these reductions do not compromise essential government functions, such as tax administration, law enforcement support, or the efficient management of federal assets. It is crucial to assess whether the decrease in outlays is sustainable and if it aligns with the long-term operational needs of government agencies. The audit should focus on identifying any potential areas where reduced spending could lead to capacity bottlenecks, decreased service delivery quality, or increased long-term costs due to deferred maintenance or underinvestment in critical infrastructure. Program integrity controls should be reviewed to ensure that any remaining spending is highly targeted and effective, preventing waste even at reduced levels.

The solution

For General Government functions, AI can be leveraged to optimize administrative processes and enhance the efficiency of service delivery, particularly in light of the negative spending trend. AI can be employed to analyze patterns in government procurement and contract management to identify opportunities for cost savings through better negotiation strategies, vendor consolidation, or predictive analytics for contract renewals. Furthermore, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can be deployed to handle routine citizen inquiries across various agencies, freeing up human staff for more complex tasks and improving response times. AI can also enhance internal government operations by automating data entry, document processing, and compliance checks, thereby reducing administrative burdens and improving accuracy. For instance, AI can analyze historical data to predict future demand for specific government services, allowing for more efficient resource allocation and staffing levels, ensuring that reduced spending does not negatively impact essential public services.

Where the money went

The biggest part of General Government is Central fiscal operations: $359.8B (76.2%). Just 3 of the 7 areas below hold 96.9% of the money.

Central fiscal operations76.2%
Central personnel management11.6%
General property and records management9.1%
General purpose fiscal assistance2.0%
Other general government0.8%
Everything else (2 areas)0.4%