Procedures and Practices for
Legal Decisions and Opinions
appropriated funds. 31 U. S. C. § 3529. In addition, as a matter of law and long-standing practice, the Comptroller General renders opinions to committees of Congress on matters within their jurisdiction and to individual Members of Congress. 31 U. S. C. § 717(b). Requests for a legal decision or opinion should be made in writing, signed by the requestor(s), and addressed to the Comptroller General or the General Counsel. While there is no specific format for a request, the request letter should identify the issue(s); the applicable facts and circumstances giving rise to the issue(s), including any relevant documentation; the requestor’s views, if any, on the legal issue(s); and, to the extent pertinent, the potential consequences of any proposed resolution or remedial action that the requestor may propose.
- Acknowledgment of Receipt and Acceptance of Requests for a Decision or Opinion
Typically within 10 business days of receipt of a request for a decision or opinion, OGC will acknowledge the request in writing, will indicate whether GAO has accepted the request, and if not, the reasons therefor. If the request is accepted, the letter will explain any procedures or steps OGC will take unique to the request, identify the point of contact for the decision or opinion within OGC, and provide an anticipated completion date. In addition, the acknowledgment letter may explain and clarify, as necessary, the issues that OGC will address.
- Withdrawal of a Request for a Legal Decision or Opinion
Once OGC acknowledges a request for a decision or opinion, GAO will issue its decision or opinion unless
