DOT Lacks Data on Staff ‘Skill Gaps’ to Regulate Self-Driving Cars: GAO

The Department of Transportation has identified most of the oversight skills the agency’s workforce needs to regulate self-driving cars and other automated technologies, but hasn’t “fully assessed whether its workforce has these skills,” reported GAO Friday. “DOT did not survey staff or assess skill gaps in data analysis or cybersecurity positions important to automated technology oversight.” The agency therefore lacks “critical information needed to identify skill gaps and ensure key relevant staff are equipped to oversee the safety of these technologies now and in the future,” said the auditor. DOT agrees with GAO recommendations that it should “regularly measure progress toward closing skill gaps,” but thinks its current program of doing skills assessments every three years is “sufficient,” said the agency. GAO recommended annual assessments. DOT promised a “detailed response” to GAO's recommendations within 180 days.