W115: Unlocking Insights into Federal Finances: Using Data to Strengthen Transparency and Inform Decision-Making

  • Room: 202B
  • Session Number:W115
Wednesday, July 22, 2026: 11:20 AM - 12:10 PM

Speaker(s)

Moderator
Amanda Curry
Data Transparency Engagement, Product Owner
The Department of Treasury, Bureau of Fiscal Service
Speaker
Heather Breedlove
Acting Product Owner, USAspending.Gov
U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service

Description

Data transparency is one of government’s most powerful tools for informed management and effective oversight. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) advances this data priority through two flagship open-data platforms —USAspending.gov and FiscalData.Treasury.gov. Whether you support audits, oversee financial reporting or perform data analysis, these tools offer data that make your work faster, clearer and more accurate. Learn more about using these tools for more informed decision-making.

Key Takeaways

• FiscalData.Treasury.gov and USAspending.gov are at the core of BFS data transparency, enabling the public, agencies, researchers and Congress to “follow the money” from appropriations to awards to payments throughout the economy.
• When properly demystified, these platforms are effective tools to allow individuals to confidently use federal financial data in everyday responsibilities and agency operations.

Learning Objectives

Discover strategies to improve productivity and increase confidence in decision-making. Discuss why data transparency matters. Learn how open, authoritative fiscal data supports accountability, strengthens internal controls and improves understanding of federal financial activity across agencies and communities. Get pro tips on searching efficiently, exporting data, using API endpoints and identifying the right dataset for your mission needs.
  • Federal