AICPA launches governmental audit quality center.

The Institute established a voluntary-membership community for CPA firms that provide audit or attest services under Government Auditing Standards--also known as the yellow book--to governments, not-for-profit organizations and certain for-profit entities. The center will increase awareness of the importance of high-quality government audits and raise the profile of and deliver useful resources to its member firms. It also will disseminate information on its activities, reflect member firms' commitment to proper performance of government audits and provide an online forum where they can share best practices and discuss audit, accounting and regulatory issues.

Purchasers of government audit services will be able to identify participating firms through the center's Web site. The new center is the third of its kind established by the Institute in 2004. Two others--one for public company audit firms and another for firms auditing employee benefit plans--began operation in January and March, respectively. Information on the Governmental Audit Quality Center, its membership requirements and how to join it is available at www.aicpa.org/gaqc.