Architect of the Capitol OIG
Vision
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), promotes efficiency and effectiveness to deter and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in AOC operations and programs. We do this through value-added, transparent, and independent audits, inspections and evaluations, and investigations. The OIG is a high-performing team, promoting positive change and striving for continuous improvement in AOC management and operations. We foster an environment that inspires AOC workforce trust and confidence in our work.
Mission
The OIG promotes efficiency and effectiveness to deter and prevent fraud, waste and mismanagement in AOC operations and programs. We do this through value-added, transparent and independent audits, evaluations and investigations. We strive to positively affect the AOC and benefit the taxpayer while keeping the AOC and Congress fully informed.
The AOC Inspector General (IG) Act of 2007, codified at 2 U.S.C. § 1808, established the OIG. This legislation applies some sections of the IG Act of 1978 as amended, specifically Sections 4, 5 (other than Subsections (a)(13) and (3) and (e)(1)(B) thereof), 6 (other than Subsection (a)(7) and (8) thereof), and 7. The IG is under the general supervision of the Architect of the Capitol. The mission of this independent office is to:
1. Conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits, inspection and evaluations, and investigations relating to AOC programs and operations.
2. Review existing and proposed legislation and regulations that impact AOC programs and operations and comment in the semiannual report regarding the impact on the economy, efficiency, or the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse of such legislation and regulations.
3. Recommend policies for AOC activities to promote economy and efficiency or prevent and detect fraud and abuse in its programs and operations.
4. Provide a means of keeping the Architect of the Capitol and the Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of Agency programs and operations and the need for and progress of corrective action. This is generally done by issuing the Semiannual Report to Congress.
“Legislative Branch agencies including the Architect of the Capitol are not subject to the Whistleblower Protection Act or the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act; however, AOC employees are covered under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, as amended.”
The AOC OIG is a member of the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency.
Architect of the Capitol
The OIG receives complaints and concerns directly from the public, from the Congress, and from AOC employees and contractors. Examples of what the OIG may investigate and what may be reported via the AOC OIG Independent Hotline includes:
• Violations of federal law or AOC orders or policy;
• Theft of government property;
• Improper use of AOC resources or property;
• Reprisal for contacting or reporting information to the OIG;
• Falsification of time cards;
• Misconduct or abuse of supervisor's authority;
• False Employee Compensation Act (FECA) (worker’s comp) Claims;
• Gross waste of government funds or property;
• Contractor product substitution;
• Contractor false claims;
• Bribes, kickbacks, bid-rigging;
• Conflicts of interest; and
• Travel or purchase card fraud.
The OIG may receive all initial complaints and concerns. However, we will assist in referring the following individual issues (that do not constitute fraud, waste, and/or abuse) to another AOC Avenue of Assistance, or agency, for resolution:
• Individual discrimination or management retaliation complaints, including alleged violations of the Congressional Accountability Act, 2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.;
• Equal employment opportunity or diversity issues;
• Collective bargaining issues;
• Individual employee benefits and compensation issues;
• Individual workplace grievances or collective bargaining agreement concerns;
• Individual workplace conflicts with a supervisor or management; and
• Safety violations.
“Legislative Branch agencies including the Architect of the Capitol are not subject to the Whistleblower Protection Act or the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act; however, AOC employees are covered under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, as amended.”
The below are examples of what should not be reported to the AOC OIG Independent Hotline:
• 911 Emergencies; and
• State and local police issues.