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Website
https://www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Abbreviation
DOC
Agencies
Department of Commerce
Federal Agency
Yes
Location

United States

What to Report to the OIG Hotline
Commerce OIG maintains a Hotline for receiving allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement in the Department of Commerce’s programs and operations, including any organization or entity receiving Departmental funds. The following is a list of examples of types of allegations that should be reported:
  • Contract and grant fraud
  • Environmental, health, and safety violations
  • Computer crimes (including internet pornography)
  • Product substitution and suspect/counterfeit parts
  • Bribery, kickbacks, and gratuities
  • False statements and false claims
  • Conflicts of interest and ethics violations
  • Travel fraud
  • Theft or abuse of government property
  • Gross mismanagement of funds
  • Other violations of federal laws and regulations
In addition, if you suspect that you have been retaliated against for whistleblowing, you may contact the Commerce OIG Hotline or the Office of Special Counsel.
What Not to Report to the OIG Hotline
Certain matters are better resolved through other channels, instead of the Commerce OIG Hotline. The following matters are NOT generally investigated by Commerce OIG:
  • 911 emergencies regarding a Departmental facility or operation. Report to the local or state law enforcement authorities and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Security.
  • Complaints of EEO discrimination and retaliation. Report to the Department of Commerce’s Office of Civil Rights.
  • Personal theft. Report to Department of Commerce’s Office of Security.
  • Personnel matters involving requests for individual relief. Report to the servicing Office of Human Resources Management.
  • Employment related grievances or complaints against management officials unless part of a whistleblower claim. Report to the servicing Office of Human Resources Management.
  • Assistance with the U.S. patent application process (e.g., initial filing, patent examination, and post-examination) and case prosecution concerns (e.g., claim objections, after-final practice, claim rejections and restrictions). Contact the Patents Ombudsman Office (https://www.uspto.gov/patent/ombudsman-program).
Hotline Page
https://www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/Online-Hotline-Complaint-Form.aspx
Whistleblower Protection Page
https://www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/Hotline.aspx

The Inspector General’s September 2021 Semiannual Report to Congress

2021
SAR-2021-09
Semiannual Report
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

The Semiannual Report to Congress summarizes the key audits, evaluations, and investigative works the Office of Inspector General (OIG) completed during the 6-month period ending September 30, 2021. Over the past 6 months, OIG issued 11 products related to its audit, evaluation, and inspection work...

Enterprise Services Needs to Improve Upon Its Contract Management and Oversight of Accenture BPA No. DOCSS130116BU0004 and Subsequent Call Orders

2022
OIG-22-009-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

We conducted this audit in response to allegations made to the Department’s hotline. The objective of our audit was to determine whether Enterprise Services (ES) effectively and efficiently managed contractor performance in accordance with federal regulations and Department policy. Overall, we found...

Audit of the Department’s Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 Submission for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021

2022
OIG-22-003-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

We contracted with KPMG LLP—an independent public accounting firm—to perform this audit of the U.S. Department of Commerce's (the Department's) Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) submission for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. Our office oversaw the progress of this...

Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Commerce in FY 2022

2022
OIG-22-001
Top Management Challenges
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

The Office of Inspector General is required by statute to report annually the most serious management and performance challenges facing the Department of Commerce. Attached is our final report on the Department’s top management and performance challenges for fiscal year 2022.

Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Commerce in FY 2021

2021
OIG-21-003
Top Management Challenges
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

The Office of Inspector General is required by statute to report annually the most serious management and performance challenges facing the Department of Commerce. Attached is our final report on the Department’s top management and performance challenges for fiscal year 2021.

NIST Was Effective in Implementing the Requirements for Awarding Funds Under the CARES Act

2021
OIG-21-032-I
Inspection / Evaluation
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce
Pandemic

Our objective was to determine whether NIST is complying with the requirements of the CARES Act. Specifically, we determined (1) what steps NIST took to implement and comply with the CARES Act, (2) challenges NIST faced during implementation, and (3) NIST’s status in the processing of applications...

The Joint Polar Satellite System: Cost Growth and Schedule Delay of a Key Instrument Acquisition Highlight the Need for Closer Attention to Contractor Oversight

2020
OIG-20-047-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

Our objective was to assess the cost, schedule, and technical performance of the Program’s acquisition and development effort for selected instruments. We found the following: (1) The Program exceeded contract definitization timelines and conducted late and abbreviated baseline reviews. (2) JPSS-2...

USPTO Needs to Improve Its Small Business Contracting Practices

2020
OIG-20-045-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

The objectives were to determine whether USPTO (1) achieved its small business utilization goals, (2) contracting officials provided small businesses with adequate contract award opportunities, and (3) took appropriate actions to ensure contracting officials met small business contracting goals. We...

Fleet Program Is Not Managed in Accordance with Fleet Management Requirements

2020
OIG-20-037-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

The objective of our audit was to determine whether the Department’s fleet program operates in accordance with applicable federal fleet requirements for vehicle operations, acquisitions, and utilization. We found that the Department is not operating its fleet program in accordance with federal fleet...

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