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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

2020 Census: The Number and Location of Area Census Offices May Not Reflect NRFU Workload Demands and Will Not Result in Projected Cost Savings

2018
OIG-18-018-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

We conducted this audit to evaluate (1) the criteria and process for determining the number and locations of field offices; (2) the U.S. Census Bureau’s plans for reducing costs associated with the fewer number of field offices as part of reengineered field operations; and (3) the planned process...

Strengthening Grant Processes Will Improve the Management of the Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Grant Program

2018
OIG-18-016-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

This report provides the results of our audit, with the objective to assess First Responder Network Authority’s management and oversight of the Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Grant Program.

NOAA Could Improve Monitoring of Blank Purchase Agreements by Complying with Key Federal Acquisition Regulation and Administration Requirements

2018
OIG-18-014-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

Our objective was to determine whether NOAA established and administered BPAs in accordance with laws, regulations, and agency guidance. We reviewed a total of 30 BPAs— 17 GSA Schedule BPAs and 13 NOAA-established BPAs. Overall, we found that NOAA did not properly establish or administer all 30 BPAs...

2020 Census: The Bureau’s Background Check Office Is Not Fully Prepared for the 2020 Census

2018
OIG-18-015-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For our final report on the audit of 2020 Census background check preparedness, we reviewed the Census Bureau’s revised background checkpolicies and procedures, as well as its plan for accommodating the background check and hiring needs of the 2020 Census. Our objectives were to (1) assess the...

NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Does Not Fully Utilize the Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management System to Coordinate Ship Maintenance and Repairs

2018
OIG-18-011-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For our final audit report conducted to review the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) ship fleet, our objective was to determine whether NOAA OMAO coordinates ship maintenance and repairs of its fleet using the Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management System (SAMMS).

Investigation into Misuse of Agency Transportation Account and Other Improprieties by a Political Appointee

2018
16-1036
Investigation
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

In May 2016, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated an investigation into an allegation that a high-level political appointee (Political Appointee) at an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce (Agency) was using the Agency’s account with a local taxicab company (Cab Company) for...

Alleged Unallowable Costs Under NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Grant

2017
14-0480
Investigation
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

In May 2014, a private party filed a sealed qui tam complaint in federal court, alleging that Frontier, West Virginia, Inc. (Frontier), a subrecipient of a National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant to the State of West...

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