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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

Security Weaknesses in the Department’s Mission-Critical High Value IT Assets Leave the Assets Vulnerable to Cyberattacks

2023
OIG-23-030-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For this audit, our objective was to determine if the U.S. Department of Commerce and its bureaus identify and remediate vulnerabilities on their high value IT assets (HVAs) in accordance with federal requirements. We found that while the Department conducts HVA assessments in accordance with...

Satellite Integration and Test Phase Improvements Are Needed to Ensure the Success of Future Polar Weather Satellite Missions

2023
OIG-23-027-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For our audit of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Polar Weather Satellite program, our objective was to assess the program's execution of selected development activities. To satisfy our objective, we reviewed aspects of the program's environmental testing and pre-launch...

EDA Generally Maintained Grant Award Files During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2023
OIG-23-029-I
Inspection / Evaluation
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For our evaluation of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) file maintenance of grants awarded with Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds, our objective was to determine whether EDA properly maintained grant files during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that EDA...

The GeoXO Program: Cost and Schedule Baselines Are Established, But NOAA Should Evaluate Plans for the Central Satellite Mission and Revise Its Approach to Performance Gains to Provide the Best Overall Value

2023
OIG-23-028-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

Our audit objective was to assess NOAA’s progress in defining GeoXO’s mission and establishing programmatic baselines. We found the program should: I. Evaluate its plans for the Central satellite mission. II. Improve its approach to achieving performance gains.

The Census Bureau Needs to Improve Its Performance Management Processes and Quality Control Program for the Reimbursable Surveys Program

2023
OIG-23-025-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For our final report on our audit of the U.S. Census Bureau’s (the Bureau’s) Demographic Programs Directorate’s reimbursable surveys, our overall objective was to determine whether reimbursable surveys conducted by this directorate provided quality and reliable data to help sponsoring federal...

USPTO Needs to Improve Oversight and Implementation of Patent Classification and Routing Processes

2023
OIG-23-026-A
Audit
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

Our objective was to determine whether USPTO’s patent application classification and routing processes were effective. Specifically, we determined whether (1) USPTO adequately ensured that classification contractors were providing quality patent classification and reclassification services; (2)...

Semiannual Report to Congress

2023
SAR-2023-03
Semiannual Report
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

This report summarizes work we initiated and completed during this semiannual period on a number of critical Departmental activities. Over the past 6 months, our office issued 13 products related to our audit, evaluation, and inspection work. These products addressed programs and personnel...

EDA Implemented and Followed the Requirements for Awarding and Disbursing CARES Act Funding Through the Revolving Loan Fund Program

2023
OIG-23-021-I
Inspection / Evaluation
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For our evaluation of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) plan for the implementation of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding through its Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program, our objective was to determine whether EDA followed federal and U.S...

Fiscal Year 2022 Compliance with Improper Payment Requirements

2023
OIG-23-020-I
Inspection / Evaluation
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For our final report on fiscal year (FY) 2022 improper payment reporting, our review objective was to determine the U.S. Department of Commerce's (the Department’s) compliance with the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (PIIA). To determine FY 2021 compliance, we reviewed the “Payment...

NTIA Took the Necessary Steps to Implement the Requirements for Awarding Funds Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

2023
OIG-23-018-I
Inspection / Evaluation
Department of Commerce OIG
Department of Commerce

For our evaluation of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA’s) plans for implementation of three new broadband grant programs under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA or the Act), our objective was to determine whether NTIA complied with the requirements...

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