USGS Laboratories Remain Vulnerable to Breaches of Scientific Integrity

Submitting OIG:

Report Description:

We found USGS lacks sufficient internal controls in laboratories to prevent losses associated with breaches of scientific integrity and misconduct.

Date Issued:

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Agency Reviewed / Investigated:

Department of the Interior

Submitting OIG-Specific Report Number:

2022-CR-035

Component, if applicable:

U.S. Geological Survey

Location(s):

Agency-Wide

Type of Report:

Audit

Questioned Costs:

Funds for Better Use:

Number of Recommendations:

Report updated under NDAA 5274:

View Document:

Attachment	Size
Final-Audit-ReportUSGS-Scientific-Integrity.pdf	3.85 MB

Additional Details Link:

https://www.doioig.gov/reports/audit/usgs-laboratories-remain-vulnerable-breache…

Related Open Recommendations

Recommendation Number	Recommendation Status	Significant Recommendation
2022-CR-035-01	Open	No
We recommend that USGS reassess the Bureau Quality Management System implementation approach and prepare a framework to fully implement the Bureau Quality Management System at all laboratories on a more rapid timeline than December 2025.
2022-CR-035-02	Open	Yes
We recommend that USGS develops an oversight function with clearly delineated roles and responsibilities to ensure that all laboratories are implementing the Bureau Quality Management System appropriately.
2022-CR-035-03	Open	Yes
We recommend that USGS ensure that all required Federal internal control standards are incorporated into individual laboratory quality management systems.
2022-CR-035-04	Open	Yes
We recommend that USGS require the Office of Science Quality and Integrity to clarify Bureau Quality Management System minimum requirements needed to ensure that the Bureau Quality Management System is designed, implemented, and operating effectively, including monitoring the system for necessary changes.
2022-CR-035-07	Open	Yes
We recommend that USGS update risk assessment guidance to laboratories to incorporate a more comprehensive risk assessment to include other potential risks, such as staffing needs or information systems.
2022-CR-035-08	Open	Yes
We recommend that USGS develop and maintain an inventory of all information systems in U.S. Geological Survey laboratories.
2022-CR-035-09	Open	Yes
We recommend that USGS assess controls over all identified information systems and implement controls necessary to protect system data and comply with Federal regulations.

Recommendation Number

Recommendation Status

Significant Recommendation

Additional Details

2022-CR-035-01

Open

We recommend that USGS reassess the Bureau Quality Management System implementation approach and prepare a framework to fully implement the Bureau Quality Management System at all laboratories on a more rapid timeline than December 2025.

2022-CR-035-02

Open

Yes

We recommend that USGS develops an oversight function with clearly delineated roles and responsibilities to ensure that all laboratories are implementing the Bureau Quality Management System appropriately.

2022-CR-035-03