Office of the Inspector General Semiannual Report to Congress October 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021

During this semiannual reporting period, we issued five audit reports which included $3,340,428 in questioned costs and 48 recommendations to improve agency operations and award recipient’s stewardship of Federal funds. Through our audit follow-up process, we assisted the National Endowment for the Arts (Arts Endowment) staff and award recipients in clearing 32 recommendations based on corrective actions taken. In addition, we resolved a total of 19 hotline complaints -- 16 new complaints and three from prior reporting periods. I applaud the Arts Endowment and OIG staff for pressing forward and working together when needed to avoid unreasonable and unnecessary work delays during the Pandemic. This enabled staff to continue delivering the missions of the Agency and OIG in a high quality and timely manner in spite of COVID-19, which required staff to work virtually during this period. The value-added work that we accomplished this period is due to my staff’s commitment to excellence, continued growth, and dedicated work effort; along with the support of the Arts Endowment Acting Chairman and her staff. I look forward to continuously working with my staff, the Chairman, and her staff in promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness while helping to ensure integrity, excellence, and value in the delivery of the Arts Endowment mission.