BIA Manager Created the Appearance of Using His Public Office for Private Gain

The OIG investigated allegations that a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) manager had used his position for the private gain of a friend, overruled decisions made by an employee’s supervisor regarding the employee’s leave and telework requests, and improperly influenced the award of a contract because of a personal relationship. We found that the BIA manager created the appearance of using public office for the private gain of a friend when he participated on the interview panel that recommended the friend, who was also his former fiancé, for a position within the BIA. We found no evidence that the manager influenced any decisions related to an employee’s leave or telework requests, or that the manager improperly influenced a contract award.