Office of Inspector General Semiannual Report to Congress for October 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020

During this semiannual reporting period, we issued five audit reports that included $299,022 in questioned costs and 32 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 56 recommendations, from prior reports, based on corrective actions taken by them. In addition, we addressed 13 hotline complaints the majority of which helped us to assist citizens avoid scams by individuals fraudulently representing themselves as affiliated with the Arts Endowment. During this reporting period, we also focused internally to improve our operations by updating our Strategic Plan and website. The website was updated to make it easier to navigate and to ensure it included links to the most current awards management resources. Of particular note, we developed an audit process presentation that included a list of the top findings from our audits of Arts Endowment awardees. The updates to the website are designed to help award recipients and the Arts Endowment improve their programs and operations. The value-added work that my staff accomplished this period is due to their commitment to excellence, continued growth, and dedicated work effort, along with the support of the Arts Endowment Chairman and her staff. I look forward to continuously working with my staff, the Chairman, and her staff -- promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness -- helping to ensure integrity, excellence, and value in the delivery of the Arts Endowment mission.