Skip to main content
Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
Department of the Interior OIG
Other Participating OIGs
Department of the Interior OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
Department of the Interior
Components
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Report Number
13-0390
Report Description

The OIG investigated allegations that a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) senior official approved or directed the approval of two drawdowns totaling approximately $3.1 million from an Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement (OMR) Trust Fund designated for a regional rural water system (RWS) at a time when the RWS was years from completion and had few, if any, OMR expenses. There was increased scrutiny of the senior official’s involvement because he was affiliated with a group that would be served by the RWS.Our investigation determined that a subordinate of the senior official, not the senior official, authorized the drawdowns. The senior official had recused himself from the matter and had no involvement in either drawdown.We also found that the subordinate failed to perform required due diligence before approving the drawdowns. After questions arose following the first drawdown, the subordinate of the senior official was directed to consult with BIA’s Office of Facilities Management and Construction (OFMC) prior to any future drawdowns, however, he failed to consult with OFMC prior to the second drawdown. The subordinate acknowledged he failed to perform the required due diligence and retired from the BIA before the completion of our investigation.The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana declined prosecution.

Report Type
Investigation
Location

MT
United States

Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0

Department of the Interior OIG

United States