Farm Service Agency Self-Certification Process

View Report

Date Issued

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Submitting OIG

Department of Agriculture OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Department of Agriculture

Components

Farm Service Agency

Report Number

03801-0001-23

Report Description

USDSA OIG identified all programs in which the Farm Service Agency (FSA) processes payments with self-certification and determined what percentage of these payments resulted in an improper payment during FSA spot check reviews.

Report Type

Inspection / Evaluation

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

$16,463,345

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

Open Recommendations

This report has 4 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	Yes	$0	$0
Develop a plan to timely execute IRDTS use for all programs subject to spot-check and program review, to improve the process of using spot check review results, enhance program accountability and integrity, and reduce payment errors.
2	Yes	$0	$0
Establish a process to regularly use data collected from the spot check reviews for each of its programs that rely on self-certification to identify actions it must take to improve the payment process and reduce payment inaccuracy.
3	Yes	$16,463,345	$0
Review the more than $16.4 million in questioned costs identified in one State for ECP payments made from August 2023 through May 2025. As appropriate, recover any costs determined to be unallowable due to violation of agency policy or make additional payments for identified underpayments.
4	Yes	$0	$0
Ensure the applicable State rescinds its guidance that contradicts national guidance.