Federal Reports

The audit objectives were to determine whether program funds were managed in accordance with the ARC and Federal grant requirements.

The audit objectives were to determine whether program funds were managed in accordance with the ARC and Federal grant requirements.

Our objective was to determine whether USPTO’s patent application classification and routing processes were effective. Specifically, we determined whether (1) USPTO adequately ensured that classification contractors were providing quality patent classification and reclassification services; (2) USPTO examiners properly challenged claim indicator (known as “C-star” or C*) classifications and whether USPTO properly resolved challenges; and (3) USPTO effectively designed and implemented Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system-based routing. We found that USPTO’s patent classification and routing processes were not effective. Specifically, we found that:I. USPTO did not ensure effective contract oversight for classification services. II. USPTO lacked adequate controls to ensure that classification challenges were efficiently and effectively submitted and adjudicated. III. USPTO did not effectively design and implement CPC-based routing.

For our final report on our audit of the U.S. Census Bureau’s (the Bureau’s) Demographic Programs Directorate’s reimbursable surveys, our overall objective was to determine whether reimbursable surveys conducted by this directorate provided quality and reliable data to help sponsoring federal agencies make informed decisions. As part of this review we (1) determined whether quality metrics were met or exceeded, (2) determined whether quality assurance processes were working as intended, and (3) assessed the impact of data quality issues on survey sponsors. We found that while the Bureau has established controls along with performance and quality metrics to ensure the quality of survey data, it does not consistently follow or achieve them. Specifically, we found that I. the Bureau needs to improve performance management processes for reimbursable surveys; II. the Bureau needs to improve its quality assurance program for reimbursable surveys; and III. regional offices did not relieve FRs from survey data collection during falsification investigations and systematically track confirmed falsifications for use in future hiring decisions.

This report communicates the results of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) audit of the FTC progress on the implementation of Zero Trust Architecture.

To see our report, click on the link below