Federal Reports

As a result of our review of the procedures and key control activities used to track and account for tools at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant (Inspection No. 2005-526I), we performed an inspection to assess the processes and key control activities used to track and account for tools at SQN. TVA Nuclear (TVAN) Business Practice 226 (BP-226), Tool and Equipment Accountability, dated August 27, 2000:Established and implemented a plant accountability system for tools and equipment.Strengthened and standardized existing tool and equipment accountability practices. Provided for periodic reporting to control and minimize equipment losses. Our inspection identified a significant lack of tool accountability/tracking resulting from (1) noncompliance with processes and key control activities prescribed by TVAN BP-226 and (2) other process/control weaknesses. However, two control mechanisms were implemented to enhance tool room security -- access to the tool room was restricted using hand geometry and closed circuit cameras were installed in the tool room. Management agreed with our findings and has initiated corrective actions.

TVA's previous contract for administration of dental benefits went into effect on January 1, 1999. In April 2005, TVA's Employee Benefits and Procurement sent out a Request for Proposal for quotes from seven companies interested in providing administrative services for dental benefits to TVA's employees. Beginning January 1, 2006, a new dental administrator began administering TVA's dental benefit program.We assessed whether Employee Benefits/Procurement adequately considered the costs/benefits of switching to the new dental administrator for administration of the dental benefits program. In summary, we determined that it appears Employee Benefits/Procurement adequately considered the costs/benefits of switching. However, documentation could be improved. Specifically, no documentation was maintained supporting (1) the rationale behind the technical evaluation scoring methodology and (2) key assumptions used in the cost analysis (i.e., network penetration and average discount rates). Our review of the proposals also noted nothing to question the recommendation of the new dental administrator as the dental plan administration provider, assuming the unsupported network penetration and average discount rates used in Employee Benefits/Procurement's cost analysis were accurate. Management agreed with our findings and has taken or plans to take appropriate corrective actions. Summary Only

To obtain further information, please contact the OIG Office of Counsel at OIGCounsel@oig.treas.gov, (202) 927-0650, or by mail at Office of Treasury Inspector General, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC 20220.

We performed a limited scope review to assess the processes and controls over the sale of TVA assets on eBay, including how eBay is chosen for the sales mechanism, reserves are determined, and payments are received and accounted for. Our review of the TVA Investment Recovery (IR) procedures for eBay sales (eBay Sales), dated December 6, 2005, identified several opportunities for improvement. Specifically, the procedures did not adequately address the minimum acceptable price and payment processes/controls and provided TVA organizations, which may not have IR's expertise, the ability to sell TVA assets on eBay. Management agreed with our findings and has taken or plans to take appropriate corrective actions. Summary Only

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