Federal Reports

The Office of the Inspector General conducted a review of the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant Chemistry/Environmental (SQN Chemistry) organization to identify factors that could impact SQN Chemistry’s organizational effectiveness. During the course of our evaluation, we identified behaviors that had a positive impact on SQN Chemistry. These included relationships with most management. However, we also identified behavioral risks related to accountability, relationships within and outside Chemistry, low morale, and ethics. In addition, we identified risks to operations that have hindered SQN Chemistry’s effectiveness. These risks were related to the physical work environment, monitoring effluents and collecting required samples, and inaccurate sample documentation.

Due to an increase in transactions regarding real estate, we performed an evaluation to assess the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) development and implementation of its strategic real estate plan. However, TVA does not formally have a strategic real estate plan; therefore, we reviewed the goals and objectives of the Strategic Real Estate and Governance (SREG) organization to determine if they were being achieved.We determined SREG has met, or was in the process of meeting, their stated goals and objectives. For example, SREG has (1) improved the condition, safety, and utilization of TVA’s real estate assets and (2) been working to eliminate noncore and underutilized buildings through regional consolidations. However, we identified several areas for improvement that could enable SREG to more effectively accomplish their mission of helping TVA manage real estate assets and align the portfolio with business need. Specifically, (1) SREG does not have an accurate and comprehensive list of all real property, (2) SREG is not always included in, or knowledgeable of, key business decisions that impact real estate, and (3) TVA does not have a centralized real estate function.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) with the Texas General Land Office (TxGLO) was appropriate to ensure direct housing assistance program compliance with applicable laws and regulations. However, FEMA initiated the IGSA without first developing the processes and controls TxGLO needed to administer the program. As a result, FEMA and the State had to develop and finalize implementation guidelines after signing the IGSA, delaying TxGLO’s disaster response. In addition, FEMA disaster personnel had to prepare the necessary guidance, toolkits, and training resources while simultaneously responding to Hurricane Harvey. Also, FEMA used workarounds and TxGLO set up a separate system, creating additional operational challenges and inefficiencies. We made three recommendations to improve future state administered direct housing assistance efforts. FEMA concurred with all three recommendations

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DOJ Press Release: Disbarred Attorney Pleads Guilty To Securities Fraud In Connection With Fraudulent Opinion Letter Scheme

Without clear and enforceable limitations in synthetic-minor-source permits, facilities may emit excess pollution that would otherwise subject them to the more stringent requirements of the Clean Air Act major-source permitting programs.

Federal RequirementsPhysicians who bill for TCM services are restricted from billing for restricted overlapping care management services (77 Fed. Reg. 68985 and 68990 (Nov. 16, 2012)). Therefore, these overlapping care management services may not be billed for services provided during the same 30-day TCM service period for the same beneficiary.According to CMS officials, in these instances the first claim submitted should be paid and the second claim submitted should be denied.Physicians who bill for TCM services are restricted from billing for restricted overlapping care management services (77 Fed. Reg. 68985 and 68990 (Nov. 16, 2012)). Therefore, these restricted overlapping care management services may not be billed for services provided during the same 30-day TCM service period for the same beneficiary.According to CMS officials, in these instances the first claim submitted should be paid and the second claim submitted should be denied.