Federal Reports

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburses contractors for a portion of their pension costs, which are funded by the annual contributions that contractors make to their pension plans.At CMS's request, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Audit Services, Region VII pension audit team reviews the cost elements related to qualified defined-benefit plans and any other pension-related cost elements claimed by Medicare contractors through Final Administrative Cost Proposals (FACPs).Previous OIG reviews found that Medicare contractors did not always comply with Federal requirements when claiming pension costs for Medicare reimbursement.

In accordance with our annual plan, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a survey of the United States Capitol Police (USCP or Department) Office of Facilities and Logistics (OFL). Our primary objectives were to (1) gain a better understanding of OFL and (2) identify any areas suited for future detailed evaluations, inspections, or audits. Our scope included existing policies and procedures related to OFL as of September 30, 2019.

During a recent investigation into allegations that a former U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employee charged more than $14,000 in unauthorized transactions for personal gain, we learned of a U.S. Government charge/travel card (GTC) transaction review practice that could be beneficial if applied across the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). We also learned that training could help charge card reviewers at the DOI detect and prevent GTC misuse. In addition, we learned of a billing practice that makes it difficult for the Government to hold employees accountable for unresolved debts. The USGS uses a budgeting software that allows it to monitor and identify questionable and unauthorized GTC charges in real time, rather than relying on the review of monthly GTC statements. Implementing real-time transaction review capabilities DOI-wide would help ensure that GTC charges are authorized and correct. We also learned during this and past investigations, that first-line supervisors and approving officials did not have the training to identify fraud schemes and indicators. With training, charge card reviewers would be better able to identify fraudulent charges. In addition, the USGS and other DOI bureaus issue bills for collection through email rather than certified or registered mail. Using certified or registered mail would allow the Government to ensure the intended party receives the bill and therefore better hold debtors accountable.Our management advisory alerts the DOI to these opportunities. We recommend the DOI establish real-time monitoring of GTC transactions, train managers on GTC fraud indicators and reporting requirements, and ensure bills for collection are sent via certified or registered mail with a signature requirement.

To assess the (1) completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and quality of Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 first quarter financial and award data the Social Security Administration (SSA) submitted for publication on USASpending.gov and (2) Agency’s implementation and use of the Government-wide financial data standards established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Department of the Treasury (Treasury).

This report includes EAC OIG’s independent assessment of the top management challenges facing EAC in fiscal year 2019.