Federal Reports

This informational report provides general information and highlights the IIJA ReConnect Program funding as of September 30, 2023.

An investigation of alleged misuse of government resources by an FEC employee.

This report communicates the results of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) audit of the FTC’s contractor invoice processes.

An Amtrak Conductor based in Jacksonville, Florida, signed a deferred prosecution agreement in the Seventh Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, on December 22, 2023. The charges will be dismissed if the employee fulfills the terms of the agreement. Our investigation found that the employee attempted to sell high-security railroad switch keys on Facebook Marketplace. The employee was previously suspended from employment without pay in lieu of termination for a period of 67 days.

The objective of our audit was to determine whether USPTO’s processes and activities for acquisition planning are effective and consistent with established practices, procedures, and regulations. Overall, we found that USPTO’s processes and activities for acquisition planning were ineffective and not consistent with established regulations, policies, and procedures. Specifically, we found the following:I. USPTO’s policies and procedures did not provide sufficient guidance on the use of its Patent and Trademark Office Acquisition Guidelines acquisition procedures. II. USPTO did not retain key documents, and documents developed during acquisition planning were insufficient and not supported. III. USPTO did not adhere to federal regulations relating to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Business Development program (the 8(a) Program).