Federal Reports

For our audit of the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) disaster relief grants award administrative processes and oversight efforts, our objective was to determine whether EDA’s process for awarding disaster relief grants to applicants is adequate. Specifically, we focused on whether (1) EDA awarded grants on a competitive and merit basis and (2) the extent of EDA’s compliance with the requirements outlined in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 as well as its own policies and procedures for determining which applicants should receive disaster relief funds.We found that EDA is awarding grants on a competitive and merit basis. However, EDA does not always comply with its own policies and procedures for determining which applicants should receive disaster relief funds. Specifically, we found that EDA did not I. ensure all applications documented a clear nexus and resilience principles; II. always use priority order of funding recommendations; and III. always meet its own internal review goals.

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) reviewed the measures taken by the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Homeless Program Office, medical facilities, and community service providers to mitigate COVID-19 risks in transitional housing programs for veterans experiencing homelessness.The OIG found that while transitional housing service providers successfully implemented four of six specific Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 risk mitigation measures, the providers could have strengthened implementation of two others.VHA and service provider staff said the Homeless Program Office allowed them the flexibility to isolate vulnerable veterans, facilitate telehealth exams, and coordinate the provision of medical care in the community. Some service providers and VA medical facilities also developed their own best practices for reducing COVID-19 risks. As the pandemic continues, VHA and its service providers will need to sustain their efforts and strengthen measures to minimize COVID-19 exposure among veterans experiencing or at risk for homelessness.Staff at all 14 facilities assessed by the OIG review team made substantial progress on four measures: cleaning frequently with disinfectant, screening veterans for symptoms, creating isolation site plans, and maintaining adequate cleansing and sanitation supplies and personal protective equipment. The OIG found improved communications from the Homeless Program Office to medical facilities helped these efforts. However, several facilities appeared to struggle with the remaining two measures: identifying high-risk veterans and communicating suggested precautions and social distancing.Interviewees expressed concerns about service providers’ ability to maintain enough personal protective equipment for veterans during the prolonged pandemic. Medical facility staff will need to coordinate with service providers to help them develop contingency plans. The OIG made four recommendations to the under secretary for health regarding additional measures VHA could take to strengthen the implementation of CDC guidelines at the service providers’ facilities.

The OIG investigated anonymous allegations that a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) employee and another individual engaged in inappropriate behavior with two minors under their care. We conducted this investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Our investigation found insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegations. We coordinated our investigation with the responsible U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The OIG investigated allegations that National Park Service (NPS) employee Stephanie Wallace used another NPS employee’s Government purchase card to make personal purchases. We found that Wallace used the employee’s purchase card to pay for her children’s private school tuition.Wallace pleaded guilty to theft of Government property. She was sentenced to 5 days of home detention and a probationary term of 1 year, and she was ordered to pay restitution totaling $8,328.24.