Federal Reports

The U.S. Postal Service launched a pilot program to transport mail by rail on July 14, 2020, under a contract with Contractor #1. On November 10, 2021, the Postal Service expanded rail service using a second contractor, Contractor #2. The intent of moving mail by rail is to reduce as many Highway Contract Route trips as possible and fully optimize the surface transportation network. Our objective was to evaluate how the Postal Service identifies opportunities for moving standard mail on intermodal transportation and monitors rail transportation network performance. To accomplish our objective, we conducted observations at the Los Angeles Network Distribution Center (NDC) and interviewed Postal Service management at the eight NDCs using rail service. Additionally, we reviewed contracts and performance data for the scope period of July 14, 2020, to June 30, 2022

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program report highlights the results of a focused evaluation of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities’ care coordination programs related to inter-facility patient transfers. The report describes findings from healthcare inspections performed at VHA medical facilities during fiscal year 2021. Each inspection involved interviews with key staff and reviews of clinical and administrative processes.The OIG found general compliance with some of the selected care coordination requirements. However, the OIG identified weaknesses with and issued four recommendations related to the• existence of facility policies for inter-facility transfers,• monitoring and evaluation of inter-facility transfers,• transmission of patients’ active medication lists and advance directives to receiving facilities, and• communication between nurses at sending and receiving facilities.

This report highlights findings from prior single audit reports to help the EPA prepare to administer an additional $60 billion in funds pursuant to the IIJA. We identified seven areas where noncompliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and program requirements were most frequent. We found that most instances of noncompliance were associated with two programs: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program.

Our objective was to determine how four Border patrol sectors on the Southwest border determine post-apprehension outcomes for noncitizens encountered between ports of entry.

An aboveground storage tank (AST) is a storage tank placed above the surface of the ground. Any stationary tank system that is not covered with earth or other material or any tank located entirely within a structure that can be visually inspected, such as a building or basement, is generally considered an AST. U.S. Postal Service facilities use ASTs to store fluid products and waste such as motor oil, gasoline and diesel fuel, heating oil, and antifreeze to operate and maintain sites, vehicles, and equipment. Postal Service facilities with ASTs must establish a routine maintenance and inspection program to monitor the condition of the AST and avoid releases into the environment.Our objective was to assess the Postal Service’s effectiveness at managing ASTs by reviewing ASTs active as of January 2022.