Federal Reports

During this semiannual reporting period, we issued five audit reports that included $299,022 in questioned costs and 32 recommendations to improve agency operations and award recipient’s stewardship of Federal funds. Through our audit follow-up process, we assisted the NationalEndowment for the Arts (Arts Endowment) staff and award recipients in clearing 56 recommendations, from prior reports, based on corrective actions taken by them. In addition, we addressed 13 hotline complaints the majority of which helped us to assist citizens avoid scams byindividuals fraudulently representing themselves as affiliated with the Arts Endowment. During this reporting period, we also focused internally to improve our operations by updating our Strategic Plan and website. The website was updated to make it easier to navigate and toensure it included links to the most current awards management resources. Of particular note, we developed an audit process presentation that included a list of the top findings from our audits of Arts Endowment awardees. The updates to the website are designed to help award recipients and the Arts Endowment improve their programs and operations. The value-added work that my staff accomplished this period is due to their commitment to excellence, continued growth, and dedicated work effort, along with the support of the Arts Endowment Chairman and her staff. I look forward to continuously working with my staff, the Chairman, and her staff -- promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness -- helping to ensure integrity, excellence, and value in the delivery of the Arts Endowment mission.

This semiannual report summarizes the OIG’s activities and accomplishments for the periodOctober 1, 2019, through March 31, 2020.The OIG issued six audit and evaluation reports and one written advisory. The OIG resolved 435 investigative inquiries.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, Semiannual Report to Congress, No. 80, covering October 1, 2019, through March 31, 2020

This investigation addressed an allegation that a contract employee and his employer submitted mileage reimbursement expenses in the amount of $23,431.82 that were not allowed under their contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). These travel expenses were submitted for the employee’s travel to and from TVA’s Watts Bar Nuclear Site between February 2017 and April 2019. The evidence substantiated that these expenses were not reimbursable under the contract.The OIG recommends that (1) TVA re-educate the contractor on when mileage reimbursement is permitted under the contract, and (2) resolve the misinterpretation of the contract terminology pertaining to mileage reimbursement between the Nuclear Projects and Supply Chain groups.