Federal Reports

As Millennials come into their economic prime, understanding how they use mail and the ways to best serve their needs is of crucial importance to the Postal Service. The OIG therefore conducted qualitative and quantitative research to provide a more comprehensive view of how Millennials – defined in this paper as adults aged 18 to 34 – engage with the Postal Service.The OIG found that while there are some differences in how much Millennials usage various postal products compared with older generations, their satisfaction with USPS is similar. Our research indicates there are two primary opportunities to appeal to young consumers: enhancing convenience and increasing customization. The OIG also found that Millennials’ living arrangements are an important indicator of their engagement with and perception of the Postal Service. This research could be important for USPS’s product development and outreach strategies with Millennials.

The Office of Inspector General assessed NASA’s progress in maximizing utilization of the ISS to accomplish its human exploration objectives and examined the challenges associated with transitioning the Station to commercial operations and its eventual retirement.

The Tennessee Valley Authority estimates the dispatch costs for coal and gas on a combination of elements including fuel pricing, physical operating characteristics, estimates of variable operating and maintenance costs, and other variables. Since heat rates are one of the primary physical characteristics used in the calculation of dispatch costs, we performed an evaluation to determine if inputs used in the development of heat rate curves were calculated accurately. The scope of our review was limited to the July 2017 heat rate updates for coal and combined cycle (CC) plants.We determined some of the inputs used for the July 2017 heat rate curves were not calculated correctly. Specifically, we determined the hourly heat rates were incorrect for four of the five CC plants. We did not determine the impact of any inaccurate calculations. We were unable to verify the accuracy of the data used to calculate coal hourly reference heat rates due to inconsistencies in system settings or data not being available. However, we did determine the hourly reference heat rates were not calculated for 6 hours at one of the eight coal plants.

OIG is committed to ensuring that beneficiaries receive quality care and to safeguarding the hospice benefit. OIG has produced numerous evaluations and audits of the hospice program, including in-depth looks at specific levels of care and settings. OIG has also conducted criminal and civil investigations of hospice providers, leading to the conviction of individuals, monetary penalties, and civil False Claims Act settlements. Through this extensive work, OIG has identified vulnerabilities in the program. This portfolio highlights key vulnerabilities and presents recommendations for protecting beneficiaries and improving the program.

OIG's audit objective was to determine whether the Census Bureau established and administered blanked purchase agreements in accordance with laws, regulations, and agency guidance.