Federal Reports

We identified 21 TVA contractors who held purchasing cards from March 28, 2004, to March 28, 2007, incurring 35,605 transactions totaling about $16.7 million. This included six contractors whose purchases each totaled more than $1 million for the period. A review of documentation supporting selected transactions found instances of noncompliance with TVA's policy and procedures. Specifically, we found (1) purchases that were, by policy, disallowed (e.g., computer equipment, computer software, fuel, rental of heavy equipment, and rental of vehicles); (2) transactions where it appeared the total charge was split to stay below the $5,000 transaction limit and avoid obtaining additional approval; (3) transactions with no detailed receipt showing the description and quantity of items purchased; (4) transactions with no receipt; and (5) transactions with receipts that were illegible. We also identified other control improvement opportunities. TVA management generally agreed with our findings and recommendations and has taken or plans to take corrective action.

We reviewed the TVA dam safety inspection process to determine whether it (1) met federal guidelines for dam safety, (2) was being followed by Dam Safety inspection personnel, and (3) was adequately supported by an information database. In summary, we determined River Operations' (1) inspection process met Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines for periodic dam safety inspection programs; (2) inspection personnel appeared to adhere to the process for identifying, monitoring, and correcting inspection deficiencies based on the five dams we reviewed; (3) information databases provided adequate support for the inspection process; and (4) management had implemented planned corrective actions in response to recommendations in our 2001 audit. However, our review found (1) 57 out of 81 work orders/requests related to Maintenance and Repair (M&R) identified by the dam safety inspections for the five dams we reviewed were not completed by the estimated due date on the inspection report, and (2) there was a historical trend of not completing M&R items by the estimated due date. We recommended the Senior Vice President of River Operations consider implementing a prioritization and scheduling process that ensures timely completion of M&R projects. Management agreed with our findings and has initiated or plans to initiate corrective action.

The report dealing with the review of compliance with the ARC J-1 Visa program

The report dealing with the review of compliance with the ARC J-1 Visa Waiver program

The report dealing with the review of compliance with ARC J-1 Visa Waiver program

As part of our annual audit plan, we audited $5.2 million in costs billed to TVA by a contractor for subcontract services provided on the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Unit 1 (BFN U1) recovery project. Under its subcontract, the subcontractor provided engineers for the BFN U1 project to assist in the resolution of technical issues developed during the field implementation of modifications. Our audit objective was to determine if the costs the contractor billed to TVA were in compliance with the provisions of the contract and the subcontract. In summary, we determined the contractor billed TVA $25,331 for costs that were not in accordance with the contract provisions. TVA management plans to recover the overbilled costs. Summary Only