Federal Reports

We announced two concurrent audits to determine whether First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is ensuring that AT&T is achieving the desired results for device connection targets and Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) coverage for each state and territory. We separated these objectives into three components that include (1) the evolution of the desired results for device connection targets and network coverage as executed through contract modifications, (2) oversight of device connection targets, and (3) oversight of network coverage. This report focuses on the second component: FirstNet Authority’s oversight of device connection targets. We found that FirstNet Authority did not adequately assess contractor performance to ensure AT&T achieved the desired results for device connection targets for each state and territory. Specifically, FirstNet Authority did not develop measurable performance standards and methods of surveillance to assess if reported device connections complied with the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 and contract requirements; develop an adequate performance metric to accurately measure public safety use and adoption; review AT&T’s quality control program results or consistently conduct audits of raw data; or remediate deficiencies for device connections.

What We Looked AtWe performed a quality control review (QCR) on the single audit that Plante & Moran, PLLC performed for the Wayne County Airport Authority’s (WCAA) fiscal year that ended December 31, 2022. During this period, WCAA expended approximately $75.4 million from U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) programs. Plante & Moran determined that DOT’s major program was the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program. Our QCR objectives were to determine whether (1) Plante & Moran’s audit work complied with the Single Audit Act of 1984, as amended, the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance, and the extent to which we could rely on the auditor’s work on DOT’s major program and (2) WCAA’s reporting package complied with the reporting requirements of the Uniform Guidance.What We FoundPlante & Moran complied with the requirements of the Single Audit Act, the Uniform Guidance, and DOT’s major program. We found nothing to indicate that Plante & Moran’s opinion on DOT’s major program was inappropriate or unreliable. However, we identified deficiencies in Plante & Moran’s audit work that require correction in future audits. Accordingly, we assigned Plante & Moran a rating of pass with deficiencies. 

Objective: To report internal control weaknesses, noncompliance issues, and unallowable costs identified in the single audit to SSA for resolution action.

Objective: To report internal control weaknesses, noncompliance issues, and unallowable costs identified in the single audit to SSA for resolution action.

Objective: To report internal control weaknesses, noncompliance issues, and unallowable costs identified in the single audit to SSA for resolution action.

The Department of Homeland Security's technology, procedures, and coordination were not fully effective to screen and vet non citizens applying for admission into the United States or asylum seekers whose asylum applications were pending for an extended period. Although U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deployed new technologies to enhance traveler screening, it could not access all Federal data necessary to enable complete screening and vetting of noncitizens seeking admission into the United States. In addition, CBP used varied and sometimes inconsistent inspection procedures for travelers arriving in vehicles at land ports of entry. Finally, CBP does not have the technology to perform biometric matching on travelers arriving in vehicles at land ports of entry.