Federal Reports

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) initiated an investigation to inquire into an anonymous hotline complaint that alleged a senior agency employee was engaged in outside employment without agency approval or clearance in violation of federal regulations and FEC rules. Investigation of the matter determined the allegation was not substantiated because the employee in question (the subject) was not employed by the company while also an FEC employee.

EAC OIG, through the independent public accounting firm of McBride, Lock & Associates, LLC, audited funds received by the State of Indiana under the Help America Vote Act, including state matching funds and program income, totaling $26.3 million. This included Election Security and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grants.

The Office of the Inspector General conducted a review of Bull Run Fossil Plant (BRF) organization to identify factors that could impact BRF’s organizational effectiveness. Additionally, the scope of this evaluation included identifying lessons learned for future coal plant closures. During the course of our evaluation, we identified positive interactions between coworkers and with various levels of plant management. In addition, TVA’s communication of BRF’s retirement plans, the support provided through Power Operations’ long term workforce strategy, and having an on-site Human Resources representative were seen as positive. However, BRF employees expressed concerns related to: the ability to operate BRF until retirement due to longstanding deteriorated conditions, inadequate staffing, and increased safety risk. We also found opportunities exist to improve site-specific plant knowledge and fire brigade staffing.

This report is Sensitive But Unclassified. To obtain further information about this Classified Report, please contact the OIG Office of Counsel at OIGCounsel@oig.treas.gov, (202) 927-0650, or by mail at Office of Treasury Inspector General, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC.

This report is Sensitive But Unclassified. To obtain further information about this Classified Report, please contact the OIG Office of Counsel at OIGCounsel@oig.treas.gov, (202) 927-0650, or by mail at Office of Treasury Inspector General, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC.

We determined that CISA and FEMA could better ensure program efforts are mutually reinforcing; they did not have compatible policies, procedures, and other means to operate across component boundaries; and CISA did not regularly update and monitor written agreements with Energy Sector partners. Increased coordination between CISA and FEMA could improve the outcomes of their efforts. Further, without a comprehensive framework for Energy Sector activities, DHS risks losing important data that would strengthen Energy Sector relationships, programs, and outcomes. We made three recommendations to improve CISA’s and FEMA’s coordination efforts to ensure Energy Sector resilience. The Department concurred with all three recommendations.