Federal Reports

The OIG performed this evaluation to determine whether the Nuclear Employee Concerns Program (ECP) was addressing employee concerns in an effective and timely manner for fiscal years 2013 and 2014. In summary, we determined Nuclear ECP generally addressed employee concerns in an effective manner; however, we identified areas for improvement related to documentation, the resolution follow-up process, and reporting to site management. We could not form an overall conclusion related to timeliness in addressing Nuclear ECP cases because there was no defined timeliness goal for some types of cases; however, the Nuclear ECP did not meet its timeliness goal of 45 days for eight of ten sample cases we reviewed that were classified as Concerns (i.e., issues that require ECP to open an investigation). TVA management agreed with our findings and recommendations.

This report details the results of our audit of Trademark’s controls and use of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO’s) Activity-Based Information (ABI) system. Specifically, our objectives were to review allocation algorithms and controls of the ABI system and determine whether Trademark’s use of ABI justifies and supports fee changes.

This report provides the results of our audit of the effectiveness of the Census Bureau’s unliquidated obligation (ULO) review policies and procedures developed in response to an OIG audit report issued in June 2013 (OIG-13-026-A). In that report, we concluded that Department-wide controls over the management of ULOs needed strengthening. Further, effective management of outstanding obligation balances allows agencies to review and deobligate unneeded funds, promoting a better use of federal resources.