Federal Reports

The OIG investigated whether a former superintendent of the National Park Service (NPS) improperly applied for a commercial use authorization (CUA) permit in 2015 to give tours at a park that he previously managed. The former park superintendent also allegedly directed that a trail be relocated at the park in 2002, which affected the financial interest of the tour company with which his family member was reportedly affiliated at the time. Years later, he purchased the tour company.We did not find evidence that the former superintendent violated post-employment restrictions when he applied for a CUA at the park after retirement. We did not investigate whether he attempted to manipulate the alignment of the trails to benefit the tour company or his family member. The timing of the alleged trail relocation exceeded the 5-year statute of limitations on criminal conflict of interest laws and the official was no longer employed with the Federal Government.

OIG data analytics identified Boston, MA, Fort Point Station had refunds by money order exceeding $37,000 for June through August of fiscal year (FY) 2018. Subsequent research disclosed refunds, issued by money order as well as those disbursed through Accounting Services Center, for June 2018, totaled $281,129, the highest in the nation for that month. Except for June, prior months of Quarter (Q)3 and the subsequent months of Q4 were all less than $500. The objective of this audit was to determine whether refunds for postage and fees at Fort Point Station were valid and properly supported.