Federal Reports

This report was submitted to the Comptroller General in accordance with Section 5 of the Government Accountability Office Act of 2008. The report summarizes the activities of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the six-month reporting period ending September 30, 2018. During the reporting period, we issued three audit reports, and initiated planning or fieldwork for three audits. We also closed 9 investigations and opened 12 new investigations. In addition, we processed 93 hotline complaints, many of which were referred to other OIGs for action because the matters involved were within their jurisdictions. We continue to focus on GAO management challenge areas—such as human capital management and information technology. Other continuing priorities include contract management operations and strengthening controls for ensuring the quality and reliability of GAO’s Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act) submissions. We remained active in the GAO and OIG communities by briefing new GAO employees on our audit and investigative missions, and participating on Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency committees and working groups. Details of these activities and other accomplishments are provided in the report.

The OIG investigated allegations that an Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST) employee and a tribal member agreed to disguise the purchase of tribal land as a gift conveyance from the tribal member. We also investigated allegations that the OST employee attempted to add allotments to the transaction without the tribal member’s knowledge and that a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) employee forged the tribal member’s name on BIA documents filed in connection with the gift conveyance.We confirmed the OST employee and the tribal member agreed to disguise the sale of ownership interests in multiple allotments as a gift conveyance to the OST employee’s minor son. The OST employee paid the tribal member $2,700, but the tribal member canceled the transaction before it was executed. We did not find evidence that the OST employee altered the agreements to add allotments or that the BIA employee forged any documents.

The Office of the Inspector General conducted an organizational effectiveness review of Gallatin Fossil Plant (GAF) to identify operational and cultural strengths and risks that could impact GAF’s organizational effectiveness. Our report identified strengths related to (1) organizational alignment, (2) teamwork within departments, and (3) support of first-line supervisors. However, we also identified issues that could pose risks to GAF’s effectiveness and its continued ability to meet its responsibilities. These issues related to (1) ineffective leadership and (2) safety concerns. Specifically, employees expressed concerns about (1) lack of collaboration between departments, (2) perception of inadequate staffing levels, (3) GAF specific training, (4) GAF’s dual unit operator strategy, and (5) equipment. During our evaluation, actions were taken by TVA management to address the identified safety risks.

During an investigation into suspicious internet traffic, we identified two vulnerabilities in the USGS’ IT security posture: web-site access and open USB ports. Common methods to prevent malware incidents involve a combination of employee training (Rules of Behavior) and access controls (hardware and software technologies).We made two recommendations to help the USGS improve its IT security posture.

Challenge 1- Continue Implementing Strategic Plan to Fulfill the Commission's Statutory Purpose with Significant Decreases in Funding.