Federal Reports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) did not properly plan, implement, and manage the Quiet Skies program to meet the program’s mission of mitigating the threat to commercial aviation posed by higher risk passengers. Specifically, TSA did not develop performance goals and measures to demonstrate program effectiveness or always adhere to its own Quiet Skies guidance. This occurred because TSA lacked sufficient oversight to ensure the Quiet Skies program operated as intended. For example, TSA did not have a centralized office or entity to ensure the various TSA offices properly managed Quiet Skies passenger data. Without sufficient metrics, analysis, and controls, TSA cannot be assured the Quiet Skies program enhances aviation security through FAMS as intended. We made two recommendations that, when implemented, may help TSA better measure the effectiveness of its Quiet Skies program. TSA concurred with both recommendations and has begun implementing corrective action plans.

This report contains information about recommendations from the OIG's audits, evaluations, reviews, and other reports that the OIG had not closed as of the specified date because it had not determined that the Department of Justice had fully implemented them. The list omits information that the Department of Justice determined to be limited official use or classified, and therefore unsuitable for public release.The status of each recommendation was accurate as of the specified date and is subject to change. Specifically, a recommendation identified as not closed as of the specified date may subsequently have been closed.

During this semiannual reporting period, we issued five audit reports, one risk assessment report, and one investigative report. These reports included $375,688 in questioned costs and 34 recommendations to improve agency operations and award recipient’s stewardship of Federal funds. Through our audit follow-up process, we assisted the National Endowment for the Arts (Arts Endowment) staff and award recipients in clearing 29 recommendations based on corrective actions taken. In addition, we addressed eight new hotline complaints, with one from this period and two from a prior reporting period remaining open. During this reporting period, we also focused internally to improve our operations by updating our Strategic Plan and initiating updates to our website. The website is being updated to make it easier to navigate and to ensure it includes links to the most current awards management resources. The updates to the website are designed to help award recipients comply with requirements and the Arts Endowment improve their programs and operations. The value-added work that my staff accomplished this period is due to their commitment to excellence, continued growth, and dedicated work effort, along with the support of the Arts Endowment Chairman and her staff. I look forward to continuously working with my staff, the Chairman, and her staff in promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness while helping to ensure integrity, excellence, and value in the delivery of the Arts Endowment mission.

FEC OIG's Semiannual Report to Congress April 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020

Semi Annual Report to Congress from April 2020 thru Sept 2020