Federal Reports

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, our investigation found that in all four matters, EPA official Joseph Goffman failed to assess whether specific parties or industries posed a potential financial conflict-of-interest prior to participation. Our investigation also found that Goffman held financial interests in the MCM and Commercial sterilization rulemakings and failed to meet his ethical obligations under the federal financial conflicts-of-interest prohibition when he participated in both rulemakings. Our investigation was inconclusive as to whether Goffman met his ethical obligations under the federal financial conflicts-of-interest prohibition when he participated in the review of a request by a corporate entity. Finally, our investigation did not substantiate that Goffman failed to meet his ethical obligations under the federal financial conflicts-of-interest prohibition when he participated in preparations for a "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act Roundtable."

The SEC Missed Opportunities to Lower Contract Risk and More Effectively Manage Time-and-Materials Contracts, Report No. 582

Each year, increased mail volume and operational changes during the U.S. Postal Service’s peak season — Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve — significantly strain the Postal Service’s processing and distribution network. As noted in prior audit reports, Postal Service management continued to develop a year-round strategy in preparation for peak season by implementing permanent operational changes.