Federal Reports

The Department and its components have worked with us to correct hundreds of issues and improve the economy and efficiency of programs and operations. Based on the Department's actions this period, we closed 146 recommendations issued in this and prior periods. Our work this reporting period resulted in improved overall effectiveness and a more secure homeland as well as improved management and oversight of programs and operations to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.The audits, inspections, and investigations we conducted during this reporting period should continue to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department and its domestic and international missions to continue to protect the homeland. As examples, we reviewed the treatment and care of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees at detention facilities, as well as ensured U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides guidance, knowledge, and tools to protect personnel when they come in contact with fentanyl and other opioids during search and seizures. Our work should also improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) review and obligation of Public Assistance grant funds and better align FEMA's information technology resources with agency and mission priorities.This year marks the 41 st anniversary of the Inspector General Act of 1978 and the creation of the original 12 Offices of Inspector General. Our office was created in 2003. Every six months we provide the Congress with a report detailing our independent oversight of the Department. In the years to come, we look forwardto continuing our efforts to provide independent and effective oversight of the Department and working with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency on important issues that cut across our Government.

NGA OIG Fall Semiannual Report to Congress, 1 April - 30 September 2019

This semiannual report informs Congress of the Peace Corps Office of Inspector General's work for April 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019

During this semiannual reporting period, we issued two audit reports that included $108,578 in questioned cost and 19 recommendations to improve stewardship of awards by recipients. Through our audit follow-up process, we worked with National Endowment for the Arts (Arts Endowment) staff and award recipients to clear 31 recommendations, which will further improve stewardship of awards. In addition, we addressed 17 of 18 hotline complaints, primarily enabling us to help citizens avoid scams by individuals fraudulently representing themselves as Arts Endowment employees.Furthermore, as required by the Consolidated Reports Act of 2000 and Office of Management and Budget Circular A-136, Financial Reporting Requirements, my staff worked with Agency officials to prepare a list of the top Arts Endowment management challenges. The challenge areas include financial management, human capital, information technology, inventory management, and awardee accountability. A summary of the challenge areas and any improvement by the Agency in these areas is included in this report.Finally, my office received a rating of "pass" based on a Peer Review conducted by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Office of Inspector General (OIG). The CFTC OIG concluded that my office's system of quality control provided reasonable assurance that audits by my staff were performed and reported in accordance with required professional standards since the last Peer Review in 2016.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 Arts Endowment Chairman and her staff. I look forward to continuously working with Arts Endowment leadership and staff -- promoting economy, efficiency, effectiveness -- helping to ensure integrity, excellence, and value in the Arts Endowment's mission delivery.