Federal Reports

o DHS has not effectively managed and coordinated Department resources for its Joint Task Forces (JTFs). Specifically, DHS has not maintained oversight authority through changes in leadership, implemented and updated policies and procedures, identified optimal JTF staffing levels and resources, and established a process to capture total allocated costs associated with JTFs. In addition, DHS has not fully complied with public law requirements to report to Congress on JTFs’ cost and impact, establish outcome-based performance metrics, and establish and maintain a joint duty training program. We recommended the DHS Secretary designate a department-level office to manage and oversee JTFs and address public law requirements. We made seven recommendations to improve DHS’ management and oversight of its JTFs and ensure compliance with legislative requirements. DHS provided a management response, but declined to comment, since the Acting Secretary is currently reviewing the status and future of the JTFs.

This report summarizes work that we initiated and completed during this semiannual period on a number of critical Departmental activities. Over the past 6 months, our office issued 30 products related to our audit, evaluation, and inspection work. These products addressed programs and personnel associated with the U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade Administration (ITA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and the Department itself. This report also describes our investigative activities addressing programs and personnel associated with the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Census Bureau, NOAA, USPTO, and the Department itself.

Semiannual Report to Congress: April 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020

OIG reviewed USDA’s compliance with the covered agency responsibilities outlined in the Geospatial Data Act.

Report on Audit of Federal Trade Commission Personnel Security and Suitability Program Processes