Federal Reports

The U.S. Postal Service is redesigning its processing network with the goal of creating a best-in-class mail and package processing network as part of its 10-year strategic Delivering for America plan. The Postal Service plans to create a modernized network based around Regional Processing and Distribution Centers (RPDC), local processing centers, and sorting and delivery centers. The Atlanta RPDC is a new, one million square foot facility and one of the first RPDCs in the network.

What We Looked AtWe queried and downloaded 39 single audit reports prepared by non-Federal auditors and submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse between April 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024, to identify significant findings related to programs directly funded by the Department of Transportation (DOT).What We FoundWe found that reports contained a range of findings that impacted DOT programs. The auditors reported 20 incidents of significant noncompliance with Federal guidelines related to 12 grantees that require prompt action from DOT’s Operating Administrations. Of the 20 significant findings, 9 were repeat findings related to 5 grantees. The auditors also identified questioned costs totaling $1,035,753 for seven grantees. Of this amount, $216,491 was related to the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Indianapolis, IN, and $590,403 was related to the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston, TX. Additionally, we identified a nonmonetary repeat finding that caused a disclaimer of opinion for the Joint Programs of the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes of the Wind River Reservation, Fort Washakie, WY.RecommendationsWe recommend that DOT coordinate with the impacted Operating Administrations to develop a corrective action plan to resolve and close the findings identified in this report. We also recommend that DOT determine the allowability of the questioned transactions and recover $919,266, if applicable. Furthermore, we recommend that OST work with the Federal Transit Authority to determine the allowability of questioned tribal transactions and recover $116,487, if applicable 

NASA is developing a second mobile launcher (ML-2)—the ground structure used to assemble, transport, and launch the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion crew capsule—to support larger variants of the SLS beginning with the Artemis IV mission. ML-2’s cost and schedule are not sustainable despite NASA’s efforts to improve project performance.

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) Vet Center Inspection Program provides a focused evaluation of aspects of the quality of care delivered throughout Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS).This inspection evaluates four review areas within Continental District 4 including leadership stability, morbidity and mortality reviews, the high risk suicide flag (HRSF) SharePoint site, and safety plans.There were no findings in stability of leadership. Based on active policy at the time of the inspection, the OIG identified that district leaders did not complete timely morbidity and mortality reviews for clients who died by suicide. Inconsistent with requirements at the time, leaders also implemented a peer review process for all suicide attempts instead of the morbidity and mortality reviews. The OIG did not conduct the HRSF SharePoint site review due to concerns with data accuracy. In April 2024, the OIG made a recommendation to the RCS Chief Officer related to HRSF SharePoint site functionality. The recommendation remained open at the time of the inspection; therefore, the OIG will continue to monitor progress to closure and did not make a new recommendation. Vet center staff were noncompliant with completing and providing safety plans to clients.The OIG issued three recommendations for improvement to the District Director.