Federal Reports

We determined that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) automation of the N-400 Application for Naturalization has not been successful. Specifically, we found that ELIS did not have the critical functionality necessary for end-to-end N-400 processing. The problems in N-400 automation can be attributed to poor program management practices, which have continued since prior ELIS releases. We made 5 recommendations for USCIS to address its training needs, perform a risk-based analysis of all unresolved ELIS technical issues, implement a plan for reducing ELIS technical debt, clearly define agency-wide business goals and objectives, and implement a plan to ensure that ELIS provides USCIS personnel with complete, timely, and accurate data to enable more effective benefits adjudication decisions. USCIS concurred with all 5 of our recommendations.

We determined that DHS did not always follow statutory requirements when entering, modifying, and overseeing its agreements. Inadequate internal policies contributed to DHS falling short of meeting all statutory requirements for using Other Transaction Authorities (OTA). In addition, DHS staff within the office responsible for DHS’ acquisition policy explained that competing priorities prevented timely reporting to Congress. As a result, DHS may have taken on more risks and costs than would otherwise be necessary, as well as impeded on Congress’ ability to oversee its use of OTAs. We recommended that DHS modify its policies regarding these matters and correctly report to Congress. We made three recommendations and DHS concurred with all of our recommendations.

The Omaha Tribe’s serious financial management weaknesses combined with inadequate and missing documentation resulted in unreliable financial records. As a result, we have little confidence that the transactions recorded in the accounting system actually occurred or that the tribe completed its FEMA-authorized projects. Therefore, we question $13.9 million as unsupported. Due to the unreliable financial information, we calculated the amount unsupported as the entire $16.9 million FEMA provided for both grants, less $2.8 million in unused Federal funding that FEMA should put to better use; $165,000 in unclaimed insurance coverage; and approximately $74,749 that we were able to verify as supported and eligible.

The Missouri Department of Social Services (State agency) did not always comply with Federal and State requirements when making payments under its Child Care subsidy program for State fiscal years 2014 and 2015. Client attendance records were not adequately documented for 124 of the 128 provider service months in our statistical sample; childcare payments made for claims in those 124 provider service months were therefore unallowable. (A provider service month includes all childcare payments paid to a childcare provider for a single month of service.)

The Office of Inspector General is tasked with ensuring efficiency, accountability, and integrity in the U.S. Postal Service. We also have the distinct mission of helping to maintain confidence in the mail and postal system, as well as to improve the Postal Service's bottom line. We use audits and investigations to help protect the integrity of the Postal Service. Our Semiannual Report to Congress presents a snapshot of the work we did to fulfill our mission for the six-month period ending Spetember 30, 2017.

This semiannual report informs Congress of the Peace Corps Office of Inspector General's work for April 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017.