Federal Reports

The objective of the audit was to determine whether the Puerto Rico Department of Education (Puerto Rico DOE) used Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations (Restart) program funds for allowable and intended purposes. We determined that the Puerto Rico DOE did not always use Restart program funds for allowable and intended purposes. Specifically, of the approximately $8.6 million in indirect costs that the Puerto Rico DOE charged to its Restart program grant during our audit period, $2.5 million of it was not allowable. The $2.5 million in unallowable costs that the Puerto Rico DOE charged to the Restart program could have been used for allowable activities that would have assisted the Puerto Rico DOE in restarting school operations, reenrolling students, and reopening public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools affected by the covered disaster. We also found that the Puerto Rico DOE needs to improve its management of technology devices it purchased for students and teachers using Restart program funds, and that it made several unallowable payroll payments (using Restart funds) to 3 teachers included in our statistical random sample. We made 8 recommendations to address the issues identified, including that it reallocate unallowable indirect costs it charged to the grant and ensure capitalization policies and procedures are followed.

Our 2023 organizational assessment highlights our significant accomplishments in overseeing the DOI’s programs and operations.

The U.S. Postal Service operates more than 8,500 automated systems and equipment to move and deliver nearly half the world’s mail. It deploys computer systems and equipment that manage, monitor, and control a variety of mail functions. Without proper controls, there is an increased risk of damage to essential equipment, which could result in delays in mail delivery or injury to Postal Service personnel. Whether it’s important documents — such as passports or bank statements — packages, or vital communications, the reliable processing of USPS mail is essential to ensure timely delivery.

Objective: To determine whether the Social Security Administration’s offices were complying with the requirements established in the Agency’s Mail Handling Business Process Document.

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program report describes the results of a focused evaluation of the care provided at the Columbia VA Health Care System in South Carolina. This evaluation focused on five key operational areas:• Leadership and organizational risks• Quality, safety, and value• Medical staff privileging• Environment of care• Mental health (focusing on suicide prevention initiatives)The OIG issued four recommendations for improvement in two areas:1. Environment of care• Responding to utility system disruptions• Safe and secure environment2. Mental health• Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluations• Reporting suicidal behaviors

EAC OIG issued this memorandum to alert EAC's management of EAC personnel practices that may not be in accordance with EAC policies and U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance.