Federal Reports

Observations on the SEC’s Rulemaking Process, Report No. 588

Over the last 5 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) has been unable to pass a financial audit, receiving disclaimers of opinion year after year. The independent public auditor has been unable to offer an opinion on the financial state of SBA because it has not received sufficient evidence to support a number of balances. We reviewed SBA’s history of disclaimers and material weaknesses from fiscal years 2020 to 2024, open recommendations, and SBA’s new strategy for addressing material weaknesses and obtaining a clean audit opinion.

SBA’s accounting deficiencies were primarily related to administering an unprecedented amount of disaster assistance aid and guaranteed loan funds to help eligible small business owners and entrepreneurs adversely affected by the pandemic. Over the course of 18 months, the agency delivered 22.1 million pandemic assistance loans and grants, totaling $1.2 trillion. To address the systemic financial reporting deficiencies, SBA launched its Financial Statement Audit Remediation Strategy in January 2025 to resolve the seven material weaknesses and 56 open audit recommendations.

We made four recommendations to enhance implementation of SBA’s financial statements remediation strategy. We recommended the Administrator appoint a senior executive to lead the effort and emphasize audit remediation priorities through consistent agencywide communication. We also recommended that the remediation strategy be incorporated into SBA’s next strategic plan and individual performance plans to ensure accountability. SBA management agreed with all four recommendations.

This report presents the results of our audit of U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Expense Purchase Card Use. 

Background

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, an investigative agency within the Postal Service, uses purchase cards for local buying of general goods and services when day-to-day operational needs cannot be satisfied. Expense purchase cards can be used to purchase items for events, including on-site or off-site official meetings, training, employee recognition and appreciation events, and all event-related expenses. However, cardholders must comply with policies and procedures, such as obtaining approval for purchases and maintaining accurate records for three years. Adhering to these policies is critical to ensure financial integrity and to maintain the public trust and reputation of the U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service.

What We Did

Our objective was to assess the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s expense purchase card use. To accomplish our objective, we reviewed 379 purchase card transactions, valued at $367,462, and interviewed Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service Headquarters management.

What We Found

We found opportunities to improve the Postal Inspection Service’s management of the purchase card program. Specifically, Postal Inspection Service personnel made restricted purchases and purchases that may not align with the organization’s business needs. Also, the Postal Inspection Service did not enter awards and gifts presented to employees into the award system. Controls over purchase cards are important to prevent misuse and promote accountability.