Federal Reports

EAC OIG, through the independent public accounting firm of McBride, Lock & Associates, LLC, audited funds received by the State of Washington under the Help America Vote Act, including state matching funds and program income, totaling $30.3 million. This included Election Security and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grants.

We determined DHS encountered obstacles to screen, vet, and inspect all Afghan evacuees arriving as part of OAR/OAW. Specifically, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did not always have critical data to properly screen, vet, or inspect Afghan evacuees. We determined some information used to vet evacuees through U.S. Government databases, such as name, date of birth, identification number, and travel document data, was inaccurate, incomplete, or missing. We also determined CBP admitted or paroled evacuees who were not fully vetted into the United States. We attribute DHS’ challenges to not having: (1) a list of Afghan evacuees without sufficient identification documents; (2) a contingency plan to support similar emergency situations; and (3) standardized policies. As a result, DHS may have admitted or paroled individuals into the United States who pose a risk to national security and the safety of local communities. We made two recommendations to improve the Department’s screening and vetting of current Afghan evacuees and coordination and planning efforts for future similar emergency situations. The Department did not concur with these recommendations.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) initiated an investigation to inquire into an anonymous hotline complaint that alleged a senior agency employee was engaged in outside employment without agency approval or clearance in violation of federal regulations and FEC rules. Investigation of the matter determined the allegation was not substantiated because the employee in question (the subject) was not employed by the company while also an FEC employee.

EAC OIG, through the independent public accounting firm of McBride, Lock & Associates, LLC, audited funds received by the State of Indiana under the Help America Vote Act, including state matching funds and program income, totaling $26.3 million. This included Election Security and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grants.

The Office of the Inspector General conducted a review of Bull Run Fossil Plant (BRF) organization to identify factors that could impact BRF’s organizational effectiveness. Additionally, the scope of this evaluation included identifying lessons learned for future coal plant closures. During the course of our evaluation, we identified positive interactions between coworkers and with various levels of plant management. In addition, TVA’s communication of BRF’s retirement plans, the support provided through Power Operations’ long term workforce strategy, and having an on-site Human Resources representative were seen as positive. However, BRF employees expressed concerns related to: the ability to operate BRF until retirement due to longstanding deteriorated conditions, inadequate staffing, and increased safety risk. We also found opportunities exist to improve site-specific plant knowledge and fire brigade staffing.