IIJA - Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations

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Date Issued

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Submitting OIG

Department of Agriculture OIG

Other Participating OIGs

Department of Agriculture OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Department of Agriculture

Components

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Report Number

10801-0001-24

Report Description

We determined whether the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) timely submitted a spend plan for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) funds and accurately reported Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) data to the public, and we determined the methodology NRCS used for selecting projects for funding.

Report Type

Inspection / Evaluation

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Open Recommendations

This report has 3 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	Yes	$0	$0
NRCS needs to prioritize the correction of outstanding inaccurate IIJA WFPO reporting on USAspending.gov and ensure existing award data are accurately reported to the public in accordance with OMB and DATA Act requirements.
2	Yes	$0	$0
NRCS needs to design and implement internal control activities over information processing to address inaccurate reporting identified in Recommendation 1 to ensure compliance with OMB and DATA Act requirements and the accuracy of future reporting of IIJA WFPO data on USAspending.gov.
3	Yes	$0	$0
NRCS should ensure it documents its merit review and selection process for competitive awards and adequately documents the methodology used to select the best projects for funding.