Investigative Reports

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) initiated this Special Inquiry following a radioactive release to the environment from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) test reactor located in Gaithersburg, Maryland on February 3, 2021. After the release, the NIST test reactor was shut down for more than two years before receiving authorization to restart from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This NIST event was one of eight unscheduled incidents or events in fiscal year 2021 that the NRC determined to be significant to public health or safety.This Special Inquiry’s focus broadened from the 2021 NIST event to include consideration of the NRC’s oversight of other Research and Test Reactor (RTR) facilities to assess potential systemic issues. However, this report primarily discusses the NRC’s oversight of the NIST test reactor prior to the February 2021 event because the event highlights areas in which the agency’s oversight could be improved as it relates to other smaller nuclear facilities.

We have identified a concern regarding the inability of both OIG and Agency personnel to extract EPA SBIR contract data—such as information about proposals, bids, awards, contractors, and subcontractors—from the EPA Acquisition System in meaningful ways to allow for oversight through data analytics, queries, and other proactive initiatives.

We found that the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights applied an incorrect legal standard and backdated final agency decisions.

An Amtrak Foreman based in Springfield, Massachusetts, violated company policies by leaving company property on five occasions without authorization during paid shifts in June through July 2023. On these occasions, he left his subordinates without supervision, and he did so even after receiving specific directives to the contrary from his supervisor and another foreman. During his interview with OIG agents, the employee admitted to his activities. We also found that he did not safeguard his SmartID card and, instead, stored it in an unlocked locker at work after being reminded of the Smart ID policy requirements in an email from his supervisor. On September 5, 2023, the foreman resigned in lieu of his disciplinary hearing and is ineligible for rehire.

We found that a company bypassed safety valves and falsified safety tests associated with an oil and gas production platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

We found that a USBR employee wrongfully obtained $28,524 in combined Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

An Amtrak senior manager based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, signed a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida, on August 15, 2023, and agreed to pay $25,441 in restitution. Our investigation found that the employee submitted applications that contained false information to the Small Business Administration to qualify for a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance.

We substantiated allegations that a marina owner submitted false receipts for an FWS grant and violated the terms and conditions of the grant.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) initiated this investigation after a media report concerning FEC Commissioner James “Trey” Trainor III’s appearance at an event in Texas where he was allegedly billed as a member of the “Trump Elections Team.” The reporting cited campaign finance experts, including a former FEC Commissioner, who expressed concerns about Commissioner Trainor’s appearance at the event. They further questioned whether Commissioner Trainor should have recused himself from adjudicating matters involving former President Donald Trump in light of his appearance at the event (as a purported member of the “Trump Elections Team”) and his prior work for the Trump 2016 campaign.

An Amtrak Assistant Lead Customer Service Representative based in New Orleans, Louisiana, resigned from his position on August 8, 2023, prior to his administrative hearing. Our investigation found that the former employee violated company policies by accepting cash kickbacks from a private transportation driver for referring passengers to his service. During his interview, the former employee admitted to receiving money for referring passengers to the transportation service. Another employee previously resigned from the company on June 1, 2023, for her involvement in the scheme.

An Amtrak Service Attendant based in Seattle, Washington, was terminated from employment on August 2, 2023, following her administrative hearing. Our investigation found that the former employee violated company policies by engaging in outside employment while on a medical leave of absence. During her interview, the former employee admitted to her self-employment with DoorDash.