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Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
Department of Commerce OIG
Other Participating OIGs
Department of Commerce OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
Department of Commerce
Components
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Report Number
OIG-21-028-I
Report Description

For our evaluation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS, also known as NOAA Fisheries) plan for the implementation of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding, our objective was to determine whether NOAA complied with the requirements of the CARES Act. Specifically, we determined (1) what steps NOAA took in implementing the requirements for awarding funds, (2) challenges NOAA faced during implementation, and (3) NOAA’s current status in processing applications and award funds under the CARES Act. We found that NOAA Fisheries followed the requirements for implementing the CARES Act. NOAA Fisheries has put in place measures to mitigate challenges resulting from the review and approval process during COVID-19, and is on track to obligate all CARES Act funds before September 30, 2021. However, NOAA Fisheries still faces challenges with the pace at which funds are being disbursed to fishery participants.

Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Special Projects
Pandemic
Agency Wide
Yes
Number of Recommendations
0
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0

Department of Commerce OIG

United States