Opportunities Exist to Further Strengthen Smithsonian’s Content Review Process

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Date Issued

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Submitting OIG

Smithsonian Institution OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Smithsonian Institution

Report Number

OIG-E-26-01

Report Description

OIG selected the Patterns of Life exhibit as a case study of the Smithsonian’s content review process. This evaluation (1) determined the extent to which Cooper Hewitt followed Smithsonian’s content review policy when developing Patterns of Life and (2) identified opportunities to strengthen the content review process.

Report Type

Inspection / Evaluation

Location

United States

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

$36,500

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

External Link

https://www.oversight.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports/2026-07/OIG-E-2…

Open Recommendations

This report has 7 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
OIG-E-26-01-01	Yes	$0	$0
Update SD 603 to: a. Outline the role and authority of the SD 603 Committee. b. Reference available training and related resources on the SD 603 content review process.
OIG-E-26-01-02	Yes	$0	$0
Establish SD 603 Committee internal procedures for onboarding committee members, conducting content reviews, documenting committee review meetings, and following up on recommendations.
OIG-E-26-01-03	Yes	$0	$0
Require periodic training for Smithsonian personnel involved in content development and track completion of the training.
OIG-E-26-01-04	Yes	$0	$0
Develop and implement a process for reviewing and providing feedback on formal unit content planning guidelines required under SD 603.
OIG-E-26-01-05	Yes	$0	$0
Develop and implement formal written guidance for units better defining and clarifying: a. How to achieve a balance of perspectives. b. How to document differing perspectives acquired during required consultations. c. How to re-evaluate or obtain additional consultation for changes in content direction or in degree of emphasis. d. The timing of content review for commissioned work and publications prior to contract execution.
OIG-E-26-01-06	Yes	$0	$0
Develop and implement formal unit content planning guidelines adhering to the provisions of SD 603.
OIG-E-26-01-07	Yes	$36,500	$0
Determine and document the allowability of the questioned $36,500 cost funded with AWHIP federal funds, and resolve any costs determined to be disallowed with the AWHIP administrators.