Open Recommendations

Revise the October 2015 guidance on structures subject to the national tunnel inspection standards to clarify which structures align with the definition of a tunnel and explain how potential non-tunnel structures conflict with the definition.

Issue guidance for FHWA Divisions on how to verify that State DOTs, Federal agencies, and tribal governments have reported all highway tunnels to the national tunnel inventory; and for informing those stakeholders of methods they could employ to identify all structures considered to be highway tunnels.

Assess the process for conducting compliance reviews of other Federal agencies and implement any recommended changes to ensure the reviews are effectively staffed and sufficiently independent.

Update the tunnel safety program compliance review manual to incorporate existing review process flexibilities, such as when unusual or unique circumstances impact tunnel inspection intervals.

As part of the next update to the tunnel safety program compliance review manual, solicit and consider external stakeholder input on the Agencys review procedures to include States, Federal agencies, and interested and knowledgeable private organizations and individuals.

Update the guidance for the national critical findings database to clarify its scope and incorporate comprehensive controls for ensuring the quality of the reported data. Solicit external stakeholder input in developing the updated guidance and communicate it to all stakeholders.

Embassy La Paz should conduct end-use monitoring of defense, dual-use, or sensitive equipment in accordance with Department standards.

Embassy La Paz should use the PD Tools application to document its public diplomacy implementation plan, in accordance with Department guidance.

Embassy La Paz, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should implement an emergency exit plan at the embassy’s chancery that complies with Department guidance.

Embassy La Paz, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should evaluate the adequacy of all its residential properties for seismic risk in accordance with Department standards.

Embassy La Paz, in coordination with the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, should implement a process to require timely submission of locally employed staff performance evaluations and take immediate action when submissions are late.

Embassy La Paz should comply with Department overseas motor vehicle safety standards for armored vehicle drivers under chief of mission authority.

Embassy La Paz should comply with the Department’s overseas motor vehicle safety standards for chauffeurs under chief of mission authority.

Embassy La Paz should implement a records management program in accordance with Department standards.

The District Director determines reasons for lack of evidence that clinical quality review deficiencies were resolved at the Columbia, Fargo, Omaha, and Sioux Falls Vet Centers, takes indicated actions to ensure completion, and monitors compliance.

Develop and implement internal controls to ensure that (1) responsibility is assigned to individuals for the oversight of Management Reviews, LMM, and the Project Management Toolkit; (2) individuals are held accountable when the responsibilities are not being fulfilled; and (3) all required or applicable project management documents are completed and maintained.

Develop and implement a policy that requires an investment request or budget initiative request for a project to be completed and approved prior to the issuance of bid solicitations for the project.

Implement a single Software Asset Management tool across the Agency.

Centralize software spending insights to include purchase cards.

We recommend the DHS Chief Information Officer develop and execute a separate plan for implementing DHS’ geospatial data strategy or ensure the implementation plan developed for the Department’s Evidence-Based Data Strategy fully considers geospatial data and is consistent with the Geospatial Data Act of 2018.

We recommend the DHS Chief Information Officer pursue a legislative approach, concurrent with existing administrative efforts, for determining how DHS handles, secures, and shares sensitive-but unclassified geospatial data. As appropriate, the effort should be conducted in coordination with internal DHS stakeholders and in combination with any similar efforts undertaken by other agencies.

We recommend the DHS Chief Information Officer confirm that all the platforms on which DHS shares geospatial data are following appropriate geospatial metadata standards.

Improve the coordination and procedures for the NSF offices involved in the Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignee vetting process to ensure issues identified during the process are elevated to an appropriate office or position for resolution.

Strengthen the vetting process for Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignees to address foreign influence-related issues.

We recommend that the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement implement policies and procedures to monitor and track firearm qualifications and training, which includes centralized monitoring by those responsible for ensuring compliance with requirements.