Oversight
IRS services for underserved taxpayers are good but can be better, report says
While the IRS has focused on improving customer service for underserved taxpayers, TIGTA noted that the tax agency doesn’t currently have a definition for such taxpayers.
Oversight
Colorado VA medical facility leaders created a ‘psychologically unsafe’ environment for employees
A pair of inspector general investigations substantiated claims that VA officials in Aurora, Colo., presided over a toxic work environment that also featured a year-long pause in certain surgeries due to staff departures.
Oversight
Tax audits for some millionaires may be more effective than targeting a wider range, report finds
The TIGTA report compared a 2020 IRS directive that required annual audits on some individuals making more than $10 million to a wider income range, finding that the former yielded more assessments.
Oversight
IRS is reducing its physical footprint but needs a better long-term plan, its IG says
The IRS has reduced its office space by 2 million square feet since fiscal 2018, but the watchdog said it could save millions in real estate costs with additional steps.
Pay & Benefits
OPM’s unfulfilled recommendations include health insurance benefits changes, IG says
The agency is making progress on implementing IG recommendations, but three of its top yet-to-be-completed recommendations included changes that would prevent improper and inaccurate payments within the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.
Oversight
An inspector general warned the Justice Department of gaps in its security clearance appeals process
The department and its component agencies have failed to implement a provision of the 2014 Intelligence Authorization Act guaranteeing federal employees of the right to appeal lengthy security clearance suspensions.
Pay & Benefits
VA to review more previously awarded bonuses after improperly doling out $11M to execs
The department has used an “improper and overzealous application” of new authorities to give extra pay to certain employees, IG says.
Oversight
Committee member behind independent report on FDIC harassment says recommendations don’t go far enough
Despite a 2023 expose into systemic sexual harassment allegations within the agency, one official said accusations of troubling behavior continue to permeate the regulator.
Oversight
GSA failing to monitor building maintenance contracts, watchdog says
A new report from the GSA inspector general found that contractors did not complete a majority of maintenance work orders sampled in six federal buildings.
Oversight
Biden to replace embattled acting Commerce IG
Jill Baisinger, current chief of staff in the Interior Department’s Office of the Inspector General, will take over for Roderick Anderson at the end of May.
Management
GSA lacks management controls for keeping foreign gifts, IG says
An inspector general’s audit of the agency’s Foreign Gifts and Decorations Program found that GSA officials were missing gifts from its inventory while also possessing prohibited items due to insufficient management practices.
Updated
Oversight
House committee leaders want Biden to oust the acting Commerce IG
Lawmakers on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee said the current acting inspector general is “entangled” in the allegations that led to his predecessor’s ouster, adding that they lack confidence in “any” senior staffers to lead the watchdog office.
Oversight
Federal prison employees falsified logs in case where inmate committed suicide, IG says
The Justice Department inspector general last week urged the Bureau of Prisons to adopt stricter rules governing special housing unit rounds logs after lax policies potentially impaired the ability to prosecute the employees.
Oversight
Understaffing and mismanagement contributed to hundreds of deaths in federal prisons
Deaths have increased as agency staff fail to identify suicidal risks and allow contraband into facilities, IG finds.
Oversight
Senate finance chair calls for inspector general’s ouster
Sen. Ron Wyden on Thursday urged President Biden to remove Social Security Administration Inspector General Gail Ennis after a series of controversies and allegations of whistleblower retaliation.
Defense
More than $1 billion in high-tech military aid sent to Ukraine incorrectly tracked, watchdog finds
Poor interagency coordination and a lack of U.S. staff on the ground meant advanced weaponry was not accurately monitored in Defense Department databases.
Oversight
Key federal agencies mostly followed procedure on Jan. 6, IG finds
The National Park Service could have taken more steps to prevent risks, auditor says, though organizer's lies made the planning more challenging.
Management
House Oversight members take aim at former GSA official in request for FBI headquarters investigation
Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and member Gerry Connolly, D-Va., called on the General Services Administration’s acting inspector general to investigate potential political influence in the agency’s decision to select Greenbelt, Md., for the FBI’s main office.
Workforce
VA is putting veterans at risk by improperly screening employees, watchdogs warn
The department does not have a good explanation for why the shortfalls occurred, officials say.
Management
USPS paid for unused air mail transport due to incorrect forecasts, OIG says
The Postal Service didn’t accurately plan the weight capacity of its operations with one air transport supplier, according to a new report, often paying shipping costs for unused capacity on flights.
Almost There!
Help us tailor content specifically for you: