Gil H. Harden Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audit Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Agriculture Recovery Act OIG Perspective 1
Dec 21, 2015
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Gil H. Harden
Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audit
Off ice of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Recovery ActOIG Perspective
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Overview of OIG
OIG’s Recovery Act Responsibilities
USDA Recovery Act Funding
OIG’s Oversight Plan
Results Already Reported
Current Recovery Act Work-in-Process (FNS)
Planned Recovery Act Work (FNS)
Objectives
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Our ChargePromote effectiveness and integrity in the
delivery of USDA programs
Primary FunctionsAuditInvestigations
StructureHeadquartersRegional Field Offices
OIG Overview
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Provide oversight and audit of programs, grants, and activities funded by the Recovery Act and administered by USDAUSDA received more than $28 billionLoan Levels in excess of $18 billion
Plan developed in February 2009 to guide our oversight effortsOIG received $22.5 millionFunds available through September 30, 2013
Recovery Act Responsibilities
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Food and Nutrition Service
SNAP Increased BenefitsSNAP State Administrative ExpensesFNS Management and OversightThe Emergency Food Assistance ProgramFDPIR Administrative ExpensesChild Nutrition Equipment AssistanceWIC Management Information SystemWIC Contingency Fund
USDA Recovery Funds
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Rural Development
Business & Industry Guaranteed LoansBusiness Enterprise GrantsCommunity Facilities Loans & GrantsDirect & Guaranteed Single Family Housing
LoansWater & Waste Loans & GrantsBroadband Loans & Grants
USDA Recovery Funds
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Forest Service
Capital Improvements & MaintenanceWildland Fire Management
Buildings and Facilities
Departmental AdministrationAgricultural Research Service
USDA Recovery Funds
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Farm Service Agency
Farm Operating LoansInformation Technology
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Watershed and Flood PreventionWatershed Rehabilitation
USDA Recovery Funds
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Agricultural Disaster Assistance
2008 Transition AssistanceAquaculture Grants
Foreign Agricultural Service
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers
USDA Recovery Funds
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Structured the plan to allow OIG to provide timely and effective oversight
Initiated immediate outreach to the Department
Provided best practices for combating grant fraud
Shared information related to a fraud scheme pertaining to Recovery Act funds
OIG’s Oversight Plan
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Objectives
Preventing and identifying fraud
Initiating timely investigations when potential criminal activity occurs
Responding to whistleblower complaints
Working with U.S. Attorneys and States Attorney General to prosecute violators and seek asset forfeiture where appropriate
OIG Investigations
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Phase 1Fraud awareness briefingsComputer forensicsNational and regional task forcesLiaison with USDA agenciesHotline
Phase 2Assessing results from Phase 1 and opening
criminal investigationsHolding entities accountable—prosecution,
forfeiture, fines, and sanctions
OIG Investigations
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Objectives
Programs timely and effectively implemented
Proper internal control established
Participants meet eligibility requirements
Participants comply with program requirements
Agencies establish effective compliance operations
OIG Audit
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Phase 1Assessed prior recommendations related to Recovery Act
fundingAdjusted the scope for certain in-progress workExpedited the issuance of several audit reportsReached out to USDA’s Chief Information Officer to discuss
data quality
Phase 2Design audits to review Recovery Act fundsReview agency Recovery Program PlansData Analysis
Phase 3—performance measures
OIG Audit
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Importance of timely and transparent reporting
Assists agency heads and congressional oversight committeesQuick turn-around (“Fast”) reports
Available publicly through Recovery.gov and our website
OIG Reporting
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Prior Recommendations
Forest ServiceRural Development
Expedited Reports
BroadbandFlood Control Dams
Results Already Reported
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Fast Reports
Housing LoansAquacultureFarm Operating LoansWater & Waste Disposal SystemsBusiness & Industry Loans
Results Already Reported
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Annual Financial Statements Audit
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramIncreased Benefits—Thrifty Food PlanManagement & OversightState Fraud DetectionState Administrative Expenses/Eligibility
Requirements
Work in Process (FNS)
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The Emergency Food Assistance Program
Equipment GrantsChild NutritionFood Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations
Work in Process (FNS)
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Subsequent phases of current work-in-process, as necessary
WIC Vendor Monitoring and Contingency Funds
WIC Management Information System
Outsourcing of Customer Assistance for SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer
Work Planned (FNS)
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Recovery.govhttp://www.recovery.gov/
USDA’s Recovery Pagehttp://www.usda.gov/recovery
OIG’s Recovery Pagehttp://www.usda.gov/oig/recovery
OIG Hotlinehttp://www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm(800) 424-9121 or (202) 690-1202 (TDD)
My email and [email protected] (202) 720-5907
Resources & Contact Information