The Office of Investigations (OI) investigates alleged or suspected fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct by Commerce employees, contractors, recipients of financial assistance, and others involved in the Department’s programs and operations. Such wrongdoing may result in criminal and/or civil prosecution, as well as administrative sanctions for violations of Department regulations and employee standards of conduct.
OI’s significant areas of criminal work are as follows:
- Contract and grant fraud. OI investigates fraudulent activity related to grant awards made by Commerce operating units as well as contracts entered into by the Department and its operating units.
- Employee misconduct. OI investigates or assists the Department in handling employee misconduct involving Commerce funds and programs. These cases cover a wide range of improper behavior—from misusing one’s official position to stealing government property—that may warrant administrative sanction or criminal prosecution.
