Reports

03.12.2026

Office of Audit and Evaluation FY 2026 Work Plan

The OAE work plan summarizes the anticipated work for fiscal year 2026. We plan our work to maximize our resources and achieve the most significant results. However, OAE will modify the work plan as needed during the year in response to unanticipated changes in circumstances, priorities, or resources.

Report Number OIG-26-011

Audits / Evaluations, Work Plan

03.10.2026

Audit of Data Collection and Quality Control Procedures for the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey

Our audit found that the bureau did not effectively implement its data collection and quality control procedures to ensure that ACS estimates were reliable. Specifically, the bureau did not sufficiently monitor ISR data collection procedures and did not effectively implement personal visit data collection and quality control procedures.

Report Number OIG-26-010-A

U.S. Census Bureau (Census)

Audits / Evaluations, Census Reading Room

03.09.2026

Evaluation of NOAA’s Progress Implementing the GeoXO Satellite Program

We found that the GeoXO program has made adequate progress in its current developmental phase and its technology is achieving the desired maturity. However, NOAA should consider enhancing its satellite mission continuity planning and risk management processes to reduce the risk of a data gap and better ensure program success.

Report Number OIG-26-009-I

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Audits / Evaluations

03.05.2026

Evaluation of the Space Weather Follow-On Program’s Progress in Preparing the SWFO-L1 Satellite for Launch and Operations

Our evaluation found that the SWFO program made adequate progress in preparing for launch and operations. However, we also found that the SWFO Program Office did not conduct vibration testing using the actual flight separation system, nor did it receive a formal waiver for this deviation from “Test-As-You-Fly” standards.

Report Number OIG-26-008-I

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Audits / Evaluations

03.04.2026

Biennial Audit of the Department’s Compliance with Aspects of the Geospatial Data Act

This announcement memo initiates an audit of the Department’s compliance with its 13 responsibilities under the Geospatial Data Act and progress toward implementing geospatial data standards and best practices.

Report Number 2026-535

Office of the Secretary

Audits Initiated

03.03.2026

Evaluation of the Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 Compliance with the Payment Integrity Information Act

This announcement memo initiates an evaluation to determine the Department’s compliance with the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 for fiscal year 2025.

Report Number 2026-536

Office of the Secretary

Audits Initiated

02.25.2026

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Employee Agrees to Pay $500,000 to Resolve Conflict-of-Interest Allegations

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Employee Agrees to Pay $500,000 to Resolve Conflict-of-Interest Allegations

Report Number 22-0282

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Investigations

02.11.2026

Evaluation of NOAA’s Oversight of JPSS Contractors in Preparation for JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 Launch

This announcement memo initiates an evaluation to determine whether selected major contractors for NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System are adhering to quality management requirements for identifying, verifying, protecting, and safeguarding system hardware and support equipment.

Report Number 2026-534

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Audits Initiated

02.09.2026

Evaluation of Cybersecurity and IT Contract Performance

This announcement memo initiates an evaluation to determine if the Department effectively managed cybersecurity and information technology contracts to ensure payments were made for services that met contractual requirements.

Report Number 2026-533

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Audits Initiated

02.03.2026

Department of Commerce FY 2025 Financial Statements [See pages 42-54 of FY 2025 Agency Financial Report]

The Agency Financial Report (AFR) is prepared by the Department of Commerce to provide the agency’s financial and summary performance information. The report includes a financial section, which incorporates OIG’s transmittal memo and the independent auditors’ report.

Report Number OIG-26-007-A

Office of the Secretary

Audits / Evaluations

02.03.2026

Audit of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Enterprise Cybersecurity Support Contract

This announcement memo initiates an audit to assess the Census Bureau’s oversight of its enterprise cybersecurity support contract.

Report Number 2026-531

U.S. Census Bureau (Census)

Audits Initiated