Reports

08.16.2022

USPTO Should Strengthen Its Planning and Oversight of Patent Data Capture Contracts to Manage Risks and Prevent Unnecessary Costs

Our audit found that USPTO did not fully comply with requirements when awarding and overseeing Patent Data Capture contracts. USPTO’s acquisition planning was ineffective, and it did not adequately manage contract risks, inspect deliverables, and address contractor security issues.

Report Number OIG-22-028-A

08.08.2022

Quality Control Review of the East-Central Idaho Planning and Development Association, as of and for the Year Ended September 30, 2020

A quality control review (QCR) of Jensen Poulson & Company’s FY 2020 single audit of the association revealed deficiencies that affect the audit’s reliability. As a result, we assigned the audit an overall QCR rating of Fail.

Report Number OIG-22-QCR-8

07.20.2022

Quality Control Review of the Audit of the Great Lakes Observing System Regional Association as of and for the Year Ended June 30, 2020

A quality control review (QCR) of Bennett & Associates CPAs, PLLC’s 2020 single audit of the association revealed quality deficiencies in the audit documentation. As a result, we assigned the audit an overall QCR rating of Pass With Deficiencies.

Report Number OIG-22-QCR-7

07.20.2022

USPTO Needs to Improve Its Cost Estimating, Scheduling, and Agile Practices to Timely Retire Legacy Systems

Our audit found that while USPTO continues to develop next-generation patent systems to replace and retire its legacy systems, USPTO needs to improve its cost-estimating and scheduling processes, as well as its agile adoption practices.

Report Number OIG-22-026-A

07.07.2022

The BAS Program Needs to Increase Attention to Business Process Reengineering and Improve Program Management Practices

Our audit found the Department’s Business Application Solution Program lacks a sound business process reengineering plan and should address weaknesses in its requirements management plans and processes, as well as enhance its risk management practices.

Report Number OIG-22-025-A

06.29.2022

FY 2021 SBIR Report Letter to the House Committee on Small Business

In accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 638b(c), this letter transmits OIG’s report of data and information regarding cases related to the Small Business Innovation Research program for FY 2021.

06.29.2022

FY 2021 SBIR Report Letter to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

In accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 638b(c), this letter transmits OIG’s report of data and information regarding cases related to the Small Business Innovation Research program for FY 2021.

06.29.2022

FY 2021 SBIR Report Letter to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

In accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 638b(c), this letter transmits OIG’s report of data and information regarding cases related to the Small Business Innovation Research program for FY 2021.

06.23.2022

Fiscal Year 2021 Compliance with Improper Payment Requirements

Our evaluation found that the Department complied with the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 criteria for FY 2021.

06.22.2022

Inspector General Letter to Chairwoman Maloney re: Detailee Request

This letter documents the agreement of the Inspector General to detail an OIG employee to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform’s Subcommittee on Government Operations from June 2022 until January 2023.

06.17.2022

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company Fined $1 Million For Causing Oil Spill

This press release announces that a Texas company was ordered to pay a $1 million fine in connection with an oil spill. Commerce OIG participated in the investigation leading to the sentencing.