Reports

09.14.2022

Missing Security Controls Put the Department's Cloud-Based High Value Assets at Risk

Our audit found that the Department does not incorporate all customer responsibility controls for its cloud-based high value assets into system security plans.

Report Number OIG-22-031-A

Office of the Secretary

Audits / Evaluations

09.13.2022

Report of LOC Peer Review of Commerce OIG Inspections and Evaluations

This required external peer review by the Library of Congress OIG found that our reports generally followed the inspection and evaluation standards of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.

Correspondence

09.09.2022

Harvey Man Sentenced for Causing 2016 Oil Spill

This press release announces that James Tassin of Harvey, LA, was sentenced to 2 years’ probation on September 8, 2022, for violating the Clean Water Act in connection with a September 2016 oil spill that occurred when he was a subcontractor on a NOAA wetland restoration project.

Investigations

09.02.2022

Inspector General Response Letter to Senator Thune

In response to the Senator’s June 23, 2022, letter about NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), this letter transmits NTIA’s answers to the Senator’s questions about the TBCP and notes our plan to open an audit in FY 2023.

Correspondence

08.25.2022

FirstNet Authority Did Not Have Reliable Cost Estimates to Ensure It Awarded Two Reinvestment Task Orders at Fair and Reasonable Prices

Our audit found that FirstNet Authority did not follow GAO guidance when preparing and documenting independent government cost estimates, which it used to evaluate AT&T’s proposals related to two task orders of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network contract.

Report Number OIG-22-029-A

First Responder Network Authority

Audits / Evaluations

08.22.2022

OIG Body-Worn Camera Policy

This policy, effective August 2022, establishes requirements and guidance for the use of body-worn cameras by special agents in our Office of Investigations.

Investigations

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

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Audits / Evaluations

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

Economic Development Administration, Office of the Secretary

Correspondence, Single Audit Reports

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

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of the Secretary

Correspondence, Single Audit Reports

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

Office of the Secretary, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Audits / Evaluations

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

Office of the Secretary

Audits / Evaluations