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Audits, Inspections, and Evaluations

Report Number Title Issue Date Fiscal Year
OIG-14-29 Under the Charge Card Act and OMB Memorandum M‐13‐21, Implementation of the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012, our office is required to conduct periodic risk assessments of agency purchase cards (including convenience checks), combined integrated card programs, and travel card programs to analyze the risks of illegal, improper, or erroneous purchases and payments. Inspectors General (IGs) will use these risk assessments to determine the necessary scope, frequency, and number of IG audits or reviews of these programs. Also, we are required to report to the Director of OMB 120 days after the end of each fiscal year on the Department’s progress in implementing audit recommendations, and beginning with fiscal year (FY) 2013, the submission is due by January 31, 2014. This report satisfies the reporting requirement for FY 2013.

>Fiscal Year 2013 Risk Assessment of DHS Charge Card Abuse Prevention Program 		2014
OIG-14-28-D The City of Oakland, incorporated in 1852, is the third largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area and serves as a major transportation hub and trade center for the entire Bay Area Region known as the East Bay. The City maintains approximately 806 miles of city streets and 225 pedestrian pathways, and has 80 miles of designated bikeways. The 2005 disaster caused significant damage to public infrastructure, including slide damage to roadways and storm drainage systems. In addition, landslide sites throughout the City required mitigation to prevent further damage to public infrastructure and to stabilize roadways and drainage systems.

>FEMA Should Recover $302,775 of Public Assistance Funds Awarded to the City of Oakland, California 		2014
OIG-14-27 We evaluated the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) enterprise-wide security program for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information intelligence systems. Pursuant to the Federal Information Security Management Act, we reviewed the Department’s security program including its policies, procedures, and system security controls for enterprise-wide intelligence systems. In doing so, we assessed the Department’s continuous monitoring, configuration management, identity and access management, incident response and reporting, risk management, security training, plans of actions and milestones, contingency planning, and security capital planning. As of May 2012, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) authorizing official assumed oversight for USCG's shore-side intelligence systems from Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). USCG is migrating portions of its Coast Guard Intelligence Support System to a multi-authorizing official structure including DHS, USCG, and Defense Intelligence Agency.

>(U) Evaluation of DHS' Intelligence Systems Compliance with FISMA Requirements for FY13 		2014
OIG-14-26-D This report is our second and final report on our audit of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds awarded to the County. In May 2013, we issued an interim report (Audit Report DA-13-15) recommending that FEMA work closely with the State, County, and contractor representatives to resolve contractor disputes that were contributing to a delay in completion of two safe rooms funded under the grant. The County received a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program award of $4.1 million from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), a FEMA grantee, following Hurricane Katrina, which occurred in August 2005. The award provided $713,100 for emergency generators at a 75 percent Federal cost share ($534,825) and $3.4 million for the construction of two safe rooms at a 100 percent Federal cost share.

>George County, Mississippi, Successfully Managed FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Funds – Hurricane Katrina 		2014
OIG-14-25 Hawaii’s Management of Homeland Security Grant Program Awards for Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2011. We incorporated the formal comments from the Office of Policy, Program Analysis and International Affairs and the State of Hawaii in the final report. The report contains 26 recommendations aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of Hawaii’s management of Homeland Security Grant Program funds. Your office concurred with 25 of the 26 recommendations. Based on information provided in your response to the draft report, we consider recommendations 7, 17, and 19 resolved, and recommendations 1 and 2 closed. Once your office has fully implemented the recommendations, please submit a formal closeout letter to us within 30 days so that we may close the recommendation(s). The memorandum should be accompanied by evidence of completion of agreed -upon corrective actions and of the disposition of any monetary amounts.

>Hawaii’s Management of Homeland Security Grant Program Awards for Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2011 ( 		2014
OIG-14-24-D The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (State), a FEMA grantee, awarded the Town $2,003,218 for costs resulting from storms, flooding, debris flows, and mudslides from December 17,2005, through January 3, 2006.1 The award provided 75 percent FEMA funding for six large projects and three small projects? At the time of our audit, the Town had completed work and had submitted a final claim for all projects.

>The Town of San Anselmo, California, Generally Followed Regulations for Spending FEMA Public Assistance Funds 		2014
OIG-14-23 HSGP guidance requires a State Administrative Agency to administer and manage grant funding awarded under the HSGP. The State Administrative Agency also allocates funds to local, regional, and other government entities. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) serves as Delaware’s State Administrative Agency. Delaware is identified as one jurisdiction for security and emergency management purposes.

>Delaware’s Management of State Homeland Security Program Grants Awarded During Fiscal Years 2010 Through 2012 		2014
OIG-14-22 The objectives of the State and urban area audits were to determine whether each State and urban area distributed and spent the grant funds (1) effectively and efficiently, and (2) in compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations. We also addressed the extent to which grant funds enhanced the States’ and urban area’s ability to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other manmade disasters. The audits included more than $668 million in State Homeland Security Program and Urban Areas Security Initiative grants awarded to the 10 States and 1 urban area during 3-year or 4-year periods between fiscal years 2006 and 2011.

>Annual Report to Congress on States’ and Urban Areas’ Management of Homeland Security Grant Programs Fiscal Year 2013 		2014
OIG-14-21 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has one of the largest motor vehicle fleets in the Federal Government, with more than 56,000 vehicles costing approximately $534 million annually. Home-to-work transportation is the use of government passenger carriers, including motor vehicles, by employees for transportation between their homes and places of work. According to DHS, home-to-work transportation is a flexible and powerful tool for meeting mission requirements and enhancing the overall responsiveness to emergency situations. Our audit objective was to determine whether DHS has implemented appropriate internal controls to ensure that home-to-work transportation is justified and used efficiently.

>DHS Home-to-Work Transportation 		2014
OIG-14-20 In April 2012, United States Secret Service (USSS) employees were preparing for a Presidential visit to the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia. While off duty, several employees were suspected of soliciting prostitutes and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. We assessed the adequacy of the agency’s efforts to identify, mitigate, and address instances of misconduct and inappropriate behavior. To satisfy our review objectives, we (1) interviewed more than 200 USSS supervisors, managers, and senior officials; (2) administered an electronic and in-person survey with a combined response rate of 41 percent; (3) reviewed USSS internal affairs cases; (4) analyzed discipline records; and (5) analyzed personnel security records.

>Adequacy of USSS Efforts to Identify, Mitigate, and Address Instances of Misconduct and Inappropriate Behavior (Redacted) 		2014
OIG-14-19 In 1990, Congress created the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the Employment-Based Fifth Preference Program. The program’s intent was to stimulate the United States (U.S.) economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Three years later, the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 created the regional center pilot program for pooling investor money in a defined industry and geographic area. Our audit objective was to determine whether the USCIS’ Employment-Based Fifth Preference regional center program is administered and managed effectively

>United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) Regional Center Program 		2014
OIG-14-18 KPMG expressed an unmodified opinion on the Department’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2013, and the related statements of net cost, changes in net position, and custodial activity, and combined statement of budgetary resources for the year then ended (referred to as the “FY 2013 financial statements”). However, KPMG identified eight significant deficiencies in internal control, of which four are considered material weaknesses. Consequently, KPMG issued an adverse opinion on DHS’ internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2013.

>Independent Auditors' Report on DHS' FY 2013 Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 		2014
OIG-14-13-D The County received a Public Assistance award totaling $9.7 million from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), a FEMA grantee, for damages resulting from Tropical Storm Fay, which occurred in August 2008. The award provided 75 percent FEMA funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent repairs to buildings and other facilities. The award consisted of 12 large projects and 75 small projects. We audited four large projects with awards totaling $1.5 million (see xhibit, Schedule of Projects Audited and Questioned Costs) for debris removal and emergency protective measures. The audit covered the period from August 18, 2008, to May 22, 2013, during which the County claimed $1.5 million of costs under the projects we reviewed. At the time of our audit, the County had completed work on three projects ncluded in our scope and had submitted final claims to FDEM for expenditures under those projects.

>Brevard County, Florida, Properly Accounted For and Expended FEMA Public Assistance Grant Funds Received Under Tropical Storm Fay 		2014
OIG-14-17 A secure homeland is envisioned as a Nation that is safely protected from terrorism, as well as other manmade and natural hazards, but is also able to respond resiliently if necessary. DHS’ FY 2013 budget, including supplemental funding for Hurricane Sandy, was about $72 billion.

> Major Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security 		2014
OIG-14-15-D The City received a Public Assistance award totaling $25.3 million from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), a FEMA grantee, for damages resulting from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and associated flooding that occurred in April 2011. The award provided 75 percent FEMA funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent repairs to buildings, utilities, and recreational facilities. The award consisted of 111arge projects and 20 small projects.

>The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Properly Accounted For and Expended FEMA Public Assistance Grant Funds 		2014
OIG-14-16 We incorporated the formal comments from the Office of Policy, Program Analysis and International Affairs and the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security in the final report. The report contains 17 recommendations aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of !merican Samoa’s management of State Homeland Security Program grants. Your office concurred with all of the recommendations. Based on information provided in your response to the draft report, we consider recommendations 2, 5, and 6 closed, and recommendations 1, 3, 4, and 7 through 17 unresolved and open.

>American Samoa’s Management of Homeland Security Grant Program Awards for Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2011 		2014
OIG-14-14 We incorporated the formal comments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the final report. The report contains nine recommendations aimed at improving Oregon’s Management of State Homeland Security Grant Program awards. Your office concurred with all of the recommendations. Based on information provided in your response to the draft report, we consider recommendation #7 resolved and closed. Recommendations #1, #8, and #9 remain open and resolved. Once your office has fully implemented the recommendations, please submit a formal closeout request to us within 30 days so that we may close the recommendations. The request should be companied by evidence of completion of agreed‐upon corrective actions and of the disposition of any monetary amounts.

>Oregon’s Management of State Homeland Security Grant Program Awards for Fiscal Years 2010 Through 2012 		2014
OIG-14-12-D The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), a FEMA grantee, awarded the Hospital $94.4 million for damages resulting from severe storms and flooding that occurred May 30, through June 27, 2008. The award provided 75 percent funding for 122 large and 130 small projects.1 As of January 27, 2013, the cut-off date of our audit, the Hospital had claimed $71.1 million and IDHS had disbursed $63.7 million.

>FEMA Should Recover $10.9 Million of Improper Contracting Costs from Grant Funds Awarded to Columbus Regional Hospital, Columbus, Indiana 		2014
OIG-14-11-D The Utility received a Public Assistance award of $11.6 million from the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), a FEMA grantee, for damages resulting from Hurricane Frances, which occurred in September 2004. The award provided 90 percent FEMA funding for debris removal activities, emergency protective measures, repair of the electric transmission and distribution system, repair/replacement of buildings and equipment, and other disasterrelated activities. The award consisted of six large projects and nine small projects.

>FEMA Should Recover $6.1 Million of Public Assistance Grant Funds Awarded to Orlando Utilities Commission under Hurricane Frances 		2014
OIG-14-10-D We are currently auditing Federal Emergency Management Agency {FEMA) Public Assistance grant funds awarded to the Holy Cross School (Holy Cross), (Public Assistance Identification Number 071-U1Z17-00).1 The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), a FEMA grantee, awarded Holy Cross the gross amount of $89.3 million for damages resulting from Hurr icane Katrina, which occurred on August 29, 2005. As table 1 shows, Holy Cross's insurance proceeds as of September 2012 reduced the gross amount to a net award of $86.6 million. The award provided 100 percent funding for 16 projects-131arge and 3 small projects.

>FEMA Should Recover $48.9 Million for Inadequate Insurance Coverage for Holy Cross School, New Orleans, Louisiana 		2014
OIG-14-09 We conducted an independent evaluation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) information security program and practices to comply with the requirements of the Federal Information Security Management Act. In evaluating DHS’ progress in implementing its agency-wide information security program, we specifically assessed the Department’s plans of action and milestones, security authorization processes, and continuous monitoring programs

>Evaluation of DHS’ Information Security Program for Fiscal Year 2013 		2014
OIG-14-08-D The Utility received a Public Assistance award of $3.4 million from the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), a FEMA grantee, for damages resulting from Hurricane Jeanne, which occurred in September 2004. The award provided 90 percent FEMA funding for debris removal activities, emergency protective measures, repair of the electric transmission and distribution system, repair/replacement of buildings and equipment, and other disasterrelated activities. The award consisted of 6 large projects and 11 small projects

>FEMA Should Recover $615,613 of Public Assistance Grant Funds Awarded to Orlando Utilities Commission under Hurricane Jeanne 		2014
OIG-14-07-D The County received a Public Assistance award totaling $12.1 million from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), a FEMA grantee, for damages resulting from Hurricane Wilma, which occurred in October 200S. The award provided 100 percent FEMA funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent repairs to buildings and facilities. The award consisted of 9 large projects and 84 small projects.

>FEMA Should Recover $154,143 of Public Assistance Grant Funds Awarded to Brevard County, Florida, under Hurricane Wilma 		2014
OIG-14-05 Our audit was conducted in accordance with applicable Government Auditing Standards, 2011 revision. The audit was a performance audit, as defined by Chapter 2 of the Standards, and included a review and report on program activities with a compliance element. Although the audit report comments on costs claimed by the CNMI, we did not perform a financial audit, the purpose of which would be to render an opinion on CNMI’s financial statements, or the funds claimed in the Financial Status Reports submitted to the Department of Homeland Security.

>The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Management of Homeland Security Grant Program Awards for Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2011 (Revised) (PDF, 34 pages - 1.36 MB) Spotlight 		2014
OIG-14-06 The audit was conducted in accordance with applicable Government Auditing Standards, 2011 revision. The audit was a performance audit, as defined by Chapter 2 of the Standards, and included a review and report on program activities with a compliance element. Although the audit report comments on costs claimed by Territory, we did not perform a financial audit, the purpose of which would be to render an opinion on the Territory’s financial statements, or the funds claimed in the Financial Status Reports submitted to the Department of Homeland Security.

>Guam’s Management of Homeland Security Grant Program Awards for Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2011 ( 		2014
OIG-14-04 The audit was conducted in accordance with applicable GovernmentfAuditingfStandards, 2011 revision. The audit was a performance audit, as defined by Chapter 2 of the Standards, and included a review and report on program activities with a compliance element. Although the audit report comments on costs claimed by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, we did not perform a financial audit, the purpose of which would be to render an opinion on the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s financial statements, or the funds claimed in the Financial Status Reports submitted to the Department of Homeland Security.

>Puerto Rico’s Management of Homeland Security Grant Program Awards for Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2011 		2014
OIG-14-03-D The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), a FEMA grantee, awarded the County $6,214,400 for costs resulting from storms, flooding, debris flows, and mudslides from March 29, through April 16, 2006.1 The award provided 75 percent FEMA funding for 17 large projects and 26 small projects.2 Our audit covered the period from March 29, 2006 to September 6, 2013. We audited 7 large and 16 small projects totaling $4,628,127 (see exhibit). As of the date of this report, Cal OES was in the process of reviewing the County’s final claim.

>Santa Cruz County, California, Generally Followed Regulations for Spending FEMA Public Assistance Funds 		2014
OIG-14-02 We audited the National Protection and Programs Directorate’s (NPPD) efforts in coordinating with cyber operations centers across the Federal Government. The recent increase in cyber attacks has triggered an expansion of security initiatives and collaboration between the Government and the private sector. The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, which is the operational arm of the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications within NPPD, is responsible for integrating cyber threat information from the five Federal cybersecurity centers and collaborating with these centers in responding to cyber security incidents that may pose a threat to the Nation.

>DHS' Efforts to Coordinate the Activities of Federal Cyber Operations Centers 		2014
OIG-14-01-D We conducted this performance audit between April 2013 and August 2013, pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, and according to generally accepted government auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based upon our audit objective. We believe that the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based upon our audit objective. We conducted this audit by applying the statutes, regulations, and FEMA policies and guidelines in effect at the time of the disaster.

>FEMA’s Application of Rules and Federal Regulations in Determining Debris Removal Eligibility for Livingston Parish, Louisiana ( 		2014
OIG-13-124 FROM: John E. McCoy II

Assistant Inspector General for Audits

SUBJECT: Office of Inspector General Emergency Management Oversight Team Deployment Audits

Audit Report Numbers OIG-13-84, OIG-13-117, OIG-13-124, OIG-14-50-D, OIG-14-111-D, OIG-15-92-D, OIG-15-102-D, OIG-15-105-D, OIG-16-53-D, OIG-16-85-D, OIG-16-106-D, OIG-17-37-D

After completing an internal review of our audits related to multiple Emergency Management Oversight Team (EMOT) projects, we have decided to permanently remove the subject reports from our public website.

Our internal review found the subject reports may not have adequately answered objectives and, in some cases, may have lacked sufficient and appropriate evidence to support conclusions. Answering objectives with sufficient and appropriate evidence is required under Government Auditing Standards or Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation. In an abundance of caution, we believe it best to recall the reports and not re-issue them.

Going forward, our EMOTs will deploy during the response phase of a disaster to identify and alert the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its stakeholders of potential issues or risks if they do not follow FEMA and other Federal requirements. The EMOT’s reviews will not be conducted under Government Auditing Standards. The teams will continue to observe and identify potential risk areas that will be addressed by future traditional audits, if necessary.

A complete list of the projects removed from our website is attached. You should not place any reliance on these reports.

Please contact me at (202) 254-4100 if you have any questions.

>FEMA’s Initial Response in New York to Hurricane Sandy 		2013
DD-13-15 On August 29, 2005, the President declared Hurricane Katrina a major disaster for the State of Louisiana. At the time, Hurricane Katrina was the costliest and one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. Hurricane Katrina’s high winds, flooding, and massive storm surge breached the New Orleans levee system leaving 80 percent of the city flooded. Three weeks later, Hurricane Rita, a major hurricane in its own right, struck southwestern Louisiana heightening the recovery challenges that disaster survivors, GOHSEP, and FEMA faced.

>State of Louisiana Needs a Strategy To Manage Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Public Assistance Grants More Effectively 		2013
DS-13-14 We interviewed FEMA, SCD,and DDC officials; reviewed judgmentally selected project costs (generally based on dollar value); and performed other procedures considered necessary to accomplish our objective. We did not assess the adequacy of the DDC’s internal controls applicable to grant activities because it was not necessary to accomplish our audit objective. However, we did evaluate fiscal controls, accounting procedures, and whether DDC had a system to account for expenditures on a project ‐ by ‐project basis, in order to determine compliance with governing criteria in effect at the time of the disaster.

>FEMA Should Recover $4.2 Million of Public Assistance Grant Funds Awarded to the Department of Design and Construction, Honolulu, Hawaii 		2013
OIG-13-123 The Office of Inspection in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducts inspections, internal reviews, and covert testing to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of TSA's operations and administrative activities, and to identify vulnerabilities in TSA security systems. Additionally, the office carries out internal investigations of theTSA workforce to ensure its integrity. We conducted an audit of this office to determine whether it is efficient and effective in its efforts to enhance transportation security. The Office of Inspection did not operate efficiently. Specifically, the office did not use its staff and resources efficiently to conduct ost ‐ effective inspections, internal reviews, and covert testing. The office employed personnel classified as “criminal investigators,” even though their primary duties may not have been criminal investigations as required by Federal law and regulations.

>Transportation Security Administration Office of Inspection’s Efforts To Enhance Transportation Security 		2013
DS-13-13 Our audit objective was to determine whether the City accounted for and expended FEMA grant funds according to Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), a FEMA grantee, awarded the City $2,925,240 for costs resulting from severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides from December 17,2005, through and including January 3, 2006. The award provided 75 percent FEMA funding for 7 large projects and 10 small projects. Our audit covered the period from December 17, 2005, to June 10, 2013. We audited $2,772,687, including six large projects totaling $2,599,005/ and two small projects totaling $173,682.

>The City of Pacifica, California, Generally Followed Regulations for Spending FEMA Public Assistance Funds 		2013
DD-13-14 The Cooperative, a non-profit rural electric cooperative, began operations in 1937 with 75 miles of power lines. It currently has three offices, serves eight counties in northeast Arkansas, maintains more than 4,700 miles of power lines, and provides electricity to more than 27,000 customers. The 2009 winter storm coated power lines and trees with ice. The added weight of the ice on power lines and trees damaged or destroyed roughly 8,000 utility poles throughout the Cooperative’s service area (see figure 1). These damaged or destroyed utility poles caused power outages to approximately 25,000 of the Cooperative’s customers.

>FEMA Should Recover $7.5 Million of the $43.2 Million Public Assistance Grant Awarded to Craighead Electric Cooperative Corporation, Arkansas 		2013
OIG-13-122 The objective of this review was to determine the extent to which the USCG Is maintaining Its historical level of effort on non-homeland security missions. To address our objective, we reviewed the resource hours the USCG used to perform its various missions. We also reviewed the USCG's performance measures and results for each non-homeland security and homeland security mission. We did not verify the accuracy of the USCG-provided data. According to the USCG's data, the gap between resource hours for homeland security versus non-homeland security missions has narrowed from approximately 14 percent in fiscal year 2007 to approximately 4 percent in fiscal year 2012 (52 percent of resource hours for homeland security missions versus 48 percent for non-homeland security missions).

>Annual Review of the United States Coast Guard’s Mission Performance (FY 2012) 		2013
DA-13-28 We audited Big Rivers Electric Corporation's {Big Rivers) eligibility to receive Public Assistance funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) {FIPS Code 000-UONLE-00). Big Rivers received a Public Assistance award totaling $1.8 million from the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management {StateL a FEMA grantee, for damages resulting from a severe winter storm and flooding, which occurred January 26 to February 13, 2009. Because the Internal Revenue Service {IRS) revoked Big Rivers' tax-exempt status in 1983, we limited our audit objectives to determining whether Big Rivers {1) met FEMA's eligibility requirements to apply for and receive FEMA assistance under a Public Assistance grant and {2) met FEMA's legal responsibility criteria for disaster-related repairs. We did not audit the eligibility and appropriateness of costs that Big Rivers claimed under the FEMA award.

>Big Rivers Electric Corporation Meets FEMA's Eligibility Requirements for Participation in the Public Assistance Program 		2013
OIG-13-114 Following April 2012 media reports regarding the death of an undocumented immigrant while in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in May 2010, Senator Robert Menendez and 15 members of Congress requested that we review the use of force within CBP. We reviewed allegations of the use of excessive force by CBP employees and determined what reforms CBP has implemented. We also examined what effect adding more agents and officers to the workforce has had on training and professionalism. Allegations of employee misconduct that are entered into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) case management systems are assigned one of several case allegation types; however, there is no primary use of force designation. As a result, we were unable to identify the total number of excessive force allegations and investigations involving CBP employees.

>CBP Use of Force Training and Actions To Address Use of Force Incidents (Redacted) 		2013
DD-13-13 The objective of this report is to disclose additional information related to the data that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relied on in its February 2008 decision to approve Comal County's (County) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) application. This report supplements our audit report, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds Awarded to Comal County, Texas, DD-12-13, dated June 21, 2012, and provides additional information demonstrating that FEMA based its approval of the County's HMGP pplication on incomplete information. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), a FEMA grantee, submitted the County's HMGP application to FEMA for funding following Hurricane Rita. In February 2008, FEMA approved the County's $7 million ($5,250,000 Federal share) initial HMGP request to construct a drainage improvement structure to mitigate future flood losses. In December 2010, FEMA approved an additional $9,302,516 for the project because of a design flaw in the County's original engineering plan, bringing the total award for his project to $16,302,516 ($12,226,887 Federal share).

>Comal County Understated Project Cost in Its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Project Application 		2013
OIG-13-119 Within the Department of Homeland Security, under the Foreign Military Sales program, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) procures and provides defense-related articles and services to foreign governments, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) controls exports of articles related to Foreign Military Sales. In February 2013, the U.S. Government Accountability Office deemed Foreign Military Sales a high risk area for the Federal Government. We performed this audit to determine whether CBP and the USCG have adequate controls over the Foreign Military Sales export process.

>CBP’s and USCG’s Controls Over Exports Related to Foreign Military Sales 		2013
OIG-13-118 We reviewed the efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to address the risk posed by trusted insiders. Our objective was to assess CBP’s progress toward protecting its information technology assets from threats posed by its employees, especially those with trusted or elevated access to sensitive information systems or data. CBP has made progress in addressing the risk of insider threats across the organization. Specifically, CBP established a working group and a committee focused on the risk. Further, CBP researches employee behavior, conducts pre-employment screening including polygraph assessments, and participates in border corruption task forces with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

>U.S. Customs and Border Protection Has Taken Steps To Address Insider Threat, but Challenges Remain (Redacted) 		2013
DS-13-12 The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), a FEMA grantee, awarded the County $54.9 million for costs resulting from storms, flooding, debris flows, and mudslides during the period of December 27, 2004, through January 11, 2005.1 The award provided 75 percent FEMA funding for 143 large projects and 35 small projects. Our audit covered the period from December 27, 2004 to May 1, 2013.

>Los Angeles County, California, Did Not Properly Account for or Expend About $14,000 in FEMA Grant Funds 		2013
OIG-13-116 As of July 2013, ICE had 39 MOAs in 19 States, a reduction from the 64 MOAs in 24 States during fiscal year 2012. As of January 2013, all Task Force Officer Models have been discontinued. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) maintains day-to-day supervision of the 287(g) program. Within the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), the 287(g) Inspections Unit assesses the effectiveness of ICE field offices in supervising and supporting 287(g) programs, as well as ICE and LEA compliance with program policies and MOA requirements. The results of 287(g) inspection reviews provide ICE management with information on the administration of the program by local ICE offices and LEAs.

>The Performance of 287(g) Agreements FY 2013 Update 		2013
OIG-13-117 FROM: John E. McCoy II

Assistant Inspector General for Audits

SUBJECT: Office of Inspector General Emergency Management Oversight Team Deployment Audits

Audit Report Numbers OIG-13-84, OIG-13-117, OIG-13-124, OIG-14-50-D, OIG-14-111-D, OIG-15-92-D, OIG-15-102-D, OIG-15-105-D, OIG-16-53-D, OIG-16-85-D, OIG-16-106-D, OIG-17-37-D

After completing an internal review of our audits related to multiple Emergency Management Oversight Team (EMOT) projects, we have decided to permanently remove the subject reports from our public website.

Our internal review found the subject reports may not have adequately answered objectives and, in some cases, may have lacked sufficient and appropriate evidence to support conclusions. Answering objectives with sufficient and appropriate evidence is required under Government Auditing Standards or Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation. In an abundance of caution, we believe it best to recall the reports and not re-issue them.

Going forward, our EMOTs will deploy during the response phase of a disaster to identify and alert the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its stakeholders of potential issues or risks if they do not follow FEMA and other Federal requirements. The EMOT’s reviews will not be conducted under Government Auditing Standards. The teams will continue to observe and identify potential risk areas that will be addressed by future traditional audits, if necessary.

A complete list of the projects removed from our website is attached. You should not place any reliance on these reports.

Please contact me at (202) 254-4100 if you have any questions.

>FEMA's Initial Response in New Jersey to Hurricane Sandy 		2013
DA-13-25 The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), a FEMA grantee, awarded DCNR $33.6 million for damages resulting from three federally-declared disasters: Tropical Depression Ivan (1557-DR-PA), which occurred September 17, 2004. Severe storms and flooding (1587-DR-PA), which occurred April 2, 2005. Severe storms, flooding, and mudslides (1649-DR-PA), which occurred June 23, 2006. The audit covered the period September 17, 2004, through June 19, 2013, and included a review of 25 large and 3 small projects totaling $27,690,926 or 82 percent of the total awards.

>Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Appropriately Expended $33.6 Million of FEMA Public Assistance Funds 		2013
DA-13-27 The City received a Public Assistance award totaling $2.6 million from the Florida Department of Emergency Management (State), a FEMA grantee, for damages resulting from Hurricane Frances, which occurred in September 2004. The award provided 100 percent FEMA funding for the first 72 hours of debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of the disaster and 90 percent funding thereafter. The award also provided 90 percent funding for permanent repairs to buildings and other facilities. The award consisted of 7 large projects and 28 small projects.

>FEMA Should Recover $209,170 of Public Assistance Grant Funds Awarded to City of Daytona Beach, Florida – Hurricane Frances 		2013
OIG-13-115 We audited the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to implement Web 2.0 technology, also known as social media. The objective of our audit was to determine the effectiveness of DHS’ and its components’ use of Web 2.0 technologies to facilitate information sharing and enhance mission operations. The scope and methodology of this audit are discussed further in appendix A. Although DHS prohibits social media access to employees using a government-issued electronic device or computer unless a waiver or exception is granted, the Department has steadily increased its use of various social media sites over the past 5 years.

>DHS Uses Social Media To Enhance Information Sharing and Mission Operations, But Additional Oversight and Guidance Are Needed 		2013
DA-13-26 The City received a Public Assistance grant award of $3.0 million from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (State), FEMA grantee, for damages resulting from Hurricane Charley, which occurred in August 2004. The award provided 100 percent FEMA funding for the first 72 hours of debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of the disaster and 90 percent funding thereafter. The award also provided 90 percent funding for permanent repairs to buildings and other facilities. The award consisted of 13 large projects and 26 small projects. We audited seven large projects and six small projects with awards totaling $1.9 million (see Exhibit, Schedule of Projects Audited and Questioned Costs). We limited our review of small projects to determining whether the City (1) completed the projects, and (2) received duplicate benefits for the projects.

>FEMA Should Recover $234,034 of Public Assistance Grant Funds Awarded to City of Daytona Beach, Florida – Hurricane Charley 		2013
OIG-13-113 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operates and maintains 20 land mobile radio networks serving more than 120,000 frontline agents and officers. These users rely on radio systems for primary communications, officer safety, and mission success. DHS manages about 197,000 radio equipment items and 3,500 infrastructure sites, with a reported value of more than $1 billion. Many of these systems have exceeded their service-life and urgently need to be modernized to meet Federal and DHS mandates. DHS has estimated that full modernization of its existing end-of-life radio systems would require a $3.2 billion investment. The audit objective was to determine whether DHS is managing its radio program and related inventory in a cost-effective manner to prevent waste of taxpayer dollars.

>DHS Needs to Manage Its Radio Communication Program Better 		2013
OIG-13-112 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), as amended, appropriated $150 million for Public Transportation Security Assistance and Railroad Security Assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administered these funds through its Transit Security Grant Program, which primarily funded operational packages for canine, mobile explosives screening, and antiterrorism teams, and capital projects for activities such as infrastructure protection. In 2009, FEMA awarded $9,560,064 to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for the creation of antiterrorism teams (ATT). Specifically, the grant funded 20 Metro Transit Police Department sworn officer positions, which were used to form 5 permanent ATTs. From August 1, 2009, through June 30, 2012, WMATA reported project costs totaling $7,590,766. As of June 30, 2012, WMATA had been reimbursed for $1,058,080 of these costs.

>Costs Incurred by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority under Transit Security Grant No. 2009-RA-R1-0102 		2013

*NDAA, Pub. L. 117-263, section 5274 Response Received. View responses

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