New York

We determined that U.S Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mail inspection processes and physical security at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport International Mail Facility (IMF) are ineffective, showing limited progress since our prior audit.  CBP inspected approximately [REDACTED] percent of the 1.3 million pieces of mail it received during our June 2019 site visit.  CBP also did not timely inspect and process mail from high-risk countries, creating unmanageable backlogs. These deficiencies were largely because of inadequate resources and guidance.  Consequently, more than [REDACTED] pieces of mail were sent out for delivery without physical inspection.  We made eight recommendations aimed at improving international mail processes at JFK International Airport.  CBP concurred with six, but non-concurred with two of the recommendations. 

We determined that FEMA has not identified and recovered Federal funds that New York City spent, more than three years ago, on repairs to commercial residential properties.  These repairs included short-term measures such as temporary boilers and power generators.  FEMA recognizes that commercial landlords may have received an incidental benefit from the Federal assistance provided to New York City and used it for repairs to multifamily dwellings to ensure tenants could shelter in their homes.  However, it is the responsibility of New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (the grantee) to ensure that the money that FEMA provides is spent in accordance with Federal laws and regulations.  Under FEMA rules, for-profit organizations are ineligible for Public Assistance grant funds.  We recommended that FEMA review and improve, as necessary, policies and procedures that protect government resources used to support disaster response and recovery activities.  We made three recommendations and FEMA concurred with all of them.