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Gil H. Harden

Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audit

Off ice of Inspector General

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Recovery ActOIG Perspective

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Overview of OIG

OIG’s Recovery Act Responsibilities

USDA Recovery Act Funding

OIG’s Oversight Plan

Results Already Reported

Current Recovery Act Work-in-Process (FNS)

Planned Recovery Act Work (FNS)

Objectives

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Our ChargePromote effectiveness and integrity in the

delivery of USDA programs

Primary FunctionsAuditInvestigations

StructureHeadquartersRegional Field Offices

OIG Overview

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Provide oversight and audit of programs, grants, and activities funded by the Recovery Act and administered by USDAUSDA received more than $28 billionLoan Levels in excess of $18 billion

Plan developed in February 2009 to guide our oversight effortsOIG received $22.5 millionFunds available through September 30, 2013

Recovery Act Responsibilities

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Food and Nutrition Service

SNAP Increased BenefitsSNAP State Administrative ExpensesFNS Management and OversightThe Emergency Food Assistance ProgramFDPIR Administrative ExpensesChild Nutrition Equipment AssistanceWIC Management Information SystemWIC Contingency Fund

USDA Recovery Funds

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Rural Development

Business & Industry Guaranteed LoansBusiness Enterprise GrantsCommunity Facilities Loans & GrantsDirect & Guaranteed Single Family Housing

LoansWater & Waste Loans & GrantsBroadband Loans & Grants

USDA Recovery Funds

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Forest Service

Capital Improvements & MaintenanceWildland Fire Management

Buildings and Facilities

Departmental AdministrationAgricultural Research Service

USDA Recovery Funds

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Farm Service Agency

Farm Operating LoansInformation Technology

Natural Resource Conservation Service

Watershed and Flood PreventionWatershed Rehabilitation

USDA Recovery Funds

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Agricultural Disaster Assistance

2008 Transition AssistanceAquaculture Grants

Foreign Agricultural Service

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers

USDA Recovery Funds

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Structured the plan to allow OIG to provide timely and effective oversight

Initiated immediate outreach to the Department

Provided best practices for combating grant fraud

Shared information related to a fraud scheme pertaining to Recovery Act funds

OIG’s Oversight Plan

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Objectives

Preventing and identifying fraud

Initiating timely investigations when potential criminal activity occurs

Responding to whistleblower complaints

Working with U.S. Attorneys and States Attorney General to prosecute violators and seek asset forfeiture where appropriate

OIG Investigations

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Phase 1Fraud awareness briefingsComputer forensicsNational and regional task forcesLiaison with USDA agenciesHotline

Phase 2Assessing results from Phase 1 and opening

criminal investigationsHolding entities accountable—prosecution,

forfeiture, fines, and sanctions

OIG Investigations

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Objectives

Programs timely and effectively implemented

Proper internal control established

Participants meet eligibility requirements

Participants comply with program requirements

Agencies establish effective compliance operations

OIG Audit

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Phase 1Assessed prior recommendations related to Recovery Act

fundingAdjusted the scope for certain in-progress workExpedited the issuance of several audit reportsReached out to USDA’s Chief Information Officer to discuss

data quality

Phase 2Design audits to review Recovery Act fundsReview agency Recovery Program PlansData Analysis

Phase 3—performance measures

OIG Audit

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Importance of timely and transparent reporting

Assists agency heads and congressional oversight committeesQuick turn-around (“Fast”) reports

Available publicly through Recovery.gov and our website

OIG Reporting

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Prior Recommendations

Forest ServiceRural Development

Expedited Reports

BroadbandFlood Control Dams

Results Already Reported

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Fast Reports

Housing LoansAquacultureFarm Operating LoansWater & Waste Disposal SystemsBusiness & Industry Loans

Results Already Reported

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Annual Financial Statements Audit

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramIncreased Benefits—Thrifty Food PlanManagement & OversightState Fraud DetectionState Administrative Expenses/Eligibility

Requirements

Work in Process (FNS)

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The Emergency Food Assistance Program

Equipment GrantsChild NutritionFood Distribution Program on Indian

Reservations

Work in Process (FNS)

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Subsequent phases of current work-in-process, as necessary

WIC Vendor Monitoring and Contingency Funds

WIC Management Information System

Outsourcing of Customer Assistance for SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer

Work Planned (FNS)

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Recovery.govhttp://www.recovery.gov/

USDA’s Recovery Pagehttp://www.usda.gov/recovery

OIG’s Recovery Pagehttp://www.usda.gov/oig/recovery

OIG Hotlinehttp://www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm(800) 424-9121 or (202) 690-1202 (TDD)

My email and phonegil.harden@oig.usda.gov (202) 720-5907

Resources & Contact Information