DHS OIG Congressional Bulletin January 2023, Vol. 3

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From the Desk of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D. It is my pleasure to present the third publication of the DHS OIG Congressional Bulletin.  2023 marks twenty years since the formation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and—in accordance with the Inspector General Act, as amended— DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG).  The scope of DHS’s mission continues to evolve and with it, OIG’s oversight work.  This bulletin provides a snapshot of our recent published reports, new projects, and investigative outcomes, all of which are part of our mission to detect and deter corruption and help the Department improve.   In FY22, DHS OIG issued 80 reports containing 257 recommendations to improve DHS’s programs and operations. We initiated 482 investigations, closed 579 investigations, and issued 514 investigative reports, resulting in $71.8M in recoveries, restitutions, and fines. DHS OIG identified $3.9B in questioned costs and more than $180M in funds put to better use. In addition, we continue to make progress implementing the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) 2021 recommendations to strengthen DHS OIG.  I am happy to report that GAO has closed 4 recommendations and deemed another 6 “partially implemented.”    I am grateful for our close collaboration with GAO to help ensure a lasting and sustainable organizational transformation.   I look forward to sharing our work with the 118th Congress and extend a warm welcome to all new Members.

News and Highlights

Federal Agent Arrested for Receiving Gratuity and Making False Statement

Federal Agent Sent to Prison for Aiding Drug Smuggling

Grand Jury Indicts Former Deportation Officer with Federal Crimes Related to Sexually Assaulting Immigrant Victims

Government Contractor Agrees to Pay $8.4 Million to Resolve Claims Related to its Failure to Disclose Cost or Pricing Data

Eight Individuals Charged In Alleged $30 Million Unemployment Benefits Scheme

Reports Issued

(October 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023)

OIG-23-11
Review of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Fiscal Year 2022 Drug Control Budget Formulation

OIG-23-10
Review of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Fiscal Year 2022 Detailed Accounting Report for Drug Control Funds

OIG-23-09
Review of U.S. Coast Guard's Fiscal Year 2022 Drug Control Budget Formulation Compliance Report

OIG-23-08
Review of U.S. Coast Guard's Fiscal Year 2022 Detailed Accounting Report for Drug Control Funds

OIG-23-07
DHS Has Made Progress in Fulfilling Geospatial Data Act Responsibilities, But Additional Work is Needed

OIG-23-06
Management Alert - CBP Needs to Provide Adequate Emergency Back-Up Power to its Video Surveillance Systems at the Blaine Area Ports to Ensure Secure and Safe Operations - Law Enforcement Sensitive - (REDACTED)

OIG-23-05
DHS Did Not Consistently Comply with National Instant Criminal Background Check System Requirements

OIG-23-04
DHS Did Not Always Promptly Revoke PIV Card Access and Withdraw Security Clearances for Separated Individuals

OIG-23-03
El Centro and San Diego Facilities Generally Met CBP's TEDS Standards but Struggled with Prolonged Detention and Data Integrity

OIG-23-02
Independent Auditors' Report on the Department of Homeland Security's Consolidated Financial Statements for FYs 2022 and 2021 and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

OIG-23-01
Major Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security

Projects Initiated

(October 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023)

DHS Tracking of OAW Population with Potential Derogatory Records

DHS' Identification of Import Commodities at High Risk for Trade Based Money Laundering

U.S. Coast Guard Cybersecurity Efforts to Protect the U.S. Supply Chain

Capping report for FY2018 - FY2022: DHS Challenges on the Southwest Border

Audit of FEMA's Public Assistance Program in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Department of Homeland Security's FY 2022 Compliance with the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019

CBP's Efforts to Protect its Workforce Against Potential Synthetic Opioid Exposure

2023 Unannounced Inspections of ICE Adult Detention Facilities

2023 Unannounced Inspections of CBP Holding Facilities

Audit of the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency's (CISA) Vulnerability Disclosure Bugcrowd Platform

Cybersecurity System Review of Customs and Border Protection's Selected High Value Asset

Disaster Public Assistance (PA) Grant Funds Awarded to Kentucky for Damages Incurred from Three Weather-Related Events in Fiscal Year 2022

Audit of DHS' FY 23 Financial Statements and Internal Control - Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, Section 304

FEMA Grant to Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Supporting Hurricane Maria

Audit of ICE Mobile Device Management and Security