Office of Inspections

The Office of Inspections delivers independent assessments of Department of State (Department) and U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) operations, both overseas and domestically. Inspections typically assess the effectiveness of operations; identify potential efficiencies and cost-saving measures; encourage self-evaluation and correction; and identify problems and recommend solutions. With respect to oversight of the Department, section 209 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 requires OIG to inspect every overseas post and each bureau of the Department at least once every 5 years, although Congress routinely waives this requirement every year. Additionally, in accordance with Section 7203 of the Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, OIG conducts management reviews of certain post leaders during its inspections of overseas posts. The Office of Inspections also conducts evaluations of Department and USAGM programs, such as foreign assistance, consular affairs, and embassy security.