Audit of Expenditures From the Department of State Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service Appropriation

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Resource Management implement a policy requiring posts to reimburse the Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service appropriation for any expenditures that are unsupported by original receipt within 30 days after the completion of a Presidential delegation visit and then notify posts of this change of policy in the notification cable for future Presidential delegations.

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Resource Management develop specific guidance for postage used for activities related to the Secretary of State and for domestic representation events hosted by the Secretary of State similar to guidance contained in the Domestic Representation Guidelines provided to bureaus and offices.

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Resource Management (RM) obtain an opinion from the Office of the Legal Adviser as to whether the Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service appropriation (K Fund) should have been used to upgrade the kitchen that services the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. If the opinion does not support the use of the K Fund for this purpose, RM should coordinate with the Bureau of Administration to reimburse the K Fund from program funds appropriated for domestic capital improvements.

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Resource Management obtain an opinion from the Office of the Legal Adviser on the specific circumstances under which additional representation funds can be provided to overseas posts from the Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service appropriation.

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Resource Management implement a policy requiring posts to provide an itemized list of all post-incurred evacuation expenditures, including receipts, not more than 60 days after the termination of an evacuation and ensure that posts are notified of this policy change in the authorized departure cable.

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Resource Management prepare written guidance establishing how to report Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service appropriation expenditures received after the quarterly report has been sent to Congress.

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Resource Management formalize the agreement developed in conjunction with Global Financial Services in Charleston, SC, on how to report evacuation expenditures.