Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, program and policy implementation, and resource management operations of Embassy Banjul.
What OIG Recommended
This report includes 15 recommendations. OIG made 13 recommendations to Embassy Banjul, including 4 recommendations to improve management functions and 8 recommendations to improve information management operations. Additionally, OIG made 1 recommendation to the Bureau of Administration and 1 recommendation to the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations.
In its comments on the draft report, the Department concurred with all 15 recommendations. OIG considers all 15 recommendations resolved. The Department’s response to each recommendation, and OIG’s reply, can be found in the Recommendations section of this report. The Department’s formal written responses are reprinted in their entirety in Appendix B.
What OIG Found
- The Ambassador established a generally positive relationship with the new government of The Gambia and emphasized U.S. interest in the promotion of economic, political, and social development, and outreach to the Gambian populace.
- A troubled relationship between the Ambassador and the recently departed Deputy Chief of Mission created morale problems and miscommunication within the embassy.
- Lengthy staffing gaps, curtailments of U.S. direct-hire staff, and the suspension and termination of locally employed staff for fraud adversely affected embassy operations.
- U.S. direct-hire vacancies in the Consular and Management Sections led to deficiencies in internal controls, including vulnerabilities in the procurement and financial management functions.
- The chancery’s physical plant deficiencies, structural limitations, and poor external and internal appearance presented a negative image of the United States.
- The embassy did not comply with Department of State visa referral procedures.
- Information systems security and information management contingency training and planning needed to be strengthened.
- Spotlight on Success: By making effective use of existing resources, the Public Diplomacy Section created Competitive College Clubs to provide educational advising and leadership training for Gambian youth.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Banjul should nominate an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor in accordance with Department guidance.
The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, in coordination with Embassy Banjul and the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should renovate Embassy Banjul’s Consular Section to comply with Department standards.
Embassy Banjul should implement a formal training program for its locally employed staff in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Banjul should revise its local compensation plan to define specific criteria that would warrant a salary advance and outline requirements for supporting documentation.
Embassy Banjul, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, should collect outstanding salary advances of $2,000 due from former employees and put those funds to better use.
The Bureau of Administration, in coordination with Embassy Banjul, should conduct a staff assistance visit to address contract administration deficiencies.
Embassy Banjul should implement an annual acquisition plan, in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Embassy Banjul should require that Information Systems Security Officers perform information systems security duties, in accordance with Department guidance.
Embassy Banjul should implement standard operating procedures for supporting and maintaining dedicated internet networks in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Banjul should implement procedures to accurately bill for monthly telephone services in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Banjul should issue cell phones to locally employed staff members in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Banjul should implement a cell phone policy that complies with Department standards
Embassy Banjul should implement knowledge management procedures for capturing, sharing, transferring, and retaining information related to its information management programs.
Embassy Banjul should test the information technology contingency plans for unclassified and classified networks in accordance with Department guidance.
Embassy Banjul should implement a plan for conducting information technology contingency training for appropriate employees, in accordance with Department standards.