Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, program and policy implementation, resource management, and information management operations of Embassy Montevideo.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 10 recommendations to Embassy Montevideo. In its comments on the draft report, Embassy Montevideo concurred with all 10 recommendations. OIG considers all 10 recommendations resolved. The embassy’s response to each recommendation, and OIG’s reply, can be found in the Recommendations section of this report. The embassy’s formal response is reprinted in its entirety in Appendix B.
What OIG Found
- Embassy Montevideo’s Chargé d'Affaires and acting Deputy Chief of Mission modeled the Department of State’s leadership principles, demonstrating concern for the staff’s well-being.
- Embassy Montevideo implemented measures to maintain the health and safety of personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The embassy’s contracting officer’s representative program did not comply with Department standards.
- The embassy’s Information Systems Security Officers failed to perform all required information systems security duties.
- Embassy Montevideo did not test the primary or secondary high-frequency radio systems at the chancery or the off-site high-frequency radio at the alternate command center.
- Spotlight on Success: Embassy Montevideo’s Public Diplomacy Section launched “Alumni Open Talks,” a series of 30-minute live-streamed talks featuring public diplomacy program alumni. The talks initially focused on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but were expanded to include discussions on renewable energy, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and science education.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Montevideo should monitor its Global Support Strategy program services to verify the accuracy and quality of information provided to visa applicants, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Montevideo should install a closed-circuit television monitoring system or other means to enable consular managers to visually observe the activities within the Consular Section cashier booth.
Embassy Montevideo should comply with all Department Overseas Motor Vehicle Safety standards for chauffeurs and incidental drivers under chief of mission authority.
Embassy Montevideo should bring its contracting officer’s representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Montevideo should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Montevideo should submit its hotel and restaurant reports to the Bureau of Administration’s Office of Allowances, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Montevideo should comply with Department standards with respect to the use of shipping containers for permanent storage space and functional space.
Embassy Montevideo should complete all information systems security officer responsibilities in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Montevideo should test its high-frequency radio network in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Montevideo should retire records in accordance with Department records management standards.