Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, policy and program implementation, resource management, and information management operations of Embassy Apia.
What OIG Found
- Embassy Apia’s Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, generally complied with Department of State standards for tone at the top and standards of conduct, execution of foreign policy goals and objectives, adherence to internal controls, security and emergency planning, and equal employment opportunity. The Chargé d’Affaires engaged all elements of the Country Team, fostering professionalism and mutual respect in the workplace.
- Due to the embassy’s small size, it relied on support from Mission New Zealand and Department regional offices in Manila, Philippines.
- Embassy Apia had deficiencies related to public diplomacy, consular operations, resource management, and information management.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 11 recommendations to Embassy Apia. In its comments on the draft report, the embassy concurred with all 11 recommendations. OIG considers all 11 recommendations resolved. The embassy’s formal response is reprinted in its entirety in Appendix B.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Apia, in coordination with Embassy Wellington, the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, should develop a social media strategy and a crisis communications plan for Samoa.
Embassy Apia should bring its consular interview facilities into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Apia, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should evaluate all residential properties for seismic risk in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Apia, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring its fire protection and safety, health, and environmental management programs into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Apia should bring its contract files into compliance with Department and federal requirements.
Embassy Apia should bring its property management program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Apia should create budget and training plans for the Diplomatic Technology unit.
Embassy Apia should implement a local configuration management protocol in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Apia should implement a knowledge management process for capturing, sharing, transferring, and retaining information related to managing computer, telephone, and radio operations.
Embassy Apia should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.
Embassy Apia should bring its telephone use accounting process into compliance with Department standards.