Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected Embassy Bratislava’s achievement of foreign policy goals and objectives, policy and program implementation, consular operations, resource management, and information management.
What OIG Found
- Embassy Bratislava generally advanced U.S. foreign policy goals and managed its operations in accordance with U.S. Department of State standards.
- The Embassy did not have a mechanism to coordinate foreign assistance with Washington bureaus and offices.
- The Embassy generally complied with Department standards relating to life safety, property management, financial management, and personnel.
- The Embassy had several deficiencies in its information management operations related to information systems security duties, local configuration management protocols, physical and environmental protection of IT resources, and mail and pouch standards.
- Spotlight on Success: Embassy Bratislava’s innovations in consular operations resulted in greater efficiencies for passport and visa applicants.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 7 recommendations to Embassy Bratislava. In its comments on the draft report, Embassy Bratislava concurred with 4 recommendations, partially concurred with 2 recommendations, and did not concur with 1 recommendation. OIG considers all 7 recommendations resolved. The Embassy’s response can be found in the Findings section of this report. The Embassy’s formal response is reprinted in its entirety in Appendix B.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Bratislava, in coordination with the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, should establish a foreign assistance coordination mechanism in accordance with Department guidelines.
Embassy Bratislava should require the Information Systems Security Officers to perform all duties in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Bratislava should implement an IT contingency plan for its classified network in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Bratislava should implement a local configuration management protocol in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Bratislava, in coordination with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, should secure its telephone switch and main distribution frame room serving the Embassy’s controlled access area, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Bratislava should move switches to secure cabinets or enclosures to meet the Department standards for physical and environment protection of IT assets.
Embassy Bratislava should manage the mail and pouch program in accordance with Department standards.