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(U) Inspection of Embassy Asuncion, Paraguay

ISP-I-22-05
Report Contents
Unclassified
Highlights File
Report File

(U) What OIG Inspected
(U) OIG inspected the executive direction, program and policy implementation, resource management, and information management operations of Embassy Asuncion.

(U) What OIG Recommends
(U) OIG made 6 recommendations to Embassy Asuncion. (U) In its comments on the draft report, Embassy Asuncion concurred with all 6 recommendations. OIG considers all 6 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 written response is reprinted in its entirety in Appendix B.

(U) What OIG Found

  • (U) The Chargé d’Affaires and the acting Deputy Chief of Mission led Embassy Asuncion in a professional and collaborative manner.
  • (U) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, embassy leaders implemented several restrictions to maintain continuity of operations and protect the health and safety of embassy personnel.
  • (U) Embassy Asuncion failed to complete all required real property safety certifications for residential and non-residential properties.
  • (U) Embassy Asuncion’s records management program did not comply with Department of State standards.
  • (U) Spotlight on Success: The Public Diplomacy Section’s Americana Box program imaginatively engaged students with no internet access by providing them science, technology, engineering, arts, and math problem-solving content.
Category
Inspection
Locations
Paraguay
Bureaus/Offices
Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA)
Themes/Topics
Bureau Inspection / Post Inspection
Recommendation Number
1
Closed Implemented

Embassy Asuncion should comply with Department standards related to Federal assistance award monitoring and evaluation, including by finalizing the standard operating procedures for monitoring and evaluating grants.

Recommendation Number
2
Closed Implemented

Embassy Asuncion should implement consular fraud prevention standard operating procedures for site visits and referrals to the Assistant Regional Security Officer for Investigations, in accordance with Department standards.

Recommendation Number
3
Closed Implemented

Embassy Asuncion should bring its panel physician program into compliance with Department standards.

Recommendation Number
4
Closed Implemented

Embassy Asuncion should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.

Recommendation Number
5
Closed Implemented

Embassy Asuncion should complete safety certifications for all its real property and update the Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer Certification Application, as required by Department standards.

Recommendation Number
6
Closed Implemented

Embassy Asuncion should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.

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