Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, policy and program implementation, resource management, and information management operations of Embassy Nouakchott.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 26 recommendations: 25 to Embassy Nouakchott and 1 to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. In its comments on the draft report, the Department concurred with all 26 recommendations. OIG considers all 26 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 and the Deputy Chief of Mission led Embassy Nouakchott professionally and collaboratively, incorporating policy and engagement ideas from American and locally employed staff.
- U.S. direct-hire and locally employed staff vacancies adversely affected information management operations.
- Internal controls for some general services, facility management, and financial management functions did not comply with Department of State standards and procedures.
- Spotlight on Success: Under the Deputy Chief of Mission’s supervision, the Program and Advisory Council and the Program and Grants Office maximized the effect of foreign assistance resources, minimized redundancies, and ensured consistency with Integrated Country Strategy priorities.
- Spotlight on Success: A Regional Security Office initiative empowered female guard force members and promoted respect for diversity in the local guard force.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Nouakchott, in coordination with the Bureaus of Diplomatic Security, Information Resource Management, and Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring the American Center in the new embassy compound into compliance with Department standards.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should require that a Regional Educational Advising Coordinator visit Embassy Nouakchott’s EducationUSA Advising Center to evaluate and certify its level of service.
Embassy Nouakchott should comply with Department standards for the use of public diplomacy funds.
Embassy Nouakchott should establish a fraud prevention strategy and standard operating procedures to implement that strategy, in accordance with Department guidance.
Embassy Nouakchott should bring its event data recorder program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should comply with all Department overseas motor vehicle safety requirements for chauffeurs and incidental drivers under chief of mission authority.
Embassy Nouakchott should complete its monthly fleet management report in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should manage its bulk fuel operation in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should document nonexpendable property transfers in the Integrated Logistics Management System in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should track all expendable supplies in the Integrated Logistics Management System in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should use the final receipt module in the Integrated Logistics Management System to receive property in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should bring its Contracting Officer’s Representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should conduct annual reviews of its blanket purchase agreements in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should conduct and submit an annual housing market survey in accordance with Department requirements.
Embassy Nouakchott should update its housing handbook in accordance with Department requirements.
Embassy Nouakchott should bring its residential fire protection program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should bring its forklift safety practices into compliance with U.S. Government standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should establish a schedule that allows the alternate cashier to work as the principal cashier in accordance with Department guidelines.
Embassy Nouakchott should conduct random, unannounced cash counts in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should bring the Information Systems Security Officer program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should establish individual user accounts to operate building automation and monitoring systems in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should update the communications appendix in the emergency action plan in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should train key personnel on its portable satellite systems in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.
Embassy Nouakchott should administer diplomatic pouch and mail services in accordance with Department standards.