Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, policy and program implementation, resource management, and information management operations of Embassy Khartoum.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 18 recommendations to Embassy Khartoum. In its comments on the draft report, the embassy concurred with all 18 recommendations. OIG considers all 18 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 Khartoum operated under difficult conditions, which included challenges staffing U.S. direct-hire positions, a 7-week authorized departure, frequent and sometimes violent protests and demonstrations nearby, and a military takeover of the civilian-led government.
- The Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission generally modeled the Department of State’s leadership and management principles, particularly to foster resilience and to model integrity.
- Embassy Khartoum had internal control shortcomings related to excess property, shipping containers, training, vehicle mishaps, bulk fuel management, uniforms, and personal protective equipment.
- The embassy had consular internal control shortcomings related to orientation and training, public signage, and the fraud prevention program.
- Embassy Khartoum had information management internal control shortcomings related to information security practices, dedicated internet networks, contingency planning, acquisition planning, mobile devices, and records management.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Khartoum should document its public diplomacy grants in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should conduct its consular fraud prevention program in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should develop and implement a written consular training and orientation program in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should install signage at the Consular Section’s public entrance with all information required by Department guidance.
Embassy Khartoum should either implement a plan to fully use the leased facility in El Fashir, Darfur, or terminate the lease for the facility, return U.S. government assets and vehicles to the embassy and put up to $50,000 to better use.
Embassy Khartoum should document all nonexpendable property transfers in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should dismantle and remove its shipping containers and portable structures in accordance with Department requirements or obtain authorization from the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations to use them as permanent storage.
Embassy Khartoum should comply with Department training standards on the use of powered industrial trucks, such as forklifts.
Embassy Khartoum should comply with Department guidance on mishap reporting.
Embassy Khartoum should manage its bulk fuel operation in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should use the Integrated Logistics Management System to track all uniforms and personal protective equipment in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should complete all information systems security officer responsibilities in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should register its dedicated internet networks with the Bureau of Information Resource Management.
Embassy Khartoum should implement steps to secure and monitor its dedicated internet networks.
Embassy Khartoum should complete information technology contingency plans for the unclassified and classified networks and test the plans in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should develop an acquisition plan for its information technology needs in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should implement standard operating procedures for managing and tracking mobile devices as required by Department standards.
Embassy Khartoum should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.