Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, policy and program implementation, resource management, and information management operations of Embassy Algiers.
What OIG Found
- Embassy Algiers’ Front Office generally complied with Department of State standards for tone at the top and standards of conduct, execution of foreign policy goals and objectives, and other areas of executive direction. The Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission were a strong team who provided strategic direction in ways that fostered collaboration and interagency coordination.
- The embassy had several safety issues related to elevator mechanical deficiencies, fire protection, and driver duty limits.
- The embassy’s Diplomatic Technology Office had multiple information security, knowledge management, and internal control issues that required attention.
- Spotlights on Success: Embassy Algiers’ Facility Management Unit developed a system to prevent water from separating in generator fuel tanks, ensuring readiness for emergencies. The Management Section’s safety observation program raised awareness and enabled embassy-wide involvement to promote safety.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 30 recommendations: 29 to Embassy Algiers and 1 to the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. In its comments on the draft report, the Department concurred with 29 recommendations and disagreed with 1 recommendation. OIG considers 29 recommendations resolved and 1 recommendation unresolved. The Department’s formal responses are reprinted in their entirety in Appendix B.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Algiers should maintain and destroy immigrant visa files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should establish a consular communication structure in line with Department guidance.
Embassy Algiers, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring its safety, health, and environmental management program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring its mitigation program for non-high-rise buildings into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should bring its fire protection program into compliance with Department standards.
The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations should determine the level of priority and funding required to bring Embassy Algiers’ facilities into compliance with federal law regarding accessibility.
Embassy Algiers should review and de-obligate all invalid unliquidated obligations without activity for an extended period, in accordance with Department standards, so funds up to $595,918 can be put to better use.
Embassy Algiers should implement controls to ensure that all occasional money holders complete transactions in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should enforce driver duty limits for all embassy drivers in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should bring its property management program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should replace the warehouse lock and strengthen internal controls to limit access to the warehouse to authorized personnel only.
Embassy Algiers should record and review all embassy motor vehicle use information in the Fleet Management Information System, as required by Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should dispose of excess motor vehicles in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should bring its contract files into compliance with Department and federal requirements.
Embassy Algiers should bring its contracting officer’s representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should review and close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should update its motor vehicle and safety policy and incorporate information on progressive driver discipline, in accordance with Department standards and guidance.
Embassy Algiers should update its housing handbook in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should implement internal controls to ensure that it complies with Department standards and guidance for time and attendance.
Embassy Algiers should remove the reduction in force information from the Local Compensation Plan.
Embassy Algiers should submit the hotel and restaurant report for areas in Algeria outside of Algiers in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should require all Information Systems Security Officers to perform their duties in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should develop and implement a knowledge management process for capturing, sharing, transferring, and retaining information for managing computer and telephone operations.
Embassy Algiers should cease supporting residential internet and television services, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should manage its mobile devices in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should establish a local configuration management protocol in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should manage its non-enterprise networks in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should implement a lifecycle management plan for the applications it develops, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should bring its telephone system into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Algiers should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.