Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, policy and program implementation, resource management, and information management operations of Embassy Tunis.
What OIG Found
- Embassy Tunis’ 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, security and emergency planning, and equal employment opportunity. The Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission fostered an open and collaborative work environment that inspired staff.
- The embassy had deficiencies in the fire protection program and the safety, health, and environmental management program. Additionally, the motor vehicle, property, contracting officer’s representative, human resources, and financial management programs did not fully comply with Department standards.
- Embassy Tunis also had deficiencies related to the security of information systems and information technology assets, mobile device management, and telephone operations.
- Spotlights on Success: The embassy’s Human Resources Office developed a tracking system to provide timely human resources updates. Additionally, the Public Diplomacy Section found creative ways to sustain social media engagement during a period of high anti-American sentiment.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 27 recommendations to Embassy Tunis. In its comments on the draft report, the embassy concurred with all 27 recommendations. OIG considers all 27 recommendations resolved. The embassy’s formal response is reprinted in its entirety in Appendix B.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Tunis should implement an inclusive public diplomacy strategic planning process and publish the FY 2025 Public Diplomacy Implementation Plan by the deadline set by the Office of the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy.
Embassy Tunis should bring its timelines for public diplomacy grant application submissions and selection panel reviews into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis, in coordination with the Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources, should review the section’s organizational structure, and position elements to ensure compliance with Department guidelines and to optimize section effectiveness.
Embassy Tunis should maintain and destroy immigrant visa files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should archive Consular Section communications according to Department guidance.
Embassy Tunis, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring its non-high-rise residential apartment properties into compliance with Department standards for fire protection or obtain exceptions to the standards.
Embassy Tunis should visually inspect its fire extinguishers and smoke alarms in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should request permits from the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations for the 11 prefabricated buildings on the chancery and recreation center compounds.
Embassy Tunis should bring its safety, health, and environmental management program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should complete all elevator repairs needed to obtain a current certificate of use for each elevator, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should conduct quarterly unannounced cash verification of sub-cashier funds in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should manage its bulk fuel operation in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should perform and document required daily maintenance checks and record vehicle usage data for all U.S. government vehicles, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should review and reconcile its fuel credit card receipts in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should bring its motor vehicle safety program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should bring its contracting officer’s representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should use the Integrated Logistics Management System to track all personal and program property in accordance with Department standards
Embassy Tunis should document all nonexpendable property transfers in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should bring its time and attendance procedures into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should bring its furniture and appliance pool program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should require all Information Systems Security Officers to perform their duties in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should manage its non-enterprise networks in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should implement its local configuration management protocol, as set forth in its charter, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should implement a lifecycle management plan for the applications it develops, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should manage its mobile devices in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should bring its Sensitive But Unclassified server room into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Tunis should bring its telephone system into compliance with Department standards.