Recommendations

Audit of the Management and Administration of the Consular Systems Modernization Program

AUD-CGI-23-20 July 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA), in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, develop and implement a risk-based methodology to select programs for evaluation. CA should include the amount of funds invested and the risk to its portfolio as factors considered in the methodology.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management, develop and implement a process to annually ensure that all IT projects related to the Consular Systems Modernization program are registered in the Integrated Management, Analytics, and Technology Resource for Information Exchange system, in accordance with 5 Foreign Affairs Manual 611.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Budget and Planning update 18 Foreign Affairs Manual 300 to specify which requirements (including what documentation is required) apply to Department of State bureaus and offices using Agile (or Agile-related) program or project management methodologies.
Recommendation Number

4

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, map control gates for the program management methodology used for the Consular Systems Modernization program to the Department of State’s Managing State Projects guidance, as required by 5 Foreign Affairs Handbook-5 H-211.
Recommendation Number

5

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, develop and implement a plan to create documentation required by Department of State program and project management guidance (including 18 Foreign Affairs Manual 300) for the overall Consular Systems Modernization program and discrete projects related to the program. This documentation would include, but not be limited to, a program monitoring plan, a logic model, and a situational analysis.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, reassess the current program management methodology used to manage and monitor the Consular Systems Modernization program to determine whether it is the most effective option.
Recommendation Number

7

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that if, following implementation of Recommendation 6, the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) determines that its current program management methodology is not optimal, CA should develop and implement a plan of action, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, to adopt a different program and project management methodology that aligns with Department of State program and project management guidance.
Recommendation Number

8

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, perform an internal control gap analysis related to program and project management of the Consular Systems Modernization program to identify key controls that are needed to comply with Government Accountability Office requirements for maintaining a sufficient internal control environment.
Recommendation Number

9

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management, develop and implement a mechanism to track required IT governance reviews to ensure that all governance reviews of IT systems have been completed.
Recommendation Number

10

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, develop and implement a process to periodically assess program and project management activities related to the Consular Systems Modernization program.
Recommendation Number

11

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning and the Bureau of Information Resource Management, develop and implement a process to annually verify that designated project managers assigned to the Consular Systems Modernization program meet qualification requirements specified in 5 Foreign Affairs Manual 623.2 and the “Federal IT Project Manager Guidance Matrix.”
Recommendation Number

12

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that if project managers as described in Recommendation 11 are identified as not meeting qualification requirements, the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning and the Bureau of Information Resource Management, develop and implement a plan of action to provide training and guidance to the project managers so that they comply with 5 Foreign Affairs Manual 623.2 and the “Federal IT Project Manager Guidance Matrix.”
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management establish and oversee a working group with officials from key Department of State bureaus, including the Bureau of Budget and Planning, the Bureau of Information Resource Management, and the Bureau of Administration, to assist the Bureau of Consular Affairs in executing the Consular Systems Modernization program and its efforts to modernize and consolidate consular legacy IT systems into a common technology framework.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Implemented $511,249

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, take the following actions: (a) determine whether the questioned costs of $511,249, which were considered unsupported for 3 of 10 invoices selected for testing from Task Order 19AQMM18F3629, were supported and allowable, and (b) recover any costs determined to be unallowable, as shown in Table B.1.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented $13,779,756

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, take the following actions: (a) determine whether the questioned costs of $13,779,756, which were considered to be unsupported for the 10 invoices selected for testing from Task Order 19AQMM19F1686, were supported and allowable and (b) recover any costs determined to be unallowable, as shown in Table B.1.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, develop and implement bureau-specific procedures requiring CA’s assigned Contracting Officer’s Representatives to (a) maintain documentation of their invoice review that demonstrates that costs and supporting documentation were verified and (b) confirm that labor hours billed had supporting documentation that was sufficient to support the approval for payments.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, develop and implement procedures to ensure that the Contracting Officer’s Representatives (COR) administering contracts related to Consular Systems Modernization maintain files in the mandated eFiling module of the Integrated Logistics Management System in accordance with 14 Foreign Affairs Handbook-2 H-142(b)(16)(b) and that the files include all required reports from contractors.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, develop and implement guidance related to the proper use and development of cost-plus-award-fee contractor performance reports.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, develop and implement procedures to ensure that Contracting Officer’s Representatives who oversee Consular Systems Modernization program task orders complete and submit reports in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System within the required 120 days.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Consular Affairs update the Consular Systems and Technology Procurement Guide to add requirements for acquisition planning, including the contents of written acquisition plans, as specified in Federal Acquisition Regulation 7.103 and 7.105.

Inspection of Embassy Chisinau, Moldova

ISP-I-23-19 July 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Chisinau should comply with the requirements for bilateral progress reviews of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement programming in the 2001 Letter of Agreement between the United States and Moldova and any amendments.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Chisinau should install signage at the Consular Section’s entrance with all information required in Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

Embassy Chisinau should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

Embassy Chisinau should use standard time and attendance forms or seek approval for locally created forms in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Embassy Chisinau should require the embassy employee association board to conduct its oversight responsibilities in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management, in coordination with Embassy Chisinau, should remediate the network and telephone cabling issues at the embassy, in accordance with Department standards.

Inspection of Embassy Cotonou, Benin

ISP-I-23-20 July 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should comply with the requirements of the 2013 letter of agreement (and subsequent amendments) between the United States and Benin.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should comply with Department standards for consular crisis preparedness.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should manage asylee files in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should update and reissue its motor vehicle policy to adhere to Department requirements for other authorized use of U.S. government vehicles.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should dispose of excess expendable property in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should manage its bulk fuel operations in accordance with Department standards and the embassy’s standard operating procedure on fuel ordering and delivery.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should operate its residential fire protection program in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should designate a qualified staff member to monitor the embassy’s contractor safety program in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should perform semi-annual inspections of the embassy’s mail screening facility in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should dispose of medications and controlled substances in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should maintain accurate inventory records of medications in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Cotonou should bring its records management program into compliance with Department standards.

Audit of Department of State Procedures To Establish Program Fees for the Furniture and Appliance Pool Program

AUD-FM-23-22 July 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration develop and implement a process to improve oversight of posts’ Furniture and Appliance Pool program management activities. The process should include oversight controls that address Furniture and Appliance Pool data issues.
Recommendation Number

2

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, develop and implement oversight controls to prevent overseas posts from maintaining Furniture and Appliance Pool program assets in ineligible locations. The oversight controls should include a plan of action to consult with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations when necessary.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services and the Foreign Service Institute, enhance current Furniture and Appliance Pool program training to provide detailed guidance on asset classification; asset lifecycles; asset replacement dates; spending plans; furniture and appliance pool eligible and ineligible assets; maintenance of the furniture, furnishings, appliances, and equipment listing; and data, asset, and financial management.
Recommendation Number

4

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services and the Foreign Service Institute, annually disseminate information to all personnel with Furniture and Appliance Pool program responsibilities at overseas posts regarding the availability of and expectation to complete furniture and appliance pool-specific training developed in response to Recommendation 3.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, reevaluate existing policy requirements for furniture and appliance pool asset lifecycles and update policies and procedures with clarifying language related to adjusting furniture and appliance pool asset lifecycles from the standards specified.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, develop and disseminate guidance that instructs overseas posts to periodically review and update the furniture, furnishings, appliances, and equipment listing in posts’ Furniture and Appliance Pool program policies.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services revise Furniture and Appliance Pool (FAP) program policy to clarify the requirement for overseas posts to maintain multi-year FAP program spending plans.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services update policies and procedures for retaining overseas posts’ Furniture and Appliance Pool program fee-related records so the information is readily available and accessible upon request for a period of time specified in the guidance.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration develop and implement controls within the Integrated Logistics Management System that require the use of mandated, minimum replacement standards for furniture and appliance pool asset lifecycles.
Recommendation Number

10

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration implement controls within the Integrated Logistics Management System that ensure periodic updates to the replacement dates for furniture and appliance pool assets.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services develop and annually distribute to overseas posts guidance related to reconciling Furniture and Appliance Pool (FAP) program fee calculation worksheets to the furniture, furnishings, appliances, and equipment listings in posts’ FAP program policies and to the Foreign Affairs Handbook prior to submitting requests to change FAP program fees.

Inspection of the Bureau of Information Resource Management’s Mobile and Remote Access Division

ISP-I-23-23 June 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management should implement an information systems security officer program for systems and enterprise mobile devices that complies with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management should require the Mobile and Remote Access Division to communicate and enforce the Global OpenNet Desktop system user group access requirements outlined in the GO Desktop system security plan.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management should require the Mobile and Remote Access Division to bring its change management procedures into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management should take steps to eliminate the confusion between its two GO Desktop programs.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented $7,216,203

The Bureau of Information Resource Management, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should implement policies and procedures to monitor and control the usage and costs of mobile device services in accordance with Department standards and put potential savings of up to $7,216,203 to better use.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should bring the Mobile and Remote Access Division’s contract and contracting officer’s representative files into compliance with Department and federal guidance.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management should bring the Mobile and Remote Access Division’s contracting officer’s representative and government technical monitor programs into compliance with Department standards.

Inspection of Embassy Abuja and Constituent Post, Nigeria

ISP-I-23-09 June 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should comply with Department standards for grant file documentation.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should develop and implement a plan to institutionalize coordination between the mission’s Public Diplomacy Sections in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should incorporate public diplomacy analysis in cable reporting in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require that the visa appointment system provided to Mission Nigeria by the Global Support Strategy vendor complies with the Department’s public service and transparency standards.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should perform the required oversight of services provided by the Global Support Services vendor in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should comply with the Department standards for consular crisis preparedness.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should discontinue the practice of adjudicating Consular Reports of Birth Abroad before fees are paid.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should resolve referrals to Fraud Prevention Units in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should post consular signage in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented $6,405

Embassy Abuja should verify and document whether $6,405 in award funds were used for their intended purpose. If the funds were not used for their intended purpose, Embassy Abuja should recover the funds in accordance with the award agreement.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should develop and implement standard operating procedures for management of federal assistance awards to ensure compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja, in coordination with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, should update the letter of agreement with the government of Nigeria for Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs-funded projects.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should conduct joint evaluation reviews with the government of Nigeria for Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs-funded projects in accordance with the letter of agreement.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja, in coordination with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, should specify and document the intended roles, responsibilities, and associated training and file access requirements for relevant staff, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should establish a comprehensive foreign assistance coordination and collaboration mechanism, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should consolidate its motor pool and warehouse operations in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should implement an emergency exit plan in the chancery and consulate general building that complies with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should mitigate the fire and life-safety risks of the high-rise residential properties in Lagos that do not comply with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should obtain authorization from the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations to use shipping containers for storage and office space or dismantle and remove them in accordance with Department.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should manage bulk fuel operations in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

21

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should enforce duty driver limits for all mission drivers in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

22

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should require that all mission vehicle usage be recorded in the Fleet Management Information System in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

23

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should revise its motor vehicle policy to adhere to Department requirements for “other authorized use” of U.S. government vehicles and watercraft.
Recommendation Number

24

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should record all operational and maintenance data and costs for the mission’s watercraft into the Department’s Fleet Management Information System in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

25

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should update the Foreign Affairs Manual with specific guidance on the management and operation of watercraft.
Recommendation Number

26

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations should update and re-issue the generic watercraft policy template to include specific guidelines related to watercraft safety.
Recommendation Number

27

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should dispose of excess expendable and nonexpendable property in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

28

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should adhere to travel regulations in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

29

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should bring its contracting officer’s representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

30

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should submit its foreign per diem reports in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

31

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should manage the fuel and motor vehicle transportation coupon program in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

32

Closed Implemented $1,200,000

Embassy Abuja should review its unliquidated obligations in accordance with Department standards and put up to $1.2 million to better use.
Recommendation Number

33

Closed Implemented $275,838

Embassy Abuja should clear overdue travel advances in accordance with Department guidelines and put funds up to $275,838 to better use.
Recommendation Number

34

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should implement standard operating procedures outlining human resources support services provided and increase the frequency of American officer visits to Consulate General Lagos.
Recommendation Number

35

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should require supervisors to approve overtime in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

36

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should review and revise locally employed staff position descriptions and classify them in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

37

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should manage its Active Directory accounts and security groups for its classified and unclassified networks in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

38

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should retire records in accordance with Department records management standards.
Recommendation Number

39

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should complete all information systems security officer responsibilities in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

40

Closed Implemented

Embassy Abuja should install emergency power-off switches inside the server rooms adjacent to each egress door, in accordance with Department standards.

Inspection of Embassy Brussels, Belgium

ISP-I-23-11 May 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should advise and brief U.S. citizens in Belgium in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should replace existing partitions in the consular workspace with partitions that comply with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

Embassy Brussels, in coordination with the Bureaus of Consular Affairs and Overseas Buildings Operations, should provide a wheelchair-accessible restroom option for consular customers.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring its fire protection program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

The U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in coordination with Embassy Brussels, should require that all residences are inspected and certified in the Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer Certification Application in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should bring its swimming pool safety program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should address the outstanding life and safety issue regarding stairs at the Marine Security Guard residence.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should bring the railings on the balconies, stairs, and around a patio at the residence of the chief of mission to the U.S. Mission to the European Union into compliance with Department residential safety standards.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should obtain authorization from the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations to use shipping containers for permanent storage or dismantle and remove them, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should comply with all Department Motor Vehicle Safety Management Program standards for chauffeurs and incidental drivers under chief of mission authority.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should bring its property management program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should bring its contracting officer’s representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Not Implemented

Embassy Brussels should perform regular reviews of the locally employed staff contracting officer’s transactions, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

The U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in coordination with Embassy Brussels, should submit its living quarters expenditure reports in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should submit its hotel and restaurant surveys to the Bureau of Administration’s Office of Allowances in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels, in coordination with the Bureaus of Budget and Planning, the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, European and Eurasian Affairs, and Global Talent Management, should implement a plan to fully fund the locally employed staff defined benefit pension plan to comply with Belgium’s labor laws and address long-term funding concerns.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented $243,993

Embassy Brussels, in coordination with the Bureaus of Budget and Planning, the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, and European and Eurasian Affairs, should reprogram additional Department-funded information management positions to International Cooperative Administrative Support Services-funded positions, in accordance with Department standards, so funds of up to $243,993 over 3 years per position can be put to better use.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should implement a schedule to require alternate cashiers to serve as principal cashier, in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should cease paying for residential internet for vacant residences that do not have an alarm system connected to internet, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

21

Open Resolved

Embassy Brussels should categorize, assess, and authorize its locally developed applications in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

22

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should replace the unauthorized wireless access points operating within its facilities with an approved wireless network.
Recommendation Number

23

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels should establish the capability for dedicated internet network end users to access the network with unique accounts in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

24

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels, in coordination with the U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, should obtain proper approval for its video conferencing system in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

25

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brussels, in coordination with the U.S. Mission to the European Union and the U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.

Review of the U.S. Agency for Global Media Response to Russia’s 2022 Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine

ISP-IB-23-14 May 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The U.S. Agency for Global Media, in coordination with Voice of America, should systematically track and review the metrics on all stages in Voice of America’s federal hiring processes to gather actionable analytics for possible adjustments to these processes.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty should systematically track and review the metrics on all stages in its hiring processes to gather actionable analytics for possible adjustments to these processes.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

Voice of America should implement practices to ensure adherence to editorial review standards by the Russian Language Service prior to content dissemination.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The U.S. Agency for Global Media should improve and disseminate procedural guidance for grantee organizations covering distribution and receipt of Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act funding.

Inspection of the U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

ISP-I-23-16 May 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should schedule mission-wide drills when the Ambassador is present and able to participate, in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should implement a structured First- and Second-Tour professional development program in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

The U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in coordination with the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and the Foreign Service Institute, should develop and implement a training program on how NATO works and how to negotiate in NATO committees.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should identify the reasons for delays in transmission of cables on North Atlantic Council meetings and implement a plan to improve the timeliness of these reports.

(U) Inspection of Embassy Juba, South Sudan

ISP-I-23-12 April 2023

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should submit its FY 2022 annual Statement of Assurance in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should bring its public diplomacy grant files into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should install signage at the Consular Section’s public entrance with all information required by Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should bring its consular cashiering operations into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should bring the privacy booth into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should upgrade the booth in the West Compound Access Control to allow the consular cash register to be located there, bringing oversight of consular cashiering operations into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should bring its developmental training program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should develop and implement a plan for communication and coordination within the Management Section and with the U.S. Agency for International Development alternate service provider.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of African Affairs, in coordination with the Foreign Service Institute, should evaluate and provide resources to assist with improving communication and coordination within the Management Section and with the U.S. Agency for International Development alternate service provider.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of African Affairs, in coordination with Embassy Juba should implement standard operating procedures for key administrative processes.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should update the embassy’s local compensation plan to comply with South Sudanese labor laws.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should complete all information systems security officer responsibilities, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should implement procedures to maintain documentation for all aspects of its computer support and operations, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should configure, monitor, and register its dedicated internet network with the Bureau of Information Resource Management.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should complete information technology contingency plans for the unclassified and classified networks and test the plans, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should implement standard operating procedures to manage its mobile devices and a policy on the personal use of mobile devices, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should bring the unclassified server room into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

Embassy Juba should develop mail screening standard operating procedures and disseminate it to local guard and mail room staff.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of African Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration and Embassy Juba, should take appropriate action to assist the embassy with its annual inventory and reconciliation for fiscal years 2022 and 2023.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed Implemented

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

444

$15,045,004

134

$0

416

$218,173,822

0

$0

36

$0

0

$0