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Recommendations

Department of State

444

Open Unclassified Recommendations¹

$15,045,004

Open Unclassified Recommendations Potential Monetary Benefits¹

134

Open Sensitive But Unclassified Recommendations²

$0

Open Sensitive But Unclassified Recommendations Potential Monetary Benefits²

416

Open Classified Recommendations³

$218,173,822

Open Classified Recommendations Potential Monetary Benefits³

U.S. Agency for Global Media

0

Open Unclassified Recommendations¹

$0

Open Unclassified Recommendations Potential Monetary Benefits¹

36

Open Sensitive But Unclassified Recommendations²

$0

Open Sensitive But Unclassified Recommendations Potential Monetary Benefits²

0

Open Classified Recommendations³

$0

Open Classified Recommendations Potential Monetary Benefits³
Department recommendations include 49 recommendations that are associated with the International Boundary Water Commission.
 
recommendation icon
(U) Inspection of the U.S. Mission to the Dutch Caribbean
ISP-I-22-04
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, and the Office of the Legal Adviser, should formally clarify and deconflict, if necessary, the delineation of authorities between the Chiefs of Mission to the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should conduct formal, annual reviews of its Integrated Country Strategy in accordance with Department guidelines.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should prepare the Annual Chief of Mission Management Control Statement of Assurance in accordance with Department guidance.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean, in coordination with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, should draft and implement approved Leahy vetting standard operating procedures.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should bring its management of foreign assistance grants into compliance with Department standards.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should use PD Tools to report on public diplomacy programs and activities.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should update its fraud prevention strategy and establish standard operating procedures to implement that strategy, in accordance with Department standards.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations and the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should bring the Consular Section’s physical space into compliance with Department standards.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should bring its cashier operations, including management oversight of those operations, into compliance with Department standards.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented $400,000

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should review and de-obligate all invalid unliquidated obligations without activity for more than 1 year, in accordance with Department standards, so funds of up to $400,000 can be put to better use.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should submit reports for its outdated foreign per diem rates and living quarters allowance rates to the Bureau of Administration’s Office of Allowances in accordance with Department guidelines.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should implement personal property management internal controls in accordance with Department standards.

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should comply with all Department Overseas Motor Vehicle Safety Management Program requirements.

  14. Recommendation Number
    14
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should comply with Department standards on training employees in the use of powered industrial trucks, such as forklifts.

  15. Recommendation Number
    15
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should update the Real Property Application, and complete safety certifications for all its real property in the Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer Certification Application, as required by Department standards.

  16. Recommendation Number
    16
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should form a standing Safety, Health and Environment Management committee, as required by Department standards.

  17. Recommendation Number
    17
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should prepare standard operating procedures for key human resources processes, including position management, time and attendance, and training.

  18. Recommendation Number
    18
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should implement a formal training program for its LE staff in accordance with Department standards.

  19. Recommendation Number
    19
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should comply with Department standards for the designation of officers for specific mission responsibilities.

  20. Recommendation Number
    20
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should compile a duty officer guide.

  21. Recommendation Number
    21
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should test the information technology contingency plan for the unclassified network in accordance with Department standards.

  22. Recommendation Number
    22
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  23. Recommendation Number
    23
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  24. Recommendation Number
    24
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  25. Recommendation Number
    25
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.

  26. Recommendation Number
    26
    Closed Implemented

    Mission to the Dutch Caribbean should implement use of record email to document official business and to archive Diplomatic Notes, in accordance with Department standards.

recommendation icon
(U) Management Assistance Report: Support From the Under Secretary for Management Is Needed To Facilitate the Closure of Office of Inspector General Recommendations Addressed to the Bureau of Information Resource Management
AUD-AOQC-22-07
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management verify that the Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM) has developed plans of action and milestones, as required by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Publication 800-53, rev. 4, to address each open OIG recommendation. The plans of action and milestones should document planned remedial actions to correct the deficiencies identified. If the Under Secretary for Management determines that IRM has not developed or maintained plans of action and milestones for each open OIG recommendation, the Under Secretary for Management should direct IRM to take action to comply with standards.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management develop and implement a methodology to periodically review the status of the Bureau of Information Resource Management’s efforts to implement open OIG recommendations, as described in its plans of action and milestones (Recommendation 1).

recommendation icon
Audit of Compliance With Cost-Sharing Requirements for Selected Department of State Grants and Cooperative Agreements
AUD-CGI-22-12
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration amend the Federal Assistance Directive to include a requirement that Grants Officers and Grants Officer Representatives detail in the monitoring plan the specific monitoring activities that will be performed, including monitoring cost-share amounts.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration update the monitoring plan template to include a requirement for users to detail the specific monitoring activities that will be performed, including monitoring cost-share amounts.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration amend the Federal Assistance Directive to require that Grants Officers and Grants Officer Representatives include alternative oversight actions in a monitoring plan if planned activities cannot be performed as originally intended.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration amend the Federal Assistance Directive to require that financial monitoring conducted by Grants Officers and Grants Officer Representatives include expense sampling based on the risk assessment. Expense sampling should verify that expenses are supported and incurred within the period of performance, and that cost-share expenses (if applicable) are supported.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration modify the standard site visit checklist to include a section on recipient expense sampling based on the assessment. Expense sampling should verify that expenses are supported and incurred within the period of performance, and that cost-share expenses (if applicable) are supported.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration amend the Federal Assistance Directive to include a requirement that Grants Officers and Grants Officer Representatives use the modified standard site visit checklist (Recommendation 5) during an in-person site visit or during a desk audit when an in-person site visit cannot be performed.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration develop training for Grants Officer Representatives related to verifying that cost-share commitments have been met, when applicable.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration modify the Grants Officer Representative standard designation memorandum template to clearly articulate Grants Officer Representative responsibilities with respect to monitoring the financial aspects of an award, including cost-share amounts.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented $87,242

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) determine whether the $87,242 in unallowable cost-share amounts incurred outside of the period of performance for cooperative agreement SPRMCO19CA0099 (see Table B.1) are allowable and (b) recover any costs determined to be unallowable.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented $109,421

    OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Civilian, Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), (a) determine whether the $109,421 in unallowable cost-share amounts incurred outside of the period of performance for grant SSSJTIP20GR0008 (see Table B.1) are allowable and (b) recover any costs determined to be unallowable.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented $37,576

    OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, (a) determine whether the $37,576 in unsupported cost-share amounts reported for grant SSJTIP20GR0008 (see Table B.1) are supported and allowable and (b) recover any costs determined to be unsupported and unallowable.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented $8,730

    OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, (a) determine whether the $8,730 in unsupported cost-share amounts reported for grant SSJTIP19GR0004 (see Table B.1) are supported and (b) recover any costs determined to be unsupported.

recommendation icon
Review of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ ConsularOne Modernization Program –Significant Deployment Delays Continue
ISP-I-22-03
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should review with the Office of Consular Systems and Technology leadership the deployment schedule for ConsularOne components to determine the schedule’s viability to achieve bureau requirements.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should clearly define the ConsularOne modernization program and Consular Systems Modernization, including its components, projects, supporting contracts, and the associated total cost of those contracts for both efforts.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the Office of Consular Systems and Technology to hold managers and staff accountable for performance and deliverables for ConsularOne in accordance with Department standards.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the Office of Consular Systems and Technology to implement an internal communication and collaboration plan.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the Office of Consular Systems and Technology to implement a plan for communication and collaboration with its stakeholders that would promote feedback, as well as promote the understanding of the stages, timeline, and content for the ConsularOne modernization effort.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the Office of Consular Systems and Technology to maintain documented management approvals for all information systems throughout the systems development lifecycle process in accordance with Department standards.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the Office of Consular Systems and Technology to implement standard operating procedures for its systems development lifecycle process that includes details on the central location to be used to maintain project documentation.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the Office of Consular Systems and Technology to conduct independent information system security assessments.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should implement a process to conduct system authorizations for the Office of Consular Systems and Technology’s information systems prior to expiration of the systems’ authorizations to operate.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management, should complete the assessment and authorization process for the Office of Consular Systems and Technology’s information systems with expired authorizations to operate.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Open Resolved

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should perform annual security controls assessments for the Office of Consular Systems and Technology’s information systems in accordance with Department standards.

recommendation icon
Audit of the Department of State’s Implementation of the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014
AUD-FM-22-08
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, develop and implement a corrective action plan that identifies the underlying reasons for the deficiencies with overseas data included in the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act Files and that identifies strategies and milestones for implementing them, to address the underlying deficiencies.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, develop and implement a communication strategy that educates procurement and grant officials about the importance of recording transactions in the Federal Procurement Data System – Next Generation and the Financial Assistance Broker Submission in a complete, accurate, and timely manner.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services update its Data Quality Plan related to reconciling Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 data to ensure that quality control procedures are performed to assess the quality of the data included in all files, including files created from Government-wide systems.

recommendation icon
Audit of the U.S. Agency for Global Media’s FY 2021 Implementation of the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014
AUD-FM-IB-22-09
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the U.S. Agency for Global Media update and implement its communication strategy to remind procurement officials about the importance of recording transactions in the Federal Procurement Data System–Next Generation in a complete, accurate, and timely manner.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the U.S. Agency for Global Media update its “DATA Act File Creation” standard operating procedures related to reconciling Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 data to ensure that quality control procedures are performed to assess the quality of the data included in all files, including files created from Government-wide systems.

recommendation icon
Management Assistance Report: Office of the Chief of Protocol Gift Vault Access Controls
ESP-22-01
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    The Office of the Chief of Protocol should institute a stronger property management system for items contained in the gift vault similar to the requirements of 14 FAM 421.1, such as regular inventories and reconciliations.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Diplomatic Security should work with the Office of the Chief of Protocol to strengthen the physical security of the gift vault, including an evaluation as to whether security cameras would be appropriate for use to protect the vault.

recommendation icon
(U) Inspection of Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland
ISP-I-22-02
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik should request that the Department of Defense – European Command initiate National Security Decision Directive 38 procedures to remove the position at the U.S. Naval Radio Transmitter Facility at Grindavik, Iceland, from chief of mission authority.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik should comply with Department standards for records management.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should post consular signage in accordance with Department standards.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik should establish standard operating procedures for fraud prevention that implement its fraud prevention strategy.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik should bring its consular crisis management program into compliance with Department standards.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik should establish and administer a training program for its locally employed staff in accordance with Department guidelines.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik should comply with Department standards to complete medical certifications for drivers of official U.S. Government vehicles.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should perform seismic evaluations of its residential properties in accordance with Department standards.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should implement routine and preventive maintenance programs that comply with Department standards.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring its safety, health, and environmental management training into compliance with Department standards.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik, in coordination with the Bureaus of Diplomatic Security and Overseas Buildings Operations, should comply with Department standards for unescorted server room access.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should comply with Department standards for server room safety controls.

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik should reduce the use of individual desktop printers in accordance with Department standards.

  14. Recommendation Number
    14
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Reykjavik should register all dedicated internet networks and approve dedicated internet network software and hardware in accordance with Department standards.

recommendation icon
(U) Audit of the Department of State FY 2021 Information Security Program
AUD-IT-22-06
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed New Report

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed New Report

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented Significant

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed New Report

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  14. Recommendation Number
    14
    Closed Implemented Significant

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  15. Recommendation Number
    15
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  16. Recommendation Number
    16
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  17. Recommendation Number
    17
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  18. Recommendation Number
    18
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

recommendation icon
(U) Audit of the U.S. Agency for Global Media FY 2021 Information Security Program
AUD-IT-IB-22-05
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed New Report

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    Sensitive Information Redacted

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Open Resolved

    Sensitive Information Redacted

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7467 recommendations in total

Last Updated:

Note: The information includes all open recommendations from reports that were issued October 1, 2014. Potential Monetary Benefits values are as stated in reports—subsequent Department and USAGM management decisions and actions may result in different values.

  1. Includes unclassified recommendations in unclassified reports; also includes unclassified recommendations in SBU reports that are publicly available.
  2. Includes SBU recommendations in SBU reports; also includes unclassified recommendations in SBU reports that are not publicly available.
  3. Includes classified recommendations in classified reports; also includes unclassified recommendations in classified reports.

Read more about report definitions.

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