Recommendations

Department of State

444

Open Unclassified Recommendations¹

134

Open Sensitive But Unclassified Recommendations²

416

Open Classified Recommendations³

U.S. Agency for Global Media

0

Open Unclassified Recommendations¹

36

Open Sensitive But Unclassified Recommendations²

0

Open Classified Recommendations³

Department recommendations include 49 recommendations that are associated with the International Boundary Water Commission.

Keyword or Phrase

Action Office

Status

Financial Value

Significant

Issued Date (From)

Issued Date (To)

Reports Per Page

Targeted Inspection of the U.S. Agency for Global Media: Journalistic Standards and Principles

ISP-IB-21-06 December 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Office of Cuba Broadcasting, in coordination with the U.S. Agency for Global Media, should prepare and communicate with its staff a comprehensive plan for timely implementation of the editorial oversight reforms, including annual program reviews.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Voice of America, in coordination with the United States Agency for Global Media, should schedule and conduct a program review of each of its language services at least once per year.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

The Office of Cuba Broadcasting should develop an updated version of its journalistic standards and communicate those standards in English and Spanish to its internal workforce and external audiences.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The United States Agency for Global Media should direct each network to develop systematic employee training on journalistic standards and related professional development plans.

Review of Department of State Foreign Assistance Tracking Capabilities

ISP-I-21-09 December 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Office of Foreign Assistance, in coordination with the Bureaus of Administration and the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, should consult with bureaus that manage foreign assistance funds to assess potential effects and resource implications of their changes to IT systems and develop and implement an action plan to mitigate adverse effects.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Office of Foreign Assistance, in coordination with the Bureaus of Administration and the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, should clearly communicate foreign assistance tracking requirements for bureaus that manage foreign assistance and provide the training necessary to implement these changes.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented Significant

The Office of Foreign Assistance should develop and communicate a plan and process to monitor bureaus that manage foreign assistance to ensure compliance with any new foreign assistance tracking requirements.

Management Assistance Report: Continued Deficiencies in Performance of Information Systems Security Officer Responsibilities at Overseas Posts

ISP-21-07 December 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Global Talent Management, in coordination with the Under Secretary for Management, the Bureaus of Diplomatic Security and Information Resource Management, and the regional bureaus, should conduct an organizational assessment of the information systems security officer program to determine the feasibility of creating full-time overseas positions and implement the results of the assessment with an appropriate reporting structure for those positions.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, should incorporate an attestation relating to the completion of information systems security officer responsibilities in the annual Chief of Mission Management Control Statement of Assurance.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management, in coordination with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and regional bureaus, should define the roles and responsibilities for regional information systems security officers and liaisons and clarify the level of interaction and support these positions are to give to overseas information systems security officers, and update applicable Department standards as needed.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management should review and update the information systems security officer checklist and clearly state for each task whether it should be performed by overseas information systems security officers, by other overseas post information management personnel, or by the Bureau of Information Resource Management.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Information Resource Management, in coordination with the Foreign Service Institute, should update the information systems security officer foundations training course to increase both hands-on exercises and discussion on how to perform specific tasks and use Department-provided tools.

Management Assistance Report: Representational Travel by the Spouse of the Secretary of State

ESP-21-01 December 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Office of the Secretary, Executive Secretariat, should seek and gain written approval from an appropriate authorizing official for all representational travel by any family member of the Secretary of State.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Under Secretary for Management, or other authorizing official, should document in writing the approval for all representational trips by any family member of the Secretary of State.

(U) Management Assistance Report: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Compliance Process Related to Post Security Program Reviews Needs Improvement

AUD-SI-21-04 December 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security revise Post Security Program Review policies and standard operating procedures to include how the new application within the “RSO Tools” portal has been employed to track regional security officer compliance responses.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security update its Post Security Program Review policies and standard operating procedures to clarify requirements for following up on overdue responses from posts related to security deficiencies identified. The update should, at a minimum, include a process for notifying higher level post officials when responses are overdue, a process for tracking when responses are due, and a set schedule (with established intervals and milestones) for following up with posts.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security update its Post Security Program Review policies and standard operating procedures to require regional security officers provide detailed, documented evidence that demonstrates corrective actions have been taken to remediate identified Post Security Program Review deficiencies and that those recommendations warrant closure.

Management Assistance Report: Expendable Property Management Overseas

ISP-21-11 November 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, should update its expendable property management guidance and include internal control procedures governing expendable property management on its Annual Physical Inventory and Reconciliation and annual Chief of Mission Management Control Statement of Assurance compliance questionnaires.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should issue formal guidance on the receipt and accountability of overseas surplus construction materials and supplies.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Administration should develop and implement a plan to add an alert capability to improve the internal control capability of the Integrated Logistics System Expendables module.

Inspection of Consulate General Hamilton, Bermuda

ISP-I-21-03 November 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy London should request that the Department of Homeland Security initiate National Security Decision Directive 38 procedures to either retain or abolish its Customs and Border Protection positions at Consulate General Hamilton that have been vacant for at least 2 years.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs should provide management support to Consulate General Hamilton that is dependable and includes timely support from service providers.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

Embassy London should designate its Management Counselor as the reviewing officer for Consulate General Hamilton's Management Officer, in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, in coordination with Embassy London, should implement an effective model for oversight of Consulate General Hamilton’s security program.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Consulate General Hamilton should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

Consulate General Hamilton should implement procedures to limit the duty time for drivers of U.S. Government-owned or -leased vehicles to the 10-hour daily maximum, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

Consulate General Hamilton should register its dedicated internet networks with the Information Technology Configuration Control Board dedicated internet network registration site, in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Consulate General Hamilton should install an environmental monitoring system in the unclassified server room in accordance with Department standards.

Inspection of the Libya External Office

ISP-I-21-04 November 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Libya External Office, in coordination with the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, should review Libya-based management controls and include any noted deficiencies in its FY 2020 Annual Chief of Mission Management Control Statement of Assurance.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented $7,000,000 Significant

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations and the Libya External Office, should conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the Department should continue to lease the interim embassy compound in Tripoli and put up to $7 million to better use if the decision is to terminate the lease.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented Significant

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration and the Libya External Office, should review the status of U.S. Government property in Tripoli and, if warranted, direct the abandonment of the property.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, in coordination with the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions and the Libya External Office, should conduct a review of the Libya External Office’s staffing in Tunis and Libya.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

The Libya External Office should assess the progress of U.S. Government foreign assistance programs operating in Libya to ensure alignment with current policy and planning requirements.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

The Libya External Office should update its guidance for monitoring foreign assistance programs that benefit Libya.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

The Libya External Office, in coordination with the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and the Bureau of Administration, should develop and publish a formal risk management policy for foreign assistance programs operating in Libya, including updating current risks and outlining the process for identifying and managing risk.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

The Libya External Office, in coordination with Embassy Tunis and the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, should execute a memorandum of agreement between the Libya External Office and Embassy Tunis.

(U) Management Assistance Report: Deficiencies Identified in Communications Security Account Management

ISP-21-01 October 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Sensitive Information Redacted

Audit of the Department of State Bureau of African Affairs Monitoring and Coordination of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program

AUD-MERO-20-42 October 2020

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs develop and implement bureau-wide standard operating procedures for conducting invoice reviews that include (a) steps to independently verify contractor performance is acceptable; (b) methods to ensure payments are authorized, accurate, legal, and correct and that the goods were actually received or services were actually performed; and (c) validation that the certifying officer makes payments only after receiving approval from an officer with knowledge of the receipt of the goods or services covered by the voucher.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs develop and implement procedures that ensure personnel charged with monitoring and overseeing the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership projects in the countries of performance are formally authorized to perform these functions through designation as a government technical monitor or alternate contracting officer’s representatives in accordance with the Foreign Affairs Handbook Section 14 FAH-2 H-140.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs (AF), in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, (a) develop a monitoring plan template that can be tailored to each contract, a quality assurance surveillance plan template that can be tailored to each contract, and include these plans in the contract requirements checklist used by contracting officer’s representatives (CORs) overseeing the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership projects; and (b) ensure that CORs use these plans and other monitoring methods described in 14 FAH-2 H-520 to perform oversight of contracts.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs develop a process to monitor assistance provided to host nations participating in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. In doing so, the Bureau should consider the methods described in 14 FAH-2 H-522.8, “Creative Monitoring,” such as global positioning systems units to track the locations and travel of contractors, badge readers to determine number of individuals served at an event, and the use of radio frequency identification to track property, deliveries, and locations.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented $89,511,708 Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, (a) determine whether $89,511,708 in questioned costs related to the G5 Force Support Task Order (contract 19AQMM18F3925) were allowable and/or supportable; and (b) recover any costs determined to be unallowable and/or unsupported.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented $10,165,351 Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, (a) determine whether $10,165,351 in questioned costs related to the Regional Boat Capability Program (contract SAQMMA17F4534) were allowable and/or supportable; and (b) recover any costs determined to be unallowable and/or unsupported.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented $3,302,260 Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, (a) determine whether $3,302,260 in questioned costs related to the Salak Air Base Expansion (contract SAQMMA17F3555) were allowable and/or supportable; and (b) recover any costs determined to be unallowable and/or unsupported.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented $5,984,138 Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, (a) determine whether $5,984,138 in questioned costs related to the Niger C-130 Hangar (contract 19AQMM18F4856), were allowable and/or supportable; and (b) recover any costs determined to be unallowable and/or unsupported.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs develop a written framework and work with other Government entities to achieve a whole-of-government approach in the execution of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership program that includes elements such as roles and responsibilities, organizational structure, and coordination mechanisms.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Not Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs establish and implement memoranda of understanding with the Office of Security Cooperation and other partners, as applicable, to describe roles and responsibilities for coordinating, executing, and monitoring Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) projects in the countries where TSCTP is implemented, including establishment of a structure for communicating and coordinating in-country.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs, in coordination with relevant bureaus, establish, populate, and maintain a central repository of all Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership projects, accessible to those involved with the execution of projects, that includes project name and identification number, the project proposal, the award mechanism, a detailed description of the project, and project documentation needed for implementation.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs determine and take steps to hire the appropriate number of staff needed to manage, administer, and support the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership projects.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs establish and lead a working group to develop and implement an action plan to address the longstanding challenges associated with monitoring and coordinating the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership projects.

7467 recommendations in total

Last Updated: June 7th, 2026

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.

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

Recommendations

444

$15,045,004

134

$0

416

$218,173,822

0

$0

36

$0

0

$0