Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
()
or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Department of State
U.S. Agency for Global Media
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should develop and implement a strategic planning process that includes all the bureau’s counterterrorism foreign assistance programs and all partner agencies.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should comply with Department standards for monitoring and evaluation of its foreign assistance programs.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should comply with Department standards regarding the use of third-party contractors in its Office of Programs.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should include standard language on closeout procedures in each interagency agreement, in accordance with Department standards.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should comply with Department standards for Federal assistance award files documentation.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should implement a process to identify and reclassify foreign assistance funds at risk of cancellation, in accordance with Department standards.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should monitor funds spent through its interagency agreements with the Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development and Assistance Training and take corrective actions as needed, in accordance with Department guidance.
OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management designate the “M Family Special Needs Committee” as a permanent coordinating body to complete implementation of the Special Needs Education Allowance reform remedies and to identify and execute additional internal controls that are necessary to effectually administer the Special Needs Education Allowance. The Foreign Affairs Manual should be updated to reflect the formal establishment of the committee, its membership, and responsibility for Special Needs Education Allowance administration.
OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management develop and publish specific guidance in the Foreign Affairs Manual to clarify guidance on obtaining a medical clearance based on educational needs, as it relates to the Special Needs Education Allowance. At a minimum, the guidance should describe the process to obtain medical clearances for children with special needs.
OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management develop and incorporate specific guidance in the Foreign Affairs Manual for the Special Needs Education Allowance eligibility determination process. At a minimum, the guidance should describe the process to determine eligibility for the allowance and a process to appeal an ineligible determination.
OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management incorporate in the Foreign Affairs Manual the guidance outlined in the Department of State Standardized Regulations concerning the allowability of special needs children to reside at post when not in school.
OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management update guidance in the Foreign Affairs Manual, 3 FAM 3284, “Required Documentation,” to include specific, detailed, required contents of an Individual Learning Plan for children with special needs that mirror the requirements prescribed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act for an individualized education program.
OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management update guidance in the Foreign Affairs Manual, 3 FAM 3285, “Department of State Policy,” to establish parameters and guidance for decision makers regarding the term “as flexibly as possible” used in reference to authorizing the Special Needs Education Allowance so that it complies with the requirements of the Department of State Standardized Regulations.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, in coordination with the Bureau of Medical Services, develop and implement a centralized review and payment process for Special Needs Education Allowance reimbursement claims. At a minimum, the process should require review of appropriate documentation to validate that a Special Needs Education Allowance expenditure claim was appropriate and in compliance with Department policy.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services incorporate in the Foreign Affairs Manual or the Foreign Affairs Handbook required use of a Special Needs Education Allowance project code or a budget object code to record expenditures in the Department’s financial management system.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services establish and disseminate instructions to posts on the proper use of the Special Needs Education Allowance project code or budget object code (referenced in Recommendation 8) to accurately track expenditures in the Department’s financial management system.
OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management (a) direct the “M Family Special Needs Committee” (as designated in Recommendation 1) to develop and implement monitoring activities for administering the Special Needs Education Allowance that, at a minimum and in accordance with the Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, include establishing a baseline, monitoring internal controls, and evaluating the results and (b) incorporate the responsibilities for monitoring the Special Needs Education Allowance in the Foreign Affairs Manual.
OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management (a) direct the “M Family Special Needs Committee” (as designated in Recommendation 1) to develop and implement a process to identify, evaluate, and remediate deficiencies identified with the Special Needs Education Allowance, that at a minimum and in accordance with the Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, include the reporting of issues, evaluations of issues, and corrective action documentation and (b) incorporate the responsibilities for the processes in the Foreign Affairs Manual.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of Medical Services develop and implement internal policies and procedures to guide and document the processes followed to review and authorize Special Needs Education Allowance applications.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of Medical Services develop and implement internal policies and procedures to guide the effective use of eMED to document the Special Needs Education Allowance application status. The policies and procedures should ensure accurate, real-time data are available to appropriate Department of State officials.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Office of Allowances, develop and implement internal controls to ensure the Special Needs Education Allowance rates are reviewed annually, as required by Office of Allowances standard operating procedures.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Office of Allowances, update its methodology for calculating the Special Needs Education Allowance school at post and school away from post rates to require the use of actual Special Needs Education Allowance expenditures as the basis for the establishing rates.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services update the Foreign Affairs Manual to reflect the requirements and exemptions found in the Federal Travel Regulation, 41 C.F.R., §§ 301-51.1, 301-51.2, 301-51.3, and 301-51.4.
OIG recommends that the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services update the Foreign Affairs Handbook to reflect the requirements and exemptions found in the Federal Travel Regulation, 41 C.F.R., §§ 301-51.1, 301-51.2, 301-51.3, and 301-51.4.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with Office of Civil Rights, should investigate the expressed concerns within the National Passport Center workforce of sexual harassment and discrimination.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs should assess the skills, knowledge, abilities, and conduct of the National Passport Center’s current senior and mid-level management staff to determine whether they should remain in their positions.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should conduct an organizational assessment of the National Passport Center’s structure and responsibilities and implement appropriate recommendations.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs should implement an effective model for providing employee relations services to National Passport Center management and staff.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the National Passport Center to develop and publish policies, in compliance with applicable Department standards, that cover shift hours/core hours, flexible work schedules, awards program, and leave without pay.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs should review the National Passport Center’s use of the second shift and institute changes to provide for greater supervision of employees and minimize premium pay costs.
Embassy Dhaka should comply with Department requirements for Federal assistance awards managed by the Political-Economic Section.
Embassy Dhaka should implement a training plan for the Public Diplomacy Section in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should bring its social media program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should resume issuing an Annual Program Statement for its Public Diplomacy grants program.
Embassy Dhaka should cease having locally employed staff answer routine visa inquires and direct such inquiries to the vendor contracted by the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Embassy Dhaka should implement formal training plans for Consular Section officers in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should implement a cross-training program for Consular Section locally employed staff, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should create consular crisis preparedness plans in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should install a closed-circuit television monitoring system or other means to enable consular managers to visually observe the activities within the Consular Section cashier booth.
Embassy Dhaka should correct line-of-sight issues in the Consular Section to comply with Department guidance for consular officers to visually monitor all consular operations.
Embassy Dhaka should comply with all Department Overseas Motor Vehicle Safety standards for chauffeurs and incidental drivers under chief of mission authority.
Embassy Dhaka should prohibit locally employed staff mechanics from servicing personally owned vehicles on U.S. Government property or with U.S. Government equipment, in accordance with Federal regulations.
Embassy Dhaka should document all nonexpendable property disposals in the Integrated Logistics Management System, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should dismantle and remove its shipping containers and portable structures in accordance with Department requirements.
Embassy Dhaka should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should submit all hotel and restaurant reports to the Bureau of Administration in accordance with Department guidelines.
Embassy Dhaka, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should conduct a technical review of the design plans for the two structures used as warehouses on the embassy annex compound and submit the survey for approval, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka, 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 Dhaka should bring its residential fire protection program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should submit its hardship differential survey in accordance with Department guidelines.
Embassy Dhaka should manage the American Embassy Employees Association in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should require that the Information Systems Security Officer perform information systems security duties in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka, in coordination with the Regional Information Management Center Bangkok and the Bureau of Information Resource Management, should correct the embassy’s network cabling infrastructure, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should comply with Department standards for records management.
Embassy Dhaka should complete annual tests of the information technology contingency plans for the unclassified and classified networks in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Dhaka should conduct initial and annual refresher information technology contingency training for employees with information technology contingency planning responsibilities, in accordance with Department standards.
Sensitive Information Redacted
Sensitive Information Redacted
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should implement a system to identify and mitigate internal control risks for its programs.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should implement a plan to improve policy guidance, training, and administrative support for Regional Field Coordinators.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should update and enforce standard operating procedures to ensure issuance of the Country Reports on Terrorism by the congressionally mandated deadlines.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should designate an employee with substantive knowledge of contract 19AQMM18F2561 as the contracting officer’s representative.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should develop a quality assurance surveillance plan for contract 19AQMM18F2561, in accordance with Department standards.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should implement a plan to measure the effectiveness of administrative services, make service improvements based on these metrics, and communicate regularly about administrative issues within the bureau.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should assess the viability of the CT Tasker Tracker and make a decision regarding its future use.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should comply with Department standards to prepare a bureau emergency action plan.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should establish a policy on personal use of U.S. Government cell phones in accordance with Department standards.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should complete and implement information technology contingency plans for the unclassified and classified networks in accordance with Department standards.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism should establish a records management program that complies with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with Department standards on reporting actions on demarche requests.
Embassy Kathmandu should conduct public diplomacy strategic planning in accordance with instructions for the FY 2020 Public Diplomacy Implementation Plan and other Department guidance.
Embassy Kathmandu should implement an annual training plan for public diplomacy staff in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with all Department overseas motor vehicle safety standards for chauffeurs and incidental drivers under chief of mission authority.
Embassy Kathmandu should update its motor vehicle policy in accordance with Department guidelines.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with Department guidance in determining whether home-to-work motor pool transportation for locally employed staff is allowable.
Embassy Kathmandu should bring its property management procedures into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should cease paying for cleaning locally employed staff uniforms.
Embassy Kathmandu should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with Department standards for use of suspense deposit abroad accounts.
Embassy Kathmandu should bring its cashier operations into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should bring its local compensation plan into compliance with Nepali labor laws.
Embassy Kathmandu should require the Provident Fund Board of Trustees to manage the fund’s operations in accordance with the fund’s authorization requirements.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with the Department’s accounting standards for the local employee retirement Provident Fund.
Embassy Kathmandu should require that the Information Systems Security Officer perform information systems security duties in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should complete information technology contingency plans for the unclassified and classified networks and tests the plans in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should conduct initial and annual refresher information technology contingency training for employees with information technology contingency planning responsibilities in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Yaoundé should complete a plan to integrate Embassy Branch Office Douala into embassy operations in accordance with the embassy’s Integrated Country Strategy and as recommended by Department guidance.
Embassy Yaoundé, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should provide protection from the elements for consular applicants, in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Yaoundé should install a closed-circuit television monitoring system or other means to enable consular managers to visually observe the activities within the Consular Section cashier booth.
Embassy Yaoundé should bring its safety, health, and environmental management program into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Yaoundé should bring its residential fire protection program into compliance with Department standards.
The Bureau of Global Talent Management, in coordination with Embassy Yaoundé, should determine whether the embassy’s pending local compensation plan requests should be incorporated into the local compensation plan.
Embassy Yaoundé should comply with Department standards for documenting nonexpendable property transfers.
Embassy Yaoundé should close procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Yaoundé should require potential contracting officers’ representatives to apply for certification in the Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives system in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Yaoundé should implement documented operational procedures for recording and tracking helpdesk requests for the unclassified and classified networks, in accordance with Department guidelines.
Embassy Yaoundé should require the Information Systems Security Officer to perform information systems security duties in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Yaoundé, in coordination with Regional Information Management Center Johannesburg and the Bureau of Information Resource Management, should repair or replace the embassy's emergency high frequency radio equipment in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Yaoundé should conduct records retirement in accordance with Department records management standards.
The Bureau of African Affairs should document its foreign assistance business processes, including administrative responsibilities and internal control procedures for project planning, funds management, human resources, contract and grants management, and risk management.
The Bureau of African Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, should update and finalize its standard operating procedures for the reclassification of Peacekeeping Operations funds to reflect the roles and responsibilities of all individuals in the reclassification process.
The Bureau of African Affairs should develop an internal control system to ensure completion of all required grants officer representative evaluation reports, as outlined in the Federal Assistance Directive.
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.
