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Recommendations

Department of State

U.S. Agency for Global Media

Department recommendations include 49 recommendations that are associated with the International Boundary Water Commission.
 
ISP-I-19-07
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro should update and test its warden system in accordance with Department standards.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro should implement a plan to engage the U.S. citizen community throughout the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro should conduct a validation study on nonimmigrant visas in accordance with Department standards.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should install a closed-circuit TV or other system in the office of the Political/Economic/Consular Officer to provide line of sight in the Consular Section in accordance with Department standards.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro should require that the Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Committee meet at least semi-annually, in accordance with Department standards.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro should publish a fire evacuation plan and hold fire drills in accordance with Department standards.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro should adjust driver work schedules to bring them into compliance with Department standards.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should update and conduct annual information technology contingency plan testing of the unclassified and classified networks in accordance with Department standards.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should establish an Information Technology Configuration Control Board in accordance with Department standards.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro should relocate the telecommunications demarcation point outside the information systems server room in accordance with Department standards.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Manila should complete and document Information Systems Security Officer reviews as required by Department standards.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Majuro should establish a records management program in accordance with Department standards.

ISP-I-19-06
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should implement a standard operating procedure for conducting supervisory reviews of nonimmigrant visa adjudications in accordance with Department standards.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should take actions to prepare for a consular crisis according to Department guidance.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should assess and test its warden system in accordance with Department standards.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should obtain general authorization from the Bureau of Consular Affairs to issue travel letters to U.S. citizens in emergency situations.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should develop a consular fraud prevention strategy in accordance with Department guidelines.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should establish a duty officer program in accordance with Department standards.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should implement a procurement process to avoid excessive acquisitions, in accordance with Department standards.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should dispose of excess property in accordance with Department standards.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should request authorization to maintain the additional vehicles or dispose of three vehicles according to Department guidelines and put proceeds of sale to better use.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should record information on embassy vehicles in the Integrated Logistics Management System, as required by Department standards.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented $823,547

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should review all unliquidated obligations, deobligate any funds that are no longer needed, and put up to $823,547 to better use.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should conduct monthly unannounced cash counts at unpredictable times during each month in accordance with Department standards.

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should update and conduct annual information technology contingency plan testing of the unclassified and classified networks in accordance with Department standards.

  14. Recommendation Number
    14
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should establish a local Information Technology Configuration Control Board in accordance with Department standards.

  15. Recommendation Number
    15
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should register its dedicated internet network in accordance with Department standards.

  16. Recommendation Number
    16
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should encrypt all laptops in accordance with Department standards.

  17. Recommendation Number
    17
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Manila should complete and document Information Systems Security Officer reviews as required by Department standards.

  18. Recommendation Number
    18
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should apply labels on the electrical panels according to Department standards.

  19. Recommendation Number
    19
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror should install a temperature monitoring device in its unclassified server room in accordance with Department standards.

  20. Recommendation Number
    20
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should establish a records management program in accordance with Department standards.

  21. Recommendation Number
    21
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Koror, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should implement standard operating procedures for managing its unclassified networks.

ISP-I-19-05
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should implement an Equal Employment Opportunity program that is in accordance with Department standards.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should review nonimmigrant visa adjudications according to Department standards.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should take the actions to prepare for a consular crisis according to Department guidance.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should assess and test its warden system in accordance with Department standards.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should obtain a general authorization from the Bureau of Consular Affairs to issue travel letters to U.S. citizens in emergency situations.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should conduct purchase card procurement reviews in accordance with Department standards.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should collect all outstanding charges for personal use of official vehicles.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia, in coordination with Embassy Manila and the Bureau of Administration, should seek to ratify its unauthorized commitment in accordance with Department standards.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented $707,000

    Embassy Kolonia, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should review $707,000 in unliquidated obligations and deobligate any funds that are no longer needed.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should conduct monthly unannounced cash counts at unpredictable times in accordance with Department standards.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should complete all overdue employee performance reports in accordance with Department standards.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should update and test the annual information technology contingency plan for its unclassified and classified networks in accordance with Department standards.

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should establish a local Information Technology Configuration Control Board in accordance with Department standards.

  14. Recommendation Number
    14
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Manila should complete and document Information Systems Security Officer reviews at Embassy Kolonia as required by Department standards.

  15. Recommendation Number
    15
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia should install a temperature monitoring device in the unclassified server room in accordance with Department standards.

  16. Recommendation Number
    16
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Kolonia, in coordination with Embassy Manila, should establish a records management program in accordance with Department guidelines.

AUD-SI-19-11
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Not Implemented $24,000,000 Significant

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration not exercise option years 2 and 3 of SAQMMA16C0077, thereby putting $24 million of taxpayer funds to better use.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Deputy Under Secretary for Management determine the necessity of awarding a new contract or contracts for an aeromedical biological containment capability, non-biocontainment aeromedical evacuations, or other air transport missions of a non-medical nature and whether any acquisition under such new contract(s) is justified as a sole-source or other form of other-than-fully-and-openly competed procurement.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that if it is determined that one or more new contracts is necessary (Recommendation 2), that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureaus of Medical Services and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, perform acquisition planning to establish detailed requirements essential to supporting the contracted air mission capabilities and assess those requirements annually against current conditions.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that, if it is determined that one or more new contracts is necessary (Recommendation 2), the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureaus of Medical Services and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, execute the contract solicitation using full and open competition, to the extent required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and that any solicitation and award determined to be justified as a sole-source or other form of less-than-fully-and-openly competed procurement be confined to the specific goods or services that satisfy the FAR criteria for other than full and open competition.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Acceptable Alternative

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration determine the reason or reasons that the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative inappropriately modified SAQMMA16C0077 and assess whether disciplinary actions and revisions to the delegation structure or oversight roles need to be implemented.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented Significant

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, use the existing worldwide aviation support services contract or award a contract using full and open competition to establish air shuttle services between Kenya and Somalia.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Acceptable Alternative Significant

    OIG recommends that the Deputy Under Secretary for Management direct that all Department of State aviation services, except those for logistics support of nonrecurring and unpredictable requirements managed by the Bureau of Administration, be assigned to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Aviation, to support Department of State compliance with applicable Federal aviation regulations and requirements.

ISP-I-19-10
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should implement functional training plans for incumbent and incoming staff in the mission’s Political Sections.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi, in coordination with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, should develop and implement an end-use monitoring plan to conduct required end-use monitoring checks in accordance with Department standards.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi, in coordination with the Bureau of Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, should prepare a position description for the regional counterterrorism coordinator position, number 10262001, that contains an accurate statement of responsibilities.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    The Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, in coordination with Embassy New Delhi and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, should update all public diplomacy position descriptions by implementing the Public Diplomacy Locally Employed Staff Initiative at Mission India in FY 2019.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should implement an annual training plan to prioritize and fund mission-wide training needs for all Public Affairs Section positions.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi, in coordination with the Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and the Bureau of International Information Programs, should develop audience and impact metrics for the Public Affairs Section’s magazine, SPAN.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should integrate SPAN into the Public Affairs Section’s broader digital media activities.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should conduct a review of the North India Office structure, staffing, and performance to determine whether it is sufficiently resourced and appropriately structured to carry out its stated mission, and implement any recommended changes resulting from the review.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should comply with the Department standards for crisis preparedness.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should provide a closed-circuit TV monitoring system or other means to enable consular managers to visually observe activities at nonimmigrant and immigrant visa windows within the Consular Section.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should update the position descriptions for consular locally employed staff at Consulate General Kolkata in accordance with Department standards.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented $65,772

    Embassy New Delhi should reconcile transactions in the Suspense Deposit Abroad account in accordance with Department guidelines, and put funds of $65,772 to better use.

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed Implemented $52,385

    Embassy New Delhi should clear overdue travel advances in accordance with Department guidelines, and put funds up to $52,385 to better use.

  14. Recommendation Number
    14
    Closed Implemented $81,331

    Embassy New Delhi, in coordination with the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs and the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, should reprogram additional Diplomatic and Consular Program-funded Information Management positions to International Cooperative Administrative Support Services-funded positions in order to put funds of $81,331 per position to better use.

  15. Recommendation Number
    15
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should remove the Hindi language requirement from the Kabul Support Unit locally employed staff position descriptions.

  16. Recommendation Number
    16
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should update its locally employed staff handbook in accordance with Department standards.

  17. Recommendation Number
    17
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should submit all hardship differential surveys to the Bureau of Administration in accordance with Department standards.

  18. Recommendation Number
    18
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should require that all chauffeurs and incidental drivers under Chief of Mission authority comply with applicable Department overseas motor vehicle safety requirements.

  19. Recommendation Number
    19
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should bring its motor vehicle fleet into compliance with Department standards.

  20. Recommendation Number
    20
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should review its fleet reports in accordance with Department standards.

  21. Recommendation Number
    21
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should document nonexpendable property transfers in accordance with Department standards.

  22. Recommendation Number
    22
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should bring expendable supplies management into compliance with Department standards.

  23. Recommendation Number
    23
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi, in coordination with the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs and the Bureau of Administration, should ratify all unauthorized commitments in accordance with Department standards.

  24. Recommendation Number
    24
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should submit its hotel and restaurant reports to the Bureau of Administration.

  25. Recommendation Number
    25
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should implement an action plan to resolve the mission’s safety, health, and environmental management deficiencies and bring the program into full compliance with Department standards.

  26. Recommendation Number
    26
    Closed Implemented Significant

    Embassy New Delhi should submit design plans to the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations for the unapproved modifications to property numbers X9990, X9991, X9992, X9993, X9999, and X29001 in Kolkata, and R1007 and R1012 in Mumbai.

  27. Recommendation Number
    27
    Closed Implemented Significant

    The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations should conduct a technical review of the design plans for property numbers X01021 in New Delhi; X9990, X9991, X9992, X9993, X9999, and X29001 in Kolkata; and R1007 and R1012 in Mumbai, in accordance with Department standards, and work with Embassy New Delhi to remedy any modifications that OBO is unable to retroactively approve.

  28. Recommendation Number
    28
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, in coordination with Embassy New Delhi, should install access controls for Consulate General Mumbai’s on-compound warehouse, in accordance with Department standards.

  29. Recommendation Number
    29
    Closed Not Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should bring its method and procedures for procuring fuel from the American Community Support Association into compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

  30. Recommendation Number
    30
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should establish roles and responsibilities for the mission’s Information Systems Security Officers in accordance with Department standards.

  31. Recommendation Number
    31
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should complete a security assessment and obtain an authorization to operate for each locally developed application in accordance with Department standards.

  32. Recommendation Number
    32
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should implement a standard operating procedure for application development.

  33. Recommendation Number
    33
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should implement standard operating procedures to inventory, manage configurations, and monitor the mission’s dedicated internet networks in accordance with Department standards.

  34. Recommendation Number
    34
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, in coordination with Embassy Kabul and Embassy New Delhi, should revise the Service Level Agreement to establish clear roles for the supervision of the Kabul Support Unit.

  35. Recommendation Number
    35
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should implement a detailed plan that includes a cost-benefit analysis to consolidate its two print and graphics operations.

  36. Recommendation Number
    36
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should assign roles and responsibilities for management of the centralized classified networks.

  37. Recommendation Number
    37
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should develop and implement knowledge management procedures for capturing, sharing, transferring, and retaining information related to the mission’s information management programs, in accordance with Department standards.

  38. Recommendation Number
    38
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should annually test the information technology contingency plans for the unclassified and classified networks in the embassy and Consulate General Hyderabad in accordance with Department standards.

  39. Recommendation Number
    39
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy New Delhi should implement a plan to conduct initial and annual refresher information technology contingency training for employees with information technology contingency planning responsibilities in the embassy and Consulate General Hyderabad.

AUD-MERO-19-10
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (a) analyze all contracts for which it assigns Contracting Officer’s Representatives and Government Technical Monitors and determine the appropriate level of Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives, the technical expertise, and other qualifications required; (b) document the analysis and determinations; (c) and provide the determinations to the Contracting Officers assigned to those contracts.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs compare Contracting Officer’s Representative and Government Technical Monitor nominee qualifications to the analysis conducted for the Bureau’s contracts as noted in Recommendation 1 and only nominate those with the necessary technical expertise and level of Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives to oversee the contract and hold contractors accountable for quality and cost performance in accordance with contract terms.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs include Contracting Officer’s Representative and Government Technical Monitor nominees’ technical expertise in the written nomination presented to the Contracting Officer, as required by 14 Foreign Affairs Handbook 2 H-143.2, “COR Appointment Procedures.”

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Not Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs discontinue the practice of nominating Contracting Officer’s Representatives and Government Technical Monitors who do not meet Level III Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives and technical expertise requirements for its contracts or obtain a temporary waiver from the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, as required by Procurement Information Bulletin No. 2012-15.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed New Report Significant

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive create, organize, and lead a multi-bureau working group with the goal of remedying identified shortfalls with the current and future Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) workforce. The working group should, at a minimum: (a) explore building a roster of certified Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives and their technical expertise and a mechanism to keep this roster current, (b) research the inclusion of CORs in the strategic human capital plan with the goal of addressing current and future COR needs and developing plans Department-wide to alleviate identified shortfalls, (c) study other alternatives for feasibility of implementation, such as using special pay incentives or a new COR skill code or employment track within the Foreign Service, and (d) provide its documented results and recommendations to the Under Secretary for Management for his awareness and consideration.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Human Resources, evaluate and document the expanded use of personal services contractors to serve as Contracting Officer’s Representatives for large and complex contracts requiring a Level III Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives and sufficient technical expertise in the contract’s subject matter, and report the results of the evaluation to the Deputy Secretary of State for his awareness and consideration.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs evaluate and document the use of limited non-career appointees to serve as Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs) when Foreign Service Officers bidding for COR positions in Iraq are not qualified with the appropriate level of Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives and sufficient technical expertise in the contract subject matter, and report the results of the evaluation to the Deputy Secretary of State for his awareness and consideration.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs develop and implement a process that requires Contracting Officer’s Representatives and Government Technical Monitors whose contract administration and oversight duties entail 25 percent or more of their workload to establish work commitments in annual performance evaluations that are aligned with their delegated contracting administration and oversight responsibilities and consistent with 14 Foreign Affairs Handbook-2 H-114, “COR Work Commitments.”

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs develop and implement procedures that require rating officials of Contracting Officer’s Representatives to solicit performance input from the Contracting Officer via email or memorandum for related work commitments when the Contracting Officer’s Representatives’ duties entail 25 percent or more of their workload, as required by 14 Foreign Affairs Handbook-2 H-114, “COR Work Commitments.”

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented Significant

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive update 14 Foreign Affairs Handbook-2 H-114, “COR Work Commitments,” to include a requirement for rating officials of Government Technical Monitors to solicit performance input from the Contracting Officer’s Representative or other informed contracting personnel via email or memorandum for related work commitments when the Government Technical Monitors’ duties entail 25 percent or more of their workload.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs require the Contract Management Office in Iraq to update its Contract and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) File Maintenance Standard Operating Procedure and corresponding checklists to require CORs to maintain all pertinent documentation, including contractor progress reports, in the COR files in accordance with 14 Foreign Affairs Handbook-2 H-517, “Standard Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Working File.”

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs require the Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs) for contracts SAQMMA12D0165, SAQMMA13D0120, SAQMMA17C0180, SAQMMA16C0203, SAQMMA16C0313, and SAQMMA17C0085 to retroactively populate the COR files for these contracts to include all contractor progress reports, contract-related documentation, trafficking-in-persons inspections, and other deliverables.

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed Implemented

    OIG recommends that the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs require the Contract Management Office in Iraq to (a) conduct inspections of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) files for contracts SAQMMA12D0165, SAQMMA13D0120, SAQMMA17C0180, SAQMMA16C0203, SAQMMA16C0313, and SAQMMA17C0085 within 30 days of the date of this report and (b) certify whether the COR files are complete and, if not, report the corresponding COR’s non-compliance to the appropriate supervisor in accordance with the bureau’s guidance.

ISP-I-19-13
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented Significant

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should, within 60 days, develop a corrective action plan to address the leadership and management deficiencies at the National Passport Center. At a minimum, the corrective action plan should address Recommendations 2 through 12 and include milestones and target implementation dates for the resolution of each. In addition, the action plan should be reviewed and approved by the Under Secretary for Management.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed New Report Significant

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Office of Civil Rights, should investigate the expressed concerns within the National Passport Center workforce of sexual harassment and discrimination.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed New Report

    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.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should implement mechanisms to facilitate more frequent communication and feedback from National Passport Center management to employees. These mechanisms should include means of holding managers accountable for meeting with employees to discuss new passport adjudication guidance in accordance with Department standards.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should develop a consistent method to document, communicate, and retain passport adjudication policy and procedure updates and guidance for employee reference.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the National Passport Center to implement a local training program that equips employees with the skills needed to perform their duties.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed New Report

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Human Resources, should conduct an organizational assessment of the National Passport Agency’s structure and responsibilities and implement appropriate recommendations.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should implement an effective model for providing human resource services to National Passport Center management and staff.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed New Report

    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.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed New Report

    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.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should require the National Passport Center management to follow Department standards for facility access control.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should establish roles and responsibilities for the Regional and Assistant Director Information Systems Security Officers, in accordance with Department standards.

ISP-I-19-04
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should nominate an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor in accordance with Department guidance.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, in coordination with Embassy Banjul and the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should renovate Embassy Banjul’s Consular Section to comply with Department standards.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should implement a formal training program for its locally employed staff in accordance with Department standards.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should revise its local compensation plan to define specific criteria that would warrant a salary advance and outline requirements for supporting documentation.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented $2,000

    Embassy Banjul, in coordination with the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, should collect outstanding salary advances of $2,000 due from former employees and put those funds to better use.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Administration, in coordination with Embassy Banjul, should conduct a staff assistance visit to address contract administration deficiencies.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should implement an annual acquisition plan, in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should require that Information Systems Security Officers perform information systems security duties, in accordance with Department guidance.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should implement standard operating procedures for supporting and maintaining dedicated internet networks in accordance with Department standards.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should implement procedures to accurately bill for monthly telephone services in accordance with Department standards.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should issue cell phones to locally employed staff members in accordance with Department standards.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should implement a cell phone policy that complies with Department standards

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should implement knowledge management procedures for capturing, sharing, transferring, and retaining information related to its information management programs.

  14. Recommendation Number
    14
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should test the information technology contingency plans for unclassified and classified networks in accordance with Department guidance.

  15. Recommendation Number
    15
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Banjul should implement a plan for conducting information technology contingency training for appropriate employees, in accordance with Department standards.

ISP-I-19-03
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should formalize a reporting and oversight relationship between the Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer and the Public Diplomacy Assistant at the Bissau Liaison Office.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should implement a training plan for newly arrived American staff in the Consular Section, in accordance with Department standards.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should conduct nonimmigrant visa adjudication reviews in accordance with Department standards.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should comply with Department standards for responses to congressional inquiries.

  5. Recommendation Number
    5
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should eliminate the direct-hire Residence Manager position.

  6. Recommendation Number
    6
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should implement an annual acquisition plan.

  7. Recommendation Number
    7
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should conduct oversight of residential fuel operations in accordance with Department guidelines.

  8. Recommendation Number
    8
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should implement a corrective action plan to bring all professional and incidental drivers into compliance with the Department’s Overseas Motor Vehicle Safety Management Program.

  9. Recommendation Number
    9
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should require that all official vehicles be garaged and parked in compliance with Department standards.

  10. Recommendation Number
    10
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should require that Information Systems Security Officers perform information systems security officer duties, in accordance with Department standards.

  11. Recommendation Number
    11
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should implement a standard operating procedure to manage its Active Directory groups for its classified and unclassified networks in accordance with Department standards.

  12. Recommendation Number
    12
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should establish its local Information Technology Configuration Control Board in accordance with Department standards.

  13. Recommendation Number
    13
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should inventory, baseline, and approve the information technology hardware and software operating on its dedicated internet networks.

  14. Recommendation Number
    14
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should implement standard operating procedures for supporting and maintaining dedicated internet networks.

  15. Recommendation Number
    15
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should develop a service level agreement between the Information Management Section staff and dedicated internet network customers that defines the services provided and the roles and responsibilities of the user.

  16. Recommendation Number
    16
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should implement procedures to accurately bill embassy sections and employees for monthly telephone services.

  17. Recommendation Number
    17
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should implement knowledge management procedures for capturing, sharing, transferring, and retaining information related to its Information Management programs.

  18. Recommendation Number
    18
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should test the information technology contingency plans for unclassified and classified networks in accordance with Department guidance.

  19. Recommendation Number
    19
    Closed Implemented

    Embassy Dakar should implement a plan for conducting initial and annual refresher information technology contingency training for employees with information technology contingency planning responsibilities.

ESP-19-01
  1. Recommendation Number
    1
    Open Resolved Significant

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services, in conjunction with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, should develop centralized, searchable databases to track and manage passport revocation cases, as well as retentions of passports and other documents seized on suspicion of fraud when citizens apply for consular services, or under other circumstances, and to track confiscations of such documents if they are seized on grounds other than retention authority.

  2. Recommendation Number
    2
    Closed Implemented Significant

    The Secretary of State should clarify the role of the Office of the Legal Adviser as the senior legal authority for the Department and consider whether attorneys in other offices should report directly to the Legal Adviser.

  3. Recommendation Number
    3
    Closed Implemented Significant

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs should coordinate with the Office of the Legal Adviser to issue guidance and, if necessary, amend the Foreign Affairs Manual to clarify (1) The differences between retention and confiscation of a passport and any other authority that exists to take a passport, the circumstances under which each is authorized, the types of documentation or data entries the Department must create and maintain in exercising each authority, the notifications and advisements that must be given to the document holders in each case, and the fact that retentions must be limited to a specific temporary period. (2) The circumstances in which individuals whose passports are retained, confiscated, or revoked while overseas are entitled to limited validity passports to return to the United States.

  4. Recommendation Number
    4
    Closed Implemented

    The Bureau of Consular Affairs and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security should ensure that all ARSO-Is receive appropriate training on the clarifications described in Recommendation 3 and identify a single point of contact for ARSO-Is and other DS agents seeking legal guidance.

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.