Recommendations

Inspection of Embassy Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

ISP-I-25-04 December 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville, in coordination with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and the Bureau of African Affairs, should bring its Leahy vetting practices into compliance with the embassy’s standard operating procedures and Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should document public diplomacy grants in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

Embassy Brazzaville, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should provide consular applicants with a waiting area that meets Department standards.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should implement a process to regularly review and update its management policies.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should submit the per diem, post hardship differential, and education allowance surveys in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

6

Open Resolved

Embassy Brazzaville should bring its furniture and appliance pool program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should bring its contract administration program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should compete its procurement actions in accordance with Department standards and federal regulations.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should revise its motor vehicle policy to adhere to Department standards for other authorized use of U.S. government vehicles.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should perform workplace hazard inspections of both high-risk and low-risk workplaces in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

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

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should complete post occupational safety and health officer certifications for all its residential and non-residential properties in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should publish boat safety guidelines for its boat program and manage the program in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should obtain authorization to use a shipping container as functional space or remove it in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should bring its fire protection program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should perform maintenance on its water distillers and document the work in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

17

Open Resolved

Embassy Brazzaville, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should update the embassy’s local compensation plan in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should update the locally employed staff handbook in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

19

Open Resolved

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

20

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should require supervisors to complete locally employed staff performance evaluations on time and hold supervisors accountable for noncompliance.
Recommendation Number

21

Open Resolved $1,260,000

Embassy Brazzaville should review and de-obligate all unliquidated obligations without activity for more than 1 year, in accordance with Department standards, so that funds of up to $1.26 million can be put to better use.
Recommendation Number

22

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should establish and implement standard operating procedures to review and de-obligate unliquidated obligations in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

23

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should send its miscellaneous receipts from the sale of fuel to privately owned vehicles to the U.S. Treasury, as required by law.
Recommendation Number

24

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should track outstanding salary advances and close out overdue salary advances in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

25

Open Resolved

Embassy Brazzaville should manage its official residence expenses in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

26

Closed Implemented

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

27

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should repair its high-frequency radio and conduct monthly checks in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

28

Closed Implemented

Embassy Brazzaville should establish and register a local Information Technology Configuration Control Board in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

29

Closed Implemented

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

Inspection of Embassy Berlin and Constituent Posts, Germany

ISP-I-25-03 December 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should conduct timely nonimmigrant visa adjudication reviews in accordance with Department Standards.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should comply with Department standards for line-of-sight supervision of the cashier booths at Consulate General Frankfurt.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

Embassy Berlin, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should provide Consulate General Munich’s consular applicants with a waiting area that meets Department standards.
Recommendation Number

4

Open Resolved

Embassy Berlin should replace the existing consular microphone system with a functioning system.
Recommendation Number

5

Open Resolved

The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, in coordination with Embassy Berlin, should implement a plan to address identified facilities issues at Embassy Berlin.
Recommendation Number

6

Open Resolved

The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, in coordination with Embassy Berlin, should implement a plan to address identified facilities issues at Consulate General Frankfurt.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

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

8

Open Resolved

Embassy Berlin should bring its safety, health, and environmental management program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should bring its contracting officer’s representative program into compliance with Department and federal requirements.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Acceptable Alternative

Embassy Berlin should enforce the requirement for vendors to register in the System for Award Management.
Recommendation Number

11

Open Resolved

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

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should use the Integrated Logistics Management System to account for all expendable property in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should bring its receiving procedures into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Implemented

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

15

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should account for all motor vehicle fleet costs in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

16

Open Resolved $243,993

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

17

Open Resolved

Embassy Berlin, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should update the mission’s local compensation plan in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

18

Open Resolved

Embassy Berlin should update the locally employed staff handbook in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented $100,000

Embassy Berlin should transition Consulate General Frankfurt’s OpenNet operations to the Department-provided Enterprise Converged Platform and put up to $100,000 to better use.
Recommendation Number

20

Open Resolved

Embassy Berlin should comply with Department standards concerning server room emergency power-off switches.
Recommendation Number

21

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should perform its local information technology configuration control board responsibilities in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

22

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should assign responsibility for records management, including liaison with the post records coordinator and retiring records, to an individual in each of the mission’s offices, and bring the records management program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

23

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should upload all diplomatic notes it prepares and receives to the State Messaging and Archive Retrieval Toolset in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

24

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should correct the network cabling infrastructure issues at Embassy Berlin, Clay Annex, and Consulate General Munich to comply with Department standards concerning switch cable management.
Recommendation Number

25

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should install required air conditioning and humidity gauges in Consulates General Dusseldorf and Frankfurt server and telephone system rooms in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

26

Closed Implemented

Embassy Berlin should configure the mission’s non-enterprise networks to comply with Department standards.

Audit of the Disposition of Sensitive Security Assets at U.S. Embassies Kabul, Afghanistan, and Kyiv, Ukraine

AUD-GEER-25-01 October 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, reevaluate the Vehicle Allocation Methodology and update the criticality scoring system to eliminate the retention bias toward armored vehicles located in high-threat environments. This evaluation should consider the relative weight of each factor within the criticality score and consider requiring justifications for the retention of low-usage, high-criticality vehicles to achieve a balanced score.
Recommendation Number

2

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and implement guidance requiring overseas posts to periodically assess the volume of special protective equipment and hazardous materials. The guidance should take into consideration usage rates and the criticality of each asset in order to determine the appropriate quantities needed for post operations and provide instructions for adjusting asset holdings based on the outcomes of the assessment.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security update the Foreign Affairs Handbook to include a requirement that posts develop and maintain written disposition plans, including emergency destruction plans, for all special protective equipment, hazardous materials, and armored vehicles.
Recommendation Number

4

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop, implement, and distribute guidance to overseas posts on how to develop disposition plans, including emergency destruction plans, for special protective equipment, hazardous materials, and armored vehicles. The guidance should include details on key considerations to make during the planning process, such as determining which stakeholders to involve in the planning process; planning for a variety of evacuation scenarios; considering timelines and resources needed to ship items out of the country; calculating the timelines needed to destroy assets at post; ensuring security personnel have access to all materials, tools, equipment, and vendors needed to execute the plan; identifying the number, type, and location of all assets to be destroyed; and developing trip wires to determine when to abandon efforts to ship assets out of post and instead pursue emergency destruction procedures. If available, the guidance should also include best practices from disposition plans developed by other posts.
Recommendation Number

5

Open Resolved

Following the implementation of Recommendations 3 and 4, OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and implement guidance requiring post Emergency Action Committees to periodically review and approve post disposition plans, including emergency destruction plans, and to determine whether updates or changes are needed.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security revise its emergency destruction procedures to describe all acceptable methods to destroy special protective equipment, including methods that can be employed in a limited evacuation timeframe, as well as the equipment and time needed to execute each step. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security should then distribute the updated guidance to all overseas posts.
Recommendation Number

7

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and implement guidance on the disposition of hazardous materials in an emergency evacuation scenario. The guidance should include steps that can be implemented in a limited evacuation timeframe and outline the equipment and time needed to execute each step. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security should then distribute the updated guidance to all overseas posts.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security revise its armored vehicle disposal procedures to better guide Department of State personnel on how to efficiently disable or destroy armored vehicles in an exigent evacuation scenario. These procedures should include details on the estimated time needed to complete each required step, which steps should be prioritized over others, and which steps may be skipped given limited time and resources. The procedures should also include guidance and visual aids applicable to all models of Department of State armored vehicles maintained worldwide.
Recommendation Number

9

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and implement training for post security personnel on acceptable practices for the disposition of special protective equipment, hazardous materials, and armored vehicles in an emergency evacuation scenario.
Recommendation Number

10

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, define and implement a requirement in the Foreign Affairs Manual, that, in the event of a suspension of operations, a comprehensive reconciliation of post-assigned special protective equipment and armored vehicles must be conducted. The requirement should define who is responsible for conducting the reconciliation; define the time period following the suspension of operations in which the reconciliation should be completed; address the need to collect, analyze, and follow up on all available data about the status of a post’s special protective equipment and armored vehicles; and, if applicable, include a means to facilitate their return to the Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicle Division.
Recommendation Number

11

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, define and implement a requirement in the Foreign Affairs Manual to, in the event of a suspension of operations, issue a report to the Department's accountable property officer detailing the final status of a post's assets following a suspension of operations. The report would follow the completion of a comprehensive reconciliation of a post's special protective equipment and armored vehicles. The requirement should define who is responsible for drafting and issuing the report.
Recommendation Number

12

Open Resolved

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and implement detailed guidance for overseas posts on how to establish and maintain records on the status of special protective equipment and armored vehicles assigned to post following a post's suspension of operations, including guidance on the types of information to record, how frequently and under what circumstances records should be updated, and options for using remotely accessible backup records.

(U) Management Assistance Report: The Department Would Benefit From a Formal, Systematic Methodology To Capture and Utilize Lessons Learned Following Post Evacuations

AUD-GEER-24-32 September 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Office of Crisis Management and Strategy update the Foreign Affairs Handbook to clarify that a Lessons Learned Cable must be produced following every large-scale event, emergency, or crisis, including evacuations that result in a post (1) remaining in ordered departure status for an extended period of time, (2) suspending operations, or (3) closing permanently.
Recommendation Number

2

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and implement a requirement in the Foreign Affairs Manual to produce an After Action Review following every evacuation that results in a suspension of post operations.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that, following the implementation of Recommendations 1 and 2, the Under Secretary for Management, working in conjunction with the Executive Secretariat, develop and implement a process to (1) systematically review After Action Reviews developed in response to post evacuations and Lessons Learned Cables generated in compliance with 12 Foreign Affairs Handbook-1 H-235 and (2) make recommendations for action based on the results of these reviews, including identifying needed changes to Department policies, procedures, and guidance.

Inspection of the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

ISP-I-24-16 September 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should integrate the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security into its programs and assign responsibility for the coordination of this strategy to the Front Office.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should implement a detailed plan for the coordinated performance of all program evaluation requirements bureau-wide, including systematic briefings to bureau leadership on evaluation results.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should assess its outyear requirements for program management staffing and develop a bureau workforce plan that uses available personnel authorities, mechanisms, and funding sources to address ongoing staffing needs and balances the need for consistent staffing with the need for flexibility.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, should develop a legislative strategy to secure funding and authorities that enable the bureau to use Foreign Military Sales fees and foreign assistance program funds for staffing so that it can meet its responsibilities for management and oversight of foreign assistance programs and arms transfers.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should implement a process to assess long-term sustainment costs and funding mechanisms in its concurrence process for Department of Defense-provided equipment.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should develop and implement parameters and oversight procedures for Foreign Military Financing administrative funds used by the Department of Defense.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should implement a process, in coordination with relevant agencies, to reduce delays in completing commodity jurisdiction reviews.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should standardize instructions for agencies requesting regulatory review letters.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should bring licensing reviews into compliance with federal standards.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should implement a centralized contract tracking system in compliance with federal acquisition regulations.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should bring the contracting officer's representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should bring its contract and contracting officer's representative files into compliance with Department and federal guidance.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should clarify roles and responsibilities for site visits conducted by staff other than designated contracting officer's representatives.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Not Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should bring the bureau's practices with respect to sole source awards into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should require all grants officers and grants officer representatives to monitor and track all award activity in the Department's official federal assistance management system in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should ensure oversight practices are consistent with reporting requirements in interagency agreements.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should implement a bureau-wide time and attendance policy that complies with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should revise the Office of Defense Trade Controls Management systems development lifecycle process to include documented stakeholder decisions and management approvals throughout the lifecycle of a project and mandate use of a central repository of required documentation according to Department standards.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management, should complete the assessment comparing bureau assets and inventory against Bureau of Information Resource Management data and correct any discrepancies.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs should develop and implement a process for determining connectivity needs of domestic and overseas Foreign Policy Advisors on a continuous basis.
Recommendation Number

21

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management, should determine a cross-domain solution to allow data transfers between systems.

Special Review of the Department of State’s Handling of the Security Clearance Suspension of the Special Envoy for Iran

ESP-24-01 September 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security should adhere to standard notification processes of security clearance suspension without regard to the individual’s position in the Department.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented Significant

The Bureaus of Global Talent Management and Diplomatic Security should develop standard operating procedures for political appointees whose security clearances are suspended.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security should amend its guidance regarding the Information Facilities and Access Restriction (IFAR) process to include criteria as to which type of IFAR should be issued and to emphasize that a “Typical” IFAR allows the employee continued access to a substantial amount of Sensitive But Unclassified information.
Recommendation Number

4

Open Resolved

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security should amend its processes to ensure that supervisors and colleagues are notified when an employee’s security clearance is suspended and the employee is permitted to continue working in the same position in order to ensure that classified information is not shared.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

The Under Secretary for Management should issue regular reminders to all Department employees that the law requires them to report allegations of criminal or serious misconduct to OIG.

Management Assistance Report: Warrant and Training Programs Needed for Personnel Responsible for Transportation-Related Acquisitions

AUD-FM-24-30 September 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration develop and implement a process to formally designate and issue warrants to transportation officers responsible for authorizing tenders of service at overseas posts, as recommended by the Federal Management Regulation. The process should outline the training and experience requirements for obtaining a transportation officer authorization and the conditions for maintaining the authorization. The process should also include a mechanism for tracking and managing the requirements for maintaining the warrant.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration develop and implement a training program for personnel responsible for executing transportation-related acquisitions using tenders of service, as recommended by the Federal Management Regulation. The program should outline baseline and continuing education training requirements for General Services Officers and locally employed transportation staff.

Audit of Department of State FY 2024 Compliance With the Geospatial Data Act of 2018

AUD-SI-24-29 August 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, in coordination with the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions and the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, (a) conduct a review to determine whether its Office of the Geographer and Global Issues is best positioned to implement compliance with the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, and (b) develop and implement a plan to address the results of the review.
Recommendation Number

2

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, in coordination with the Office of the Legal Advisor, the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, (a) determine what qualifies as geospatial data for purposes of compliance with the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, Section 759(a), codified at 43 United States Code § 2808(a), and (b) formally communicate the determination to affected geospatial data stakeholders.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, in coordination with the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions and the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, develop and implement a strategy to maintain an inventory of all Department of State geospatial data as prescribed by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, Section 759(b)(2)(B), codified at 43 United States Code § 2808(b)(2)(B), after a determination is made regarding what qualifies as geospatial data, as mentioned in Recommendation 2.
Recommendation Number

4

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, in coordination with the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions and the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, develop written policies, procedures, and guidance that can be used to implement requirements 2 through 12 of the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, Section 759(a), codified at 43 United States Code § 2808(a).
Recommendation Number

5

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, in coordination with the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions and the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, formally define and communicate areas of authority, roles, and responsibilities in the Geospatial Data Strategy for personnel responsible for carrying out compliance with the Geospatial Data Act of 2018.
Recommendation Number

6

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, in coordination with the Bureau of Budget and Planning, the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term funding plan and include geospatial data when preparing its budget submission as prescribed by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, Section 759(b)(2)(A), codified at 43 United States Code § 2808(b)(2)(A).
Recommendation Number

7

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, (a) review current records schedules to determine whether data information products and other records created in geospatial data and activities are included on agency record schedules that have been approved by the National Archives and Records Administration as prescribed by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, Section 759(a)(4), codified at 43 United States Code § 2808(a)(4), and (b) update the records schedules as necessary to include geospatial data and activities.

Inspection of Embassy Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

ISP-I-24-23 August 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo, in coordination with the Office of the Legal Adviser, should review the facts surrounding the Punta Europa compound events to determine whether attendance by Embassy Malabo staff comports with Department policy.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should cease attendance at the Punta Europa compound events until the Office of the Legal Adviser has made a determination and only resume attendance if permitted to do so.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs and the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should provide protection from the elements for consular applicants.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should institute an American Liaison Network, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should complete a visa validation study, in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

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

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should bring its furniture and appliance pool program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should administer its housing program, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should implement internal controls for residential generator fuel deliveries and storage, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

10

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo should bring its motor vehicle safety program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should review and verify data accuracy for its motor vehicle fleet periodically, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

12

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo should bring the motor pool preventive maintenance program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

13

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo should implement management controls for its fuel card program, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

14

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo should bring its contracting officer’s representative program for the local employee health insurance contract into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should safeguard and dispose of controlled substances, in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should manage medication inventory and processes, in accordance with Department guidelines and develop and adhere to a Pharmaceutical Disposal Plan.
Recommendation Number

17

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should update its local compensation plan, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

18

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo should establish and administer a training program for its locally employed staff, in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should require authorizing officials to approve staff requests for overtime in advance, in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should adhere to the Department's recruitment standards for locally employed staff positions.
Recommendation Number

21

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should consult with local legal counsel and establish and implement a policy that adheres to Department and host country regulations for management of its third-country national staff.
Recommendation Number

22

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should provide workplace safety training for supervisors and employees, as required by Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

23

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should bring its fire protection program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

24

Open Resolved $317,000

Embassy Malabo should review and de-obligate all invalid unliquidated obligations without activity for more than 1 year, in accordance with Department guidance, so that funds of up to $317,000 can be put to better use.
Recommendation Number

25

Closed Implemented $22,218

Embassy Malabo should clear overdue travel advances, in accordance with Department guidelines and put funds of up to $22,218 to better use.
Recommendation Number

26

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo should bring its cashier operations into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

27

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should require its locally employed staff to complete the required position-specific training, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

28

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo should budget for and purchase battery backup replacements, and spare or replacement printers and computers, as required by Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

29

Open Resolved

Embassy Malabo should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

30

Closed Implemented

Embassy Malabo should permanently repair its high frequency radio and conduct weekly high frequency radio checks, in accordance with Department standards.

Audit of the Department of State’s Program Design Plan Related to the Creating Helpful Incentives To Produce Semiconductors Act of 2022

AUD-SI-24-20 August 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Budget and Planning, in coordination with the Office of Foreign Assistance, develop and distribute guidance related to designing and managing complex, globally focused programs and projects that are to be coordinated and implemented among multiple bureaus and offices within the Department of State.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Budget and Planning, in coordination with the Office of Foreign Assistance, develop and implement a mechanism that bureaus and offices can use to document a justification supporting a decision not to fully implement requirements included in the Foreign Affairs Manual, 18 FAM 301.4-2, for a program or a project (e.g., project justification, scope, stakeholder information, key deliverables, and project schedule).
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Deputy Secretary of State designate a formal lead and management structure to orchestrate the Department’s implementation of the Creating Helpful Incentives To Produce Semiconductors Act of 2022 for the purpose of promoting efficiencies and coordination; furthering the timely advancement of the goal of boosting American semiconductor research, development, and production; and supporting secure and trusted telecommunications technology development.

424

$14,825,004

134

$0

416

$218,173,822

0

$0

36

$0

0

$0