Recommendations

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.

(U) Audit of the U.S. Agency for Global Media FY 2024 Information Security Program

AUD-IT-IB-24-25 July 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

2

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

4

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

5

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

6

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

7

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted

(U) Audit of Worldwide Protective Services III Initial Training Consolidation Initiative

AUD-SI-24-23 July 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and implement a strategy to comply with the requirements set forth in the Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan for the Worldwide Protective Services III training contract.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration determine whether Department of State bureaus and offices can use alternative contract award management systems (for example, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Regional Security Officer Tools) and, if so, develop an exception and waiver process for the requirement to use eFiling.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and implement a methodology to determine whether Worldwide Protective Services training quality has improved as a result of consolidation.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security develop and distribute guidance for application of the Department of State’s policy for monitoring and evaluating programs specifically related to tracking cost savings if that is a stated goal or objective of a project or program.

Evaluation of Department of State Accounting, Screening, and Vetting of Afghan Evacuees

AUD-GEER-24-21 July 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Open Resolved Significant

OIG recommends that the Department of State’s Executive Secretary, or another official with delegated authority, finalize and sign the updated memorandum of agreement with the Department of Defense that governs noncombatant evacuations (previously titled “Memorandum of Agreement Between the Departments of State and Defense on the Protection and Evacuation of U.S. Citizens and Nationals and Designated Other Persons from Threatened Areas Overseas,” dated July 14, 1998) to memorialize the agencies’ arrangements for the collection, tracking, analysis, and sharing of evacuee data.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Department of State's Executive Secretary, or another official with delegated authority, finalize the "Memorandum of Understanding Between Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and Department of State (State) for Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation Tracking System (NTS) Agreement Number: M2330" to improve noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO) data collection and sharing before, during, and after a NEO.

(U) Technical Assessment of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, U.S. Section, Vulnerability and Configuration Management Processes

AUD-IT-24-22 July 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

4

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

6

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

7

Open Resolved

Sensitive Information Redacted

Inspection of Embassy Bucharest, Romania

ISP-I-24-24 July 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should implement a coordination process for the oversight of foreign assistance programming in Romania in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should comply with Department standards for the use of public diplomacy-funded resources.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should create a fraud prevention strategy in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should maintain and destroy immigrant visa files in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

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

6

Closed Implemented

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

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should prohibit locally employed staff mechanics from servicing privately owned vehicles on U.S. government property and with U.S. government equipment, in accordance with federal regulations.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

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

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should bring its contracting officer’s representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

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

11

Closed Implemented

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

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should implement standard procedures to accurately record, track, and process employee accounts receivables in accordance with Department requirements.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs should provide instructions to Embassy Bucharest on the submittal of financial reports documenting its use of Ukraine supplemental funding.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should adhere to Department standards on time and attendance reporting, including overtime.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should require the Bucharest Employees Recreation Association to request authorization to update the association charter to include processing for official residence expenses payroll and expenses as an approved service.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest, in coordination with the Office of the Legal Adviser, should determine whether the reimbursement of the employee association’s concierge fees as official residence expenses is allowable according to Department guidelines and regulations.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should implement a knowledge management process for capturing, sharing, transferring, and retaining information for managing OpenNet and non-enterprise network operations.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should implement an application lifecycle management plan.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should obtain approval for its OpenNet extensions or implement the use of Department enterprise laptops to access OpenNet from the official residences.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bucharest should implement procedures for issuing non-enterprise mobile devices that comply with Department standards.

Inspection of Embassy Bangui, Central African Republic

ISP-I-24-22 June 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should comply with the requirements of the 2015 Letter of Agreement between the United States government and the Central African Republic government on foreign assistance projects funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should comply with the end-use monitoring requirements for Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs assets.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should draft standard operating procedures with instructions for local consular operations.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should maintain consular records and files in a systematic and organized manner in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs and Embassy Yaoundé, should resolve coordination and systems problems that impede the enrollment of U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should install signage with consular information in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should implement standard operating procedures for its property management and motor pool operations.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should comply with all Department Motor Vehicle Safety Management Program standards for chauffeurs and incidental drivers.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should manage its armored vehicles in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should implement a motor vehicle key control system, in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should bring its property management procedures into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should repair or replace its fuel pump.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

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

14

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should complete a review of all structures on the chancery compound and ensure that they are reported in the Real Property Application.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

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

16

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should comply with Department standards for non-enterprise network physical cybersecurity.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

Embassy Bangui should dispose of obsolete classified information processing equipment, in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

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

Review of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Physical Security Waivers and Exceptions Processes

ISP-I-24-19 June 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security should modify the waivers and exceptions tracker to provide more granular data to assess compliance with established process timelines and to identify and resolve bottlenecks in the waivers and exceptions processes.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should implement internal controls to verify whether all aspects of each mitigation plan are fully implemented, as required by the approved waivers and exceptions packages.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved Significant

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security should update and implement its guidance related to facilities that do not meet Overseas Security Policy Board standards to clearly delineate when exceptions to physical security standards are required and when they are not and ensure that the guidance is consistent with Overseas Security Policy Board standards.

Inspection of Embassy Warsaw and Constituent Post, Poland

ISP-I-24-18 June 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should update and implement planning guidance and processes for official visits.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should bring its public diplomacy award files into compliance with Department standards for federal assistance award monitoring and evaluation.
Recommendation Number

3

Open Resolved

Embassy Warsaw, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring all consular spaces into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, in coordination with Embassy Warsaw, should review the letter of agreement guiding the bureau’s activities in Poland, as well as the bureau’s current and planned foreign assistance to Poland, and implement any changes to the letter of agreement as required.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

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

6

Closed Implemented

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

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should bring the emergency egress on all floors of the embassy chancery into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should eliminate the safety hazards at its warehouse in accordance with Department safety and fire standards.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should report all unauthorized construction projects and rectify each project in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

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

11

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should dispose of excess motor vehicle inventory in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should bring its contracting officer’s representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

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

14

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should review its nonexpendable property inventory and dispose of excess inventory in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should review and update furniture and appliance pool assets records in the Integrated Logistics Management System in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

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

17

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should require its Interagency Housing Board to review living quarters allowance residences leases in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

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

19

Closed Implemented

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

20

Closed Implemented

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

21

Closed Implemented $243,993

Embassy Warsaw, 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 information management positions to International Cooperative Administrative Support Services-funded positions in accordance with Department standards, so funds of up to $243,993 over 3 years per position can be put to better use.
Recommendation Number

22

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs should provide clear guidance on what is authorized to be expended using Ukraine supplemental funds in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

23

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should establish administrative and financial controls over the use of Ukraine supplemental funds and retain all relevant documentation according to Department standards.
Recommendation Number

24

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should reconcile transactions in the suspense deposits abroad account in accordance with Department guidelines.
Recommendation Number

25

Closed Implemented

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

26

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should implement a plan to conduct periodic visits to Consulate General Krakow to assess information management operations in accordance with Department guidance.
Recommendation Number

27

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should train the locally employed information management staff in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

28

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should require all Information Systems Security Officers to perform their duties in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

29

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should establish a Local Information Technology Configuration Control Board in compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

30

Closed Acceptable Alternative

Embassy Warsaw should conduct a risk assessment for all locally procured hardware and software according to Department standards.
Recommendation Number

31

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should secure and monitor its non-enterprise networks in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

32

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should manage mobile devices in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

33

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should test Consulate General Krakow’s information technology contingency plan in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

34

Open Resolved

Embassy Warsaw, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management and the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should correct the network cabling infrastructure issues at Embassy Warsaw and Consulate General Krakow to comply with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

35

Open Resolved

Embassy Warsaw should maintain telephone system operational readiness in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

36

Open Resolved

Embassy Warsaw should relocate the telecommunications demarcation point outside limited access area communications rooms in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

37

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should dispose of excess information technology assets as required by Department standards.
Recommendation Number

38

Closed Implemented

Embassy Warsaw should implement a records management program for the mission that complies with Department standards.

Targeted Review of the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology’s Cloud Services Program Management

ISP-I-24-21 June 2024

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology should update the Foreign Affairs Manual and Foreign Affairs Handbook to define its organizational structure and assign the associated cloud-related responsibilities to the responsible offices in its organizational structure.
Recommendation Number

2

Open Resolved

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology should update its cloud computing policies in accordance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology should update its cloud service procurement policies and guidelines and communicate the changes to the Department.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology should review Department configuration management policies for inconsistencies and update them to align with federal cloud policies.
Recommendation Number

5

Open Resolved

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, in coordination with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, should follow Department standards for cloud security guidelines.
Recommendation Number

6

Open Resolved

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology should comply with Department encryption key management requirements for enterprise cloud systems.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology should implement a communication plan for its domestic and overseas customers to include details on cloud responsibilities and available cloud products and services.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology should implement a formal process for gathering regular customer feedback on its cloud products and services.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should bring its enterprise-level cloud services contract and contracting officer's representative files into compliance with Department and federal requirements.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology should bring the enterprise-level cloud services contracting officer's representative program into compliance with Department standards.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should develop and communicate guidance specifying what cloud services procurement requirements staff need to implement, which staff are responsible for implementing them, and how the requirements should be implemented.

424

$14,825,004

134

$0

416

$218,173,822

0

$0

36

$0

0

$0