Recommendations

Department of State

424

Open Unclassified Recommendations¹

134

Open Sensitive But Unclassified Recommendations²

416

Open Classified Recommendations³

U.S. Agency for Global Media

0

Open Unclassified Recommendations¹

36

Open Sensitive But Unclassified Recommendations²

0

Open Classified Recommendations³

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

Keyword or Phrase

Action Office

Status

Financial Value

Significant

Issued Date (From)

Issued Date (To)

Reports Per Page

Audit of Department of State Selection and Positioning of Contracting Officer’s Representatives

AUD-CG-14-07 January 2014

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs require that incoming employees or detailees have prior contract oversight experience or a current Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) certification issued by another Government agency when filling positions with individuals expected to perform COR duties.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs not use contractors to perform contract administration and oversight tasks to avoid assigning inherently governmental, critical, or closely related functions to contractors, as prohibited by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of African Affairs explore all of the hiring, appointment, and funding authorities available to it for employing Government employees to perform contract administration and oversight tasks to avoid assigning inherently governmental, critical, or closely related functions to contractors, as prohibited by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, enhance or replace the current Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Representatives online system to allow for improved management of Contracting Officer's Representatives and Government Technical Monitors. These enhancements could include nomination requests and delegation actions for specific contracts and task orders across the Department.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, implement a more robust Contracting Officer Representative (COR) workforce planning effort by identifying the appropriate number of CORs and Government Technical Monitors needed by each bureau in the annual Acquisition Human Capital Plan to ensure an accurate representation of COR workforce needs for the management, tracking, and budgeting purposes.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, develop and issue guidance specifying the types of information that bureau officials should document in Contracting Officer's Representative and Government Technical Monitor nomination memoranda regarding a nominee's training, experience, and technical qualifications to ensure implementation of Department of State Acquisition Regulations and Foreign Affairs Handbook nomination requirements.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, provide periodic training to Contracting Officers that covers how they should make a determination of the appropriate level of certification required for particular contracts during the planning phase of acquisitions, and also how they should document those determinations to ensure implementation of Procurement Information Bulletin 2012-15.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, in coordination with the Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources, develop a method of tracking the requirement for Contracting Officer's Representative-specific responsibilities to be included in job performance elements of affected employees to ensure implementation of the Department Notices.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, in coordination with the Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources, establish guidelines to standardize the manner in which supervisors should hold individuals other than Civil Service or Foreign Service employees assigned as Contracting Officer's Representatives and Government Technical Monitors accountable for their performance in those positions.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, in coordination with the Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources, establish guidelines to standardize the manner in which supervisors of Contracting Officer's Representatives and Government Technical Monitors obtain feedback from Contracting Officers regarding employee performance and incorporate this feedback into performance evaluations for affected employees.

Compliance Followup Audit of Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Administration and Oversight of Funds Dedicated To Address Global Climate Change

AUD-ACF-14-16 January 2014

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs conduct Data Quality Assessments in accordance with the seven-step methodology from the annual guidance provided by the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources to ensure that the data used in reporting results are as complete, accurate, consistent, and supportable as possible.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs formally designate qualified and trained contracting officer’s representatives or other monitoring and oversight personnel for all interagency agreements in accordance with the Department’s Procurement Information Bulletin 2013- 03 and the Department of State Acquisition Regulations, Part 642, or the Procurement Information Bulletin on nonacquisition interagency agreements when issued.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs request and review performance and financial supporting documentation, as advised by the Department’s Procurement Information Bulletin 2013-03, or the as-yet unissued Procurement Information Bulletin on nonacquisition interagency agreements when it is issued and the Federal Assistance Policy Handbook to substantiate the information contained in the required reports received from interagency acquisition agreement recipients and to maintain appropriate documentation of those reviews.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs formally issue Program and Policy Notice 2013-005 to ensure that reporting requirements are met by interagency acquisition agreement recipients and, if they are not, that appropriate steps are taken to address delinquent reporting.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs document the results of accounting for the $600,000 in Economic Support Funds transferred to the U.S. Agency for International Development and the determination regarding whether or not the funds should be returned to the Department of State.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs implement the guidance provided in the Department’s Procurement Information Bulletin 2013-03 and the Contracting Officer’s Handbook or the as-yet unissued Procurement Information Bulletin on nonacquisition interagency agreements when issued, and the Department’s Foreign Affairs Handbook, as appropriate, to develop evaluative factors to identify interagency agreements that may merit closer coordination and require interagency agreement monitoring personnel to perform site visits for each interagency agreement recipient at least once during the life of the agreement or more frequently depending on the assessment of evaluative factors.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental Scientific Affairs update the language in its formal solicitation letters for interagency agreements, as well as the language in all formal interagency agreements, in accordance with the Department’s Procurement Information Bulletin 2013-03 or the Procurement Information Bulletin on nonacquisition interagency agreements when issued, to include, for purposes of substantiation, the requirement for all recipients to maintain supporting documentation for all financial expenditures, all project activities, and pertinent achievements as reported in the recipients’ performance and financial reports.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Procurement Executive develop and issue standardized policies and procedures for Department of State-wide use for the administration of nonacquisition interagency agreements in accordance with pertinent Federal regulations and revise and update the Foreign Affairs Manual and the Foreign Affairs Handbook to reflect these policies and procedures as appropriate.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Under Secretary for Management designate a Department entity with the authority and responsibility for providing oversight of nonacquisition interagency agreements. The responsibilities should include developing, issuing, revising, and updating standardized policies and procedures for inclusion in the Foreign Affairs Manual and the Foreign Affairs Handbook; approving bureau nonacquisition interagency agreements as appropriate; and monitoring and reviewing bureau compliance with these and other requirements.

Audit of the Contract Closeout Process for Contracts Supporting the U.S. Mission in Iraq

AUD-MERO-14-06 December 2013

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration update the Foreign Affairs Handbook to include detailed, comprehensive, and all-inclusive guidance for performing an initial funds review and closing contracts, or provide reference to where additional procedural guidance can be found. The guidance should contain best practices as defined by entities such as the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, update the Department of State Acquisition Regulation to include detailed desktop procedures on how to perform an initial funds review.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, update the Department of State Acquisition Regulation to require that the contracting officer identify the cognizant audit agency at contract award and begin coordinating with that audit agency to help prevent large backlogs of pending or unscheduled incurred cost audits.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Not Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, update the Department of State Acquisition Regulation to require contracting officers to include Federal Acquisition Regulation Clause 52.216.7, "Allowable Cost and Payment," in all cost-reimbursable contracts.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, revise the Department of State Acquisition Regulation to reflect the interagency agreement between the Department of State and the Defense Contract Audit Agency for conducting incurred cost audits.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, formally document and implement a process to periodically review contract closeout guidance and tools, such as the Overseas Contract Closeout Checklist, for accuracy and consistency with Federal and Department of State requirements.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, develop a detailed and consolidated guidebook that contains contract closeout procedures for use by contracting officers located domestically and overseas. The guidebook should have individual chapters addressing specific risks faced by contracting officials based on geographic location.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of Logistics Management, Office of Acquisitions Management, develop an automated application to track contract status upon award, to include estimated and actual physical completion dates and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-mandated timeframes for closeout based on actual physical completion. The application should include functionality to notify responsible officials of key contract dates, to include notifications to responsible officials when physically completed contracts are approaching the FAR's mandated deadline.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, in conjunction with the Bureau of Administration, Office of Logistics Management, Office of Acquisitions Management, develop and implement an e-Filing policy and document management system to provide effective contract file inventory control and documentation standards while allowing for ready accessibility through a central locator system. The policy should include minimum guidance over the completeness of data contained in the files and a schedule of milestones identifying mandatory implementation dates.

Audit of Department of State Information Security Program

AUD-IT-14-03 November 2013

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the Information Security Steering Committee, prioritize tasks to ensure that devoted resources identify, document, and finalize a risk management framework for Department of State information systems in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-30, Revision 1.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed New Report Significant

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

3

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends that Bureau of Information Resource Management ensure system owners perform security impact analyses for all systems and applications in accordance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53, Revision 3, and reauthorize the systems accordingly.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer exercise the authorities prescribed in the Foreign Affairs Manual (1 FAM 040) and direct bureaus and/or offices to prioritize resources to effectively implement and validate remediation actions prior to closing Plans of Action and Milestones (POAM); ensure completion dates for corrective actions are adhered to and/or the remediation dates are updated as needed; implement processes and procedures to cross-reference POAM information, including costs, to the capital planning budget process with a Unique Investment Identifier; and ensure that written responses for the Quarterly Plan of Action Milestones Grade memorandums are provided to the Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Information Assurance.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Information Assurance, include the financial statement audit report findings, identified and communicated by the Bureau of Comptroller and Global Financial Services, within the Plan of Action and Milestone database in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-11-33.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Information Assurance, in coordination with system owners, identify weaknesses resulting from the vulnerability scans performed by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Security Infrastructure, Office of Computer Security, and include those weaknesses that are not immediately remediated in the Plan of Action and Milestone database in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-11-33.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the Information Security Steering Committee, document an enterprise-wide continuous monitoring strategy that includes a continuous monitoring policy and assesses the security state of information systems and is consistent with Federal Information Security Management Act requirements, Office of Management and Budget policy, and applicable National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed New Report Significant

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

9

Closed New Report Significant

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

10

Closed New Report Significant

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

11

Closed New Report Significant

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

12

Closed New Report Significant

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

13

Closed New Report Significant

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

14

Closed New Report

OIG recommends system owners (bureaus and posts) follow the Foreign Affairs Manual (12 FAM 620) to have the supervisor complete the appropriate system access forms (for example, new user access and elevated rights) prior to granting access.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed New Report

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

16

Closed New Report

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

17

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that management review their Active Directory Organizational Units structure and correct any Organizational Units that do not follow the guidance stated within the Active Directory and Global Address List Standardization.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed New Report

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

19

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the system owners, in coordination with Chief Information Officer and the Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Information Assurance, perform and review contingency plan testing annually, including validating system backups and establishing an alternate site strategy in accordance with the Foreign Affairs Manual (5 FAM 1064), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-34, Revision 1, and NIST SP 800-53, Revision 3.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the contingency planning coordinator, identify an alternate processing site, alternate storage site, and alternate telecommunications servers for each system in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800- 34, Revision 1.
Recommendation Number

21

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Office of Emergency Management, in coordination with the Emergency Action Committee for each bureau, conduct its annual review and certify its Bureau Emergency Action Plans in accordance with the Foreign Affairs Manual (6 FAM 400).
Recommendation Number

22

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that data center managers enforce the log and record keeping policy to show that system backups are being performed in accordance with the Foreign Affairs Manual (12 FAM 620).
Recommendation Number

23

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Information Assurance, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, consolidate and track all extensions (for example, contractor sites, other Government agencies, and third-party vendors) within iMatrix, in accordance with the Foreign Affairs Manual (5 FAM 600).
Recommendation Number

24

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, ensure that annual physical inspections are completed for all OpenNet and ClassNet extensions as defined within each Memorandum of Understanding.
Recommendation Number

25

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, in coordination with the applicable bureau Information System Security Officers for each contractor and government extension, ensure that all Memorandums of Understanding for extensions contain the required clearance levels for users and that those users are cleared as defined in the Foreign Affairs Manual (5 FAM 1065).
Recommendation Number

26

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, in coordination with the Bureau of Resource Management, suspend user accounts for unverified individuals at the International Boundary and Water Commission until the required background screenings are completed as required by the Memorandum of Understanding.
Recommendation Number

27

Closed New Report

OIG recommends the Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Information Assurance, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Security Infrastructure, Office of Computer Security, finalize the Information Assurance Training Plan to ensure key information technology personnel with security responsibilities take specialized, role-based security training, as required by National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53, Revision 3.
Recommendation Number

28

Closed New Report

OIG recommends the Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Information Assurance, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, implement a tracking mechanism for role-based training to ensure that personnel with significant security responsibilities receive the appropriate training according to the Information Assurance Training Plan in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53, Revision 3.
Recommendation Number

29

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Information Resource Management, Operations, Messaging Systems Office, E-Mail Operations Division, Mobile Computing, update the Foreign Affairs Manual (5 FAM 460 and 12 FAM 680) to replace the OpenNet Everywhere system with Global OpenNet, including the Mobile Computing Management System enrollment process, as the only remote access system for approved users.

Audit of the Broadcasting Board of Governors Information Security Program

AUD-IT-IB-14-02 October 2013

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the System Owners, Information Owners, and the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer assess the data categorization for information systems, in accordance with Federal Information Processing Standard 199, and implement the corresponding National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53, Revision (Rev.) 3, controls, if necessary.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the System Owners and Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer prioritize resources to perform security impact analyses to assess the differences in National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53, Revision 3, control families and their impact to the state of security on the systems and reauthorize the systems.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends that the Broadcasting Board of Governors prioritize resources to perform a privacy impact assessment for the Privacy Information Enclave in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-12-20.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer, in coordination with the Information Security Management Division, finalize and implement an enterprise-wide continuous monitoring strategy that includes a continuous monitoring policy and assesses the security state of information systems in a manner consistent with Federal Information Security Management Act requirements, Office of Management and Budget policy, and applicable National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer prioritize resources to complete entity-wide and system specific contingency planning documents for all information systems and conduct necessary testing in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-34, Revision 1, and NIST SP 800-53, Revision 3.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends that the Information Security Management Division update and implement its incident response policy in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-61, Revision 2.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed New Report Significant

OIG recommends the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer ensure that Broadcasting Board of Governors Plans of Action and Milestones (POAM) include all required elements in accordance with its Information Security POAM Policy, to include severity of the weakness, responsible organization, estimated funding resources, completion date, key milestones and changes, source of the weakness, and the status.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Enterprise Networks and Storage Division, under the Office of the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer, implement procedures to assess the adequacy of the security configurations of mobile computers that request access to the Broadcasting Board of Governors network and grant access only to properly configured and patched devices in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53, Revision 3.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer verify that U.S. Government Configuration Baseline configuration standards are implemented and compliance with the implemented standards is periodically assessed in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53, Revision 3.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer follow the Broadcasting Board of Governors Change Management Policy, to “test and disseminate Microsoft operating system and application patches released on the second Tuesday of each month in a way that ensures complete coverage of workstations and laptops while avoiding operational downtime by rigorously testing the patches prior to general release to ensure application compatibility and seamless functionality.”
Recommendation Number

11

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer and System Owners ensure that user accounts are properly maintained in accordance with Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) Identification and Authentication Policy and the BBG/IBB/VOA Password Policy.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Office of Security, in coordination with the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer, complete the issuance of Personal Identity Verification cards as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed New Report

OIG recommends that the Information Security Management Division, in coordination with the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer, prioritize resources to develop and implement a role-based security training program in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 80053, Revision 3.

Outline for Action: Local Guard Contractor Did Not Comply With Contract Terms Regarding Supplemental Wage Allowance

AUD-HCI-13-41 September 2013

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration determine the full extent to which the contractor PRO-telligent had not complied with the supplemental wage allowance provision contained in the Embassy Lilongwe local guard service contract and issue a cure notice accordingly.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration issue instructions to applicable contracting officer's representatives to ensure verification that the contractor pays the supplemental wage allowance to local guards in accordance with contract terms.

Compliance Followup Review of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

ISP-C-13-51 September 2013

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should develop standardized data on its programs, participants and resources in real time.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should commission and complete a knowledge management review by outside experts to define, map, and optimize the business process workflows and data models of the bureau.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should create a line item in its operating budget for information technology.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should disseminate a strategic plan with long-term goals for the information technology division within the executive office.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should provide all information technology staff transferred to the executive office with revised notification of personnel action forms and position descriptions that are accurate, up to date, and reflect newly defined roles and responsibilities.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should coordinate and manage all systems and applications development activities occurring outside the executive office through the information technology division.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should implement and enforce the systems development life cycle process for all bureau systems and applications to include, at a minimum, the identification of user and system requirements and consultation with stakeholders and the review by management of deliverables at each control gate throughout the process.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should schedule and execute a comprehensive review of each visitor exchange program category to determine whether any regulatory reform is required.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should revise regulations for J visa programs to require U.S. sponsors to publicly disclose all fees which they and their overseas partners charge exchange visitor participants.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in coordination with the Office of the Legal Adviser, should implement an annual program audit requirement for designated sponsors in every J visa program.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Not Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Office of the Legal Adviser, and the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, should submit a proposal to the Deputy Secretary for Resources and Management to determine the viability of ending or transferring its current responsibilities for the alien physician, au pair, intern, teacher, and trainee programs to the Department of Labor.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should implement a procedure for gathering relevant information on its designated sponsors from other Department of State and U.S. Government entities.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

The Office of the Legal Adviser, in coordination with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, should continue to determine whether host family names can be checked against law enforcement databases and, if so, implement a procedure for such checks.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, should implement acquisition planning procedures and train program offices on the process.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in coordination with the Office of the Legal Adviser, should submit a proposal to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs for approval to make the accident and sickness program for exchanges more cost effective.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, Office of the Procurement Executive, should create a mechanism for warranted grants officers to provide input for performance evaluations of grants officer representatives.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should implement a bureauwide training plan tied to achieving its performance goals and mandate use of individual development plans to help populate the overall training plan.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should complete the codification and dissemination of receiving procedures.

Inspection of Embassy Moscow and Constituent Posts, Russia

ISP-I-13-48A September 2013

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should formalize and implement a structured program to provide first- and second-tour officers orientation to and involvement in the broad range of work of the mission to enhance the development of their professional skills.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should implement a plan to improve communication and coordination with the three consulates general, including more regular digital videoconferences, phone calls, and visits, as well as short-term details, and longer-term assignments.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented $567,954

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Bureau of Human Resources, should abolish position number 10-297000 at the conclusion of the incumbent’s tour.
Recommendation Number

4

Closed Implemented $100,000

Embassy Moscow should abolish position numbers 97-444100 and 101063.
Recommendation Number

5

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, should assign responsibility for mandated reporting to another embassy section and transfer the related local employee position 100810 to that section.
Recommendation Number

6

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should establish written guidance identifying which current reporting products should be preserved and sent by record email.
Recommendation Number

7

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of International Information Programs, should implement an audience building strategy for its social media activities.
Recommendation Number

8

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, should review the language requirement for the English language officer position in the 2014 review of language-designated positions, with an eye toward possible reduction.
Recommendation Number

9

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of Human Resources, should determine the appropriate grade for the public affairs officer positions in Consulates General Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok and request a change in position grades, as appropriate.
Recommendation Number

10

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should follow the requirements of Grants Policy Directive Number 16 regarding the designation of certified grants officer representatives.
Recommendation Number

11

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should determine which officers in the consulates general and embassy sections need to obtain grants officer representative certification to facilitate the proper monitoring of public diplomacy and non-public diplomacy grants, and should obtain the required certification, as appropriate.
Recommendation Number

12

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should determine which officers in the consulates general and embassy sections need to obtain grants officer representative certification to facilitate the proper monitoring of public diplomacy and non-public diplomacy grants, and should obtain the required certification, as appropriate.
Recommendation Number

13

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should require that visa inquiries be referred to the consular section’s public liaison unit or to the public inquiries email boxes at the consulates general for response.
Recommendation Number

14

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should require supervisory officers to complete timely reviews of visa issuances and refusals.
Recommendation Number

15

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Consular Affairs should issue guidance clarifying standards to be used in adjudicating Summer Work Travel program visas.
Recommendation Number

16

Closed Implemented

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs should send a representative to Embassy Moscow to review the performance of sponsor and third-party representatives for compliance with regulatory requirements for job placement.
Recommendation Number

17

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should direct Consulate General Vladivostok to provide required support to the consular agent and keep him informed about its activities in Sakhalin.
Recommendation Number

18

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should implement a plan to improve maintenance and the usability of consular work space in the existing office building in Moscow.
Recommendation Number

19

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should solicit suggestions from first- and second-tour consular section officers to improve consular efficiencies and take action as appropriate.
Recommendation Number

20

Closed Acceptable Alternative

The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Human Resources, should assign an entry-level officer with consular experience to position number 30-003012 in Consulate General Vladivostok.
Recommendation Number

21

Closed Not Implemented $567,954

The Bureau of Consular Affairs, in coordination with Embassy Moscow, the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, and the Bureau of Human Resources, should eliminate position 30-401004 in Consulate General St. Petersburg.
Recommendation Number

22

Closed Acceptable Alternative

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, should require that a commissioned consular officer be designated to back up consular officers in Consulate General Vladivostok.
Recommendation Number

23

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should monitor Russian compliance with the bilateral visa agreement and recommend reciprocal changes to the Department of State as needed.
Recommendation Number

24

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations and the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, should move the public affairs section in St. Petersburg into the consulate building.
Recommendation Number

25

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should document and refer overdue debts to the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services for collection action.
Recommendation Number

26

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should conduct a management review to document whether embassy accommodation exchange is beneficial and cost effective and have the Ambassador make a formal determination.
Recommendation Number

27

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should process value-added tax claims for the last 2 fiscal years for Consulate General Vladivostok’s official purchases.
Recommendation Number

28

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should credit the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations maintenance and repair account allotments for expenditures that were improperly charged and debit the correct allotments.
Recommendation Number

29

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should submit retail price surveys to the Bureau of Administration for the embassy and the consulates general.
Recommendation Number

30

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should review the job descriptions for regular drivers at the embassy and consulates general for accuracy and, where appropriate, submit reclassification requests to the Regional Support Center Frankfurt, Germany.
Recommendation Number

31

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should transfer all personal property to the control of the general services property section and complete an annual inventory for 2013.
Recommendation Number

32

Closed Implemented $131,150

Embassy Moscow should regularly identify and dispose of unneeded property as required by Department of State regulations.
Recommendation Number

33

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should designate a cleared U.S. Government employee to sign the receiving reports for securely procured items.
Recommendation Number

34

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should review its unauthorized commitments to determine whether ratification is authorized and take action accordingly.
Recommendation Number

35

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should prepare an annual advance acquisition plan.
Recommendation Number

36

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of Administration, should implement a trafficking in persons monitoring program.
Recommendation Number

37

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should implement a system to designate trained contracting officer’s representatives for all contracts.
Recommendation Number

38

Closed Acceptable Alternative

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, should submit a cable designating the Rosinka compound housing as underutilized and coordinate a plan with the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations to dispose of the compound.
Recommendation Number

39

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should terminate leases for unneeded residences at Pokrovsky Hills and seek approval from the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations for retaining units that will be vacant for more than 90 days.
Recommendation Number

40

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should include all required documentation in the residential lease files.
Recommendation Number

41

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should require all drivers to inspect vehicles and complete the daily and weekly preventive maintenance checklists.
Recommendation Number

42

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should implement procedures to annually review, update, and republish a countrywide motor vehicle policy.
Recommendation Number

43

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should limit work hours for drivers to a maximum of 10 hours per day.
Recommendation Number

44

Closed Acceptable Alternative

Embassy Moscow should certify and accredit the American Embassy Community Association network.
Recommendation Number

45

Closed Implemented

Sensitive Information Redacted
Recommendation Number

46

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow, in coordination with the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service Program Office, should cancel international voice gateway service in Consulate General Vladivostok.
Recommendation Number

47

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should instruct regional medical personnel to develop quarterly travel plans in coordination with the deputy chief of mission and minister counselor for management.
Recommendation Number

48

Closed Implemented

The Office of Medical Services should transfer regional responsibility for mental health services at Consulate General Vladivostok from Embassy Beijing to Embassy Moscow.
Recommendation Number

49

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should require the American Embassy Community Association to submit a capital investment strategy to the Bureau of Administration.
Recommendation Number

50

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should require motor pool mechanics who work for the American Embassy Community Association to request authorization to engage in outside employment and prohibit repair activity during working hours.
Recommendation Number

51

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should prepare a written policy that describes security procedures applicable to cash transportation at the consulates general in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok.
Recommendation Number

52

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should designate the financial management offices at the consulates general as the designated billing offices for payment of the consulates general invoices.
Recommendation Number

53

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should conduct a thorough review of procurement, receiving, and payment processes to bring them into compliance with applicable regulations.
Recommendation Number

54

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should implement adequate separation of duties in property management operations at Consulate General Vladivostok.
Recommendation Number

55

Closed Implemented

Embassy Moscow should establish a process to track implementation of each informal recommendation in this report.

OIG Outline for Action: Management Attention Needed To Improve Broadcasting Board of Governors Acquisition Functions

AUD-CG-IB-13-43 September 2013

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Not Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Director of the International Broadcasting Bureau immediately cease the use of personal services contracts that violate the Anti-Deficiency Act, take administrative disciplinary action as deemed appropriate, and report immediately to the President, Congress, and Comptroller General all relevant facts and a statement of actions taken, as required by Title 31 U.S. Code Section 1351, "Reports on violations."
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Director of the International Broadcasting Bureau immediately cease the use of pre-approval for contracts, which violates the Anti-Deficiency Act, take administrative disciplinary action as deemed appropriate, and report immediately to the President, Congress, and Comptroller General all relevant facts and a statement of actions taken, as required by Title 31 U.S. Code Section 1351, "Reports on violations."
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that the Director of the International Broadcasting Bureau obtain the assistance of outside experts in Federal acquisition and contracting to conduct an acquisition assessment within the Office of Contracts. The assessment should include, at a minimum: a determination of the extent and full impact of noncompliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation; an action plan for the development and implementation of policies and procedures that ensure acquisition functions are performed in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation; a training curriculum for all contracting officials to enhance education of acquisition regulations and policies; and performance evaluation standards for all pertinent contracting officials which hold officials accountable for the implementation of acquisition policies and procedures.

Audit of the U.S. Mission Iraq Staffing Process

AUD-MERO-13-33 August 2013

Recommendation Number

1

Closed Implemented

OIG recommends that U.S. Embassy Baghdad, in coordination with the Office of the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources and the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, formally communicate U.S. foreign policy priorities to all elements of the U.S. Mission to Iraq.
Recommendation Number

2

Closed Implemented Significant

OIG recommends that U.S. Embassy Baghdad, in coordination with the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and the Office of Management Policy, Rightsizing and Innovation, conduct a systematic analysis of staffing requirements based on the policy priorities, programs, operations, conditions, and other relevant factors specific to U.S. Mission Iraq.
Recommendation Number

3

Closed Acceptable Alternative

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, in coordination with U.S. Embassy Baghdad, develop a strategic facilities plan for construction and maintenance that reflects the results of a systematic analysis of staffing requirements.

7446 recommendations in total

Last Updated: June 6th, 2026

Note: The information includes all open recommendations from reports that were issued October 1, 2014. Potential Monetary Benefits values are as stated in reports—subsequent Department and USAGM management decisions and actions may result in different values.

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

Recommendations

424

$14,825,004

134

$0

416

$218,173,822

0

$0

36

$0

0

$0