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Farm Service Agency Self-Certification Process

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number:
03801-0001-23
Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Component
Farm Service Agency
Description
USDSA OIG identified all programs in which the Farm Service Agency (FSA) processes payments with self-certification and determined what percentage of these payments resulted in an improper payment during FSA spot check reviews.
Joint Report
No
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$16,463,345
Funds for Better Use
$0
View report on Oversight.gov

Recommendations

Develop a plan to timely execute IRDTS use for all programs subject to spot-check and program review, to improve the process of using spot check review results, enhance program accountability and integrity, and reduce payment errors.

Establish a process to regularly use data collected from the spot check reviews for each of its programs that rely on self-certification to identify actions it must take to improve the payment process and reduce payment inaccuracy.

Review the more than $16.4 million in questioned costs identified in one State for ECP payments made from August 2023 through May 2025. As appropriate, recover any costs determined to be unallowable due to violation of agency policy or make additional payments for identified underpayments.

Ensure the applicable State rescinds its guidance that contradicts national guidance.