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IIJA – Forest Service Implementation of Federal Wildland Firefighter Salary Requirements and the Conversion of Employees

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number:
08801-0002-23
Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Component
Forest Service
Description
OIG reviewed whether the Forest Service converted seasonal wildland firefighters to full-time permanent Federal employees and accurately implemented salary increases for Federal wildland firefighters according to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Joint Report
No
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$519,907
Funds for Better Use
$0
View report on Oversight.gov

Recommendations

We recommend that FS determine whether the IIJA funds totaling $519,907 in questioned costs spent on salaries of non-Federal wildland firefighters were allowable. As appropriate, recover any costs determined to be unallowable.

We recommend that FS develop and implement additional refresher training(s) for HR Management employees on retirement coding and the input of retirement coverage into FS’ HR system.

We recommend that FS develop and implement a secondary review process to ensure the accuracy of data entered into FS’ HR system for retirement coverage.

We recommend that FS develop and implement an action plan for the overpayments and underpayments identified in FS’ internal review of all salary increase payments. As appropriate, recover any costs determined to be unallowable.

We recommend that FS consider an innovative approach, such as automation, technology, or a combination of both, that would allow for more timely completion of its review of salary increase payments.