Reports - Semiannual Report

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) performed an inspection of the subject topic to address specific questions raised in a Congressional request. In response to the request, we assessed actions taken by the Food and Nutrition Service to award a contract to provide electronic payment software to support the use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) electronic benefits transfer (EBT) services at farmers markets and direct marketing farmers. We reviewed relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to awarding the contract.

OIG performed an inspection to review the extent to which a vendor met the deliverable requirements for an NRCS IT-related contract.

In order to help the Department secure its assets and best achieve its mission, the Office of Inspector General performed an audit of the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) controls to prevent the unauthorized access to, and transfer of, USDA-funded research technology to foreign countries. We reviewed relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to approving foreign nationals for collaboration on USDA-funded research. We also examined evidence, including information technology and other related organizational policies and procedures.

OIG evaluated the Farm Service Agency and the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center’s administration and oversight of the contract closeout process.

OIG reviewed AMS’ oversight of the grants it issued through its Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) completed a final action verification of all eight recommendations in our July 2015 report on the Audit 24601-0004-31, Food Safety and Inspection Service Ground Turkey Inspection and Safety Protocols. Final action verification (FAV) determines whether the final action documentation the agency provides to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) supports the agency’s management decision reached with OIG.