
United States
- Contract and grant fraud
- Environmental, health, and safety violations
- Computer crimes (including internet pornography)
- Product substitution and suspect/counterfeit parts
- Bribery, kickbacks, and gratuities
- False statements and false claims
- Conflicts of interest and ethics violations
- Travel fraud
- Theft or abuse of government property
- Gross mismanagement of funds
- Other violations of federal laws and regulations
- 911 emergencies regarding a Departmental facility or operation. Report to the local or state law enforcement authorities and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Security.
- Complaints of EEO discrimination and retaliation. Report to the Department of Commerce’s Office of Civil Rights.
- Personal theft. Report to Department of Commerce’s Office of Security.
- Personnel matters involving requests for individual relief. Report to the servicing Office of Human Resources Management.
- Employment related grievances or complaints against management officials unless part of a whistleblower claim. Report to the servicing Office of Human Resources Management.
- Assistance with the U.S. patent application process (e.g., initial filing, patent examination, and post-examination) and case prosecution concerns (e.g., claim objections, after-final practice, claim rejections and restrictions). Contact the Patents Ombudsman Office (https://www.uspto.gov/patent/ombudsman-program).
The Department Must Improve Processes for Addressing and Managing ‘H’ Referrals
This final report provides the results of our evaluation of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (the Department’s) processes for handling hotline complaints referred by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The objective of our evaluation was to review the Department’s processes for responding to...
FirstNet Authority Must Increase Governance and Oversight to Ensure NPSBN Security
For our final report on the evaluation of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network's (NPSBN's) security architecture, our objective was to assess the NPSBN's security risks resulting from its security architecture. We contracted with The MITRE Corporation (MITRE)—an independent firm—to perform...
USPTO Has Opportunities to Improve its Patent Examination Process and to Advance Patent Decision-Making
For our final report on the evaluation of the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO’s) patent examination process, our objectives were to (I) assess whether patents are examined in compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and case law; (2) identify deficiencies within the...
The Inspector General’s September 2021 Semiannual Report to Congress
The Semiannual Report to Congress summarizes the key audits, evaluations, and investigative works the Office of Inspector General (OIG) completed during the 6-month period ending September 30, 2021. Over the past 6 months, OIG issued 11 products related to its audit, evaluation, and inspection work...
Enterprise Services Needs to Improve Upon Its Contract Management and Oversight of Accenture BPA No. DOCSS130116BU0004 and Subsequent Call Orders
We conducted this audit in response to allegations made to the Department’s hotline. The objective of our audit was to determine whether Enterprise Services (ES) effectively and efficiently managed contractor performance in accordance with federal regulations and Department policy. Overall, we found...
WPRFMC's Governance of Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund Awards Was Inadequate
Our objectives were to determine whether WPRFMC (1) claimed allowable, allocable, and reasonable costs under the financial assistance awards and (2) received the goods and services paid for by the awards.
Audit of the Department’s Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 Submission for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021
We contracted with KPMG LLP—an independent public accounting firm—to perform this audit of the U.S. Department of Commerce's (the Department's) Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) submission for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. Our office oversaw the progress of this...
Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Commerce in FY 2022
The Office of Inspector General is required by statute to report annually the most serious management and performance challenges facing the Department of Commerce. Attached is our final report on the Department’s top management and performance challenges for fiscal year 2022.
Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Commerce in FY 2021
The Office of Inspector General is required by statute to report annually the most serious management and performance challenges facing the Department of Commerce. Attached is our final report on the Department’s top management and performance challenges for fiscal year 2021.