Semiannual Report to Congress

Read the latest report to Congress highlighting the OIG’s successful work from April 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023.

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Pandemic Response Oversight

The OIG is charged with oversight of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s $756 million pandemic relief fund. Learn how we are fulfilling our mission to prevent fraud, waste, and misuse during this crisis.

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Whistleblower Protection

Federal laws protect whistleblowers from reprisal for disclosing waste, fraud, abuse, and danger to public health and safety. Learn more about whistleblower protections for DOI employees, contractors, and grantees, as well as how to file a whistleblower reprisal complaint.

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Audits, Inspections, and Evaluations Oversight Plan for 2023-2024

Using a risk-based, tiered approach, AIE will initiate work in nine focus areas in 2023-2024, including oversight of IIJA, IRA, and other supplemental funding provided to the DOI.

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RECENT REPORTS

The National Park Service Should Increase Monitoring and Oversight To Protect the Integrity and Recreational Value of…
December 4, 2023
We found that the NPS did not adequately monitor States’ administration of LWCF funds.
Independent Auditors’ Reports on the Tribal and Other Trust Funds and Individual Indian Monies Trust Funds Financial…
November 29, 2023
This report details KPMG’s audit of trust funds financial statements from the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration for fiscal years 2023 and 2022…
Semiannual Report to Congress for the Period Ending September 30, 2023
November 29, 2023
This semiannual report summarizes the work we completed from April 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023.
Summary: NPS Employee Wrongfully Obtained Unemployment Insurance/Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
October 24, 2023
We found that a full-time NPS employee wrongfully obtained State unemployment insurance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation.
Contractor Wrongfully Obtained Over $10 Million in Buy Indian Act Contracts from BIA and BIE
October 20, 2023
We found that a contractor wrongfully obtained over $10.7 million in Buy Indian Act set-aside contracts from BIA and BIE.
Company Failed to Report Production and Pay Royalties for Oil and Gas
October 12, 2023
We found that a company in Colorado failed to report production and pay royalties for oil and gas produced from Federal leases.

Issue Areas

Pandemic Response Oversight

Responsibility to Native Americans

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education provide services to 574 federally recognized tribes with a population of about 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. OIG oversight helps prevent fraud and mismanagement that diverts funds from those in need.

Financial Management

DOI has significant financial assets, including contracts, financial assistance awards (grants and cooperative agreements), property, and other resources. Within this broad area, we prioritize oversight work on grants and contracts, CARES Act, and spending under the Great American Outdoors Act.

OIG In The News

Former WVDEP Official Sentenced for Theft of Federal Grant Funds

Press Release

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jerry D. Elkins, 54, of Danville, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation, including 10 months on home detention, and ordered to pay $94,197.93 in restitution for theft from programs receiving federal funds. Elkins admitted to fraudulently obtaining $94,197.93 of federal abandoned mine land (AML) remediation sub-grant funds while employed by the West…

Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Charges in Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

Press Release

ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Inspector General announced today that James Matison pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Matison, 46, of Pueblo, Colorado, will remain on conditions…