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Unfounded Allegations of Improper Leadership Decisions and Hostile Work Environment at Grand Canyon National Park

Report Number
18-1188

The OIG investigated complaints that Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) Superintendent Christine Lehnertz, proposed a disciplinary action against a GRCA senior official for an improper purpose; created a hostile work environment; and engaged in bullying and retaliatory behavior against senior leaders, particularly male leaders, at the GRCA. The complainant also alleged that Lehnertz authorized unnecessary renovations to a park housing unit resulting in a waste of almost $180,000. We found that Lehnertz’ proposal of disciplinary action for the senior official was supported by the evidence.

Investigation
National Park Service

United States

Unfounded Allegations that Tribe Illegally Removed Funds from BIE-Funded School

Report Number
17-0537

The OIG investigated allegations that a Tribe wrongfully took funds from a tribally-operated boarding school funded by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). We also investigated whether findings and questioned costs identified in an audit of the school rose to the level of criminal misconduct. We found no evidence to indicate the Tribe wrongfully took school funds. In addition, though the BIE has issued two bills of collection to recuperate some of the questioned costs identified in the audit, we did not identify criminal misconduct associated with those findings.

Investigation
Bureau of Indian Affairs

United States

Substantiated Violations of the Buy Indian Act

Report Number
18-0162

The OIG investigated allegations that two propane delivery contractors, one of which was American Indian-owned, conspired to improperly obtain U.S. Government contracts that are restricted to Indian economic enterprises under the provisions of the Buy Indian Act. Specifically, we investigated to determine if the Indian-owned company subcontracted 100 percent of contract performance to the non-Indian-owned company. We found that the Indian-owned company was awarded approximately 17 contracts, with a combined value of about $350,000, under the Buy Indian Act.

Investigation
Bureau of Indian Affairs

United States

Oil and Gas Production Company Underpaid Royalties Owed to the Government

Report Number
17-0069

The OIG investigated allegations that Smith & Marrs, Inc., an oil and gas production company, failed to report mineral production and sales from Federal leases located in New Mexico, which resulted in a loss of royalties owed to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). We conducted the investigation jointly with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Special Investigations Group. We found that Smith & Marrs, Inc., failed to properly report oil and gas production and sales from Federal leases, which resulted in an underpayment of royalties and late payment interest.

Investigation
Bureau of Land Management
Office of Natural Resources Revenue

, CO, United States

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Grants Awarded to the State of Indiana, Department of Natural Resources, From July 1, 2015, Through June 30, 2017

Report Number
2018-CR-013

We audited the costs claimed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources under grants awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. The audit included claims totaling approximately $62.7 million on 68 grants that were open during the State fiscal years that ended June 30, 2016, and June 30, 2017.

Audit
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

, IN, United States

USGS Manager Admitted To Inappropriate Comments to Subordinate

Report Number
18-1069

The OIG investigated allegations that a United States Geological Survey (USGS) manager made unwelcome and inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to a female subordinate. We found that the USGS manager provided inconsistent statements and demonstrated a lack of candor during interviews, but ultimately admitted to making inappropriate sexual comments to the female subordinate.

Investigation
U.S. Geological Survey

United States

Former NPS Contract Specialist Violated Ethics Regulations

Report Number
16-0895

The OIG investigated allegations that a former National Park Service (NPS) contract specialist steered three contracts to a vendor because of a personal relationship. We found that the contract specialist had a personal relationship with the vendor’s employees and attempted to influence contract awards by inappropriately advocating for the vendor, which violated Federal ethics regulations. We found, however, that the contract specialist ultimately had no influence over awarding contracts to the vendor and that the contracts were awarded properly.

Investigation
National Park Service

, CO, United States

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