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Oil and Gas Company Failed To Report and Pay Gas Royalties

Report Number
17-0652

The OIG investigated allegations that an oil and gas company failed to comply with Federal regulations and to pay royalties associated with tribal leases. We substantiated the allegations and found the company failed to accurately report and pay gas royalties in 2014 for seven leases located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. We found, however, that the company made genuine attempts to correct the royalty reporting, but the adjustments did not post properly. After consultation between our office, the U.S.

Investigation
Office of Natural Resources Revenue

United States

Evaluation of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Cybersecurity Practices for Protecting Critical Infrastructure

Report Number
2017-ITA-023-A

We completed our work for the second part of our series evaluating the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR’s) operational and technical practices for protecting hydropower dams categorized as critical infrastructure from emerging cyber threats. The second part of this evaluation was limited to another USBR industrial control system that provides monitoring, alarming, and process control to ensure the safe and reliable operations of the water and power facilities for another dam. We determined that additional efforts on this project are not needed.

Other
Bureau of Reclamation

United States

The Bureau of Reclamation’s Cooperative Agreement No. R16AC00087 With the Panoche Drainage District

Report Number
2017-WR-048

At the request of the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), we audited Cooperative Agreement No. R16AC00087 between the USBR and the Panoche Drainage District. This agreement was awarded under the statutory authority of the San Luis Act of 1960 (Pub. L. No. 86-488 § 5) to fund operation and maintenance of the San Luis Demonstration Treatment Plant (Demo-Plant) located in the San Luis Unit of California’s Central Valley Project. The purpose of the Demo-Plant is to remove salts and selenium from agricultural drain water in the San Joaquin River Water Quality Improvement Project area.

Audit
Bureau of Reclamation

, CA, United States

Conflict of Interest and Violation of Contract Rules on a BLM Construction Project

Report Number
15-0397

The OIG investigated allegations that a contractor was improperly involved in a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) construction project and had a conflict of interest during multiple contract awards related to that project. We also investigated allegations that a BLM supervisor circumvented contracting rules to steer awards to the contractor. We confirmed the allegations against both the contractor and the BLM supervisor.

Investigation
Bureau of Land Management

, NV, United States

Tribal Official and Contractor Embezzled over $3.5 Million

Report Number
09-0201

We investigated approximately $10 million in unsupported payments that were made to the Indian Pueblos Federal Development Corporation (IPFDC) and its partners, pursuant to IPFDC’s contract to develop and construct the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education buildings in Albuquerque, NM. Our investigation determined that former IPFDC President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Sanchez and New Mexico real estate owner Thomas Keesing stole over $3.5 million from the IPFDC between 2004 and 2008, by falsifying invoices for services that Keesing claimed he provided as a c

Investigation
Bureau of Indian Affairs

, NM, United States

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Grants Awarded to the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, From July 1, 2014, Through June 30, 2016

Report Number
2017-EXT-058

We audited the costs claimed by the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 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 $50.9 million on 35 grants that were open during the State fiscal years that ended June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2016.

Audit
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

, NJ, United States

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct by NPS Biologist Unfounded

Report Number
18-0199

The OIG investigated an allegation that a National Park Service (NPS) biologist had coerced at least two interns into having a sexual relationship, and that the biologist misused his position to lead interns to believe he could influence their chances of gaining employment at the NPS. We found no evidence that the biologist manipulated any NPS interns, or that he misused his position. We determined that the biologist had a personal relationship with one former intern, but the intern was not an NPS employee at the time and the relationship did not violate any NPS policies.

Investigation
National Park Service

United States

Report of Ethical Misconduct by NPS Superintendent Unfounded

Report Number
18-0489

The OIG investigated allegations that a National Park Service (NPS) superintendent abused his authority by using Federal funds to replace the driveway and perform grounds cleanup at his Government-leased quarters, and that he violated safety regulations and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 regarding renovations made to his office. We did not substantiate the allegations against the superintendent. We found the superintendent acted within his authority when he directed the use of Federal funds to replace the driveway and perform maintenance at his Government-leased quarters.

Investigation
National Park Service

United States

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