Analysis of Recurring Audit Recommendations Could Improve FEMA's Oversight of HSGP

FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) provides funds to state, territorial, local, and tribal governments to enhance their ability to prepare for, prevent, protect, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. FEMA has not adequately analyzed recurring Office of Inspector General recommendations to implement permanent changes to improve its oversight of HSGP. This occurred because FEMA has not clearly communicated internal roles and responsibilities, and does not have policies and procedures for conducting substantive trend analysis of audit recommendations. Without sufficiently analyzing audit findings and recommendations, FEMA may not be able to develop proactive solutions to recurring and systemic problems, resulting in missed opportunities to improve the management and oversight of its HSGP.