Ongoing Projects

Determine whether ICE detention facilities are complying with select standards outlined in ICE's Performance-Based National Detention Standards.

Determine whether the Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC) provided adequate medical care and COVID-19 protection and properly responded to complaints about facility operations.

To assess the effectiveness of CBP's current tools and technologies to support Border Patrol's mission operations for preventing the entry of illegal aliens or inadmissible individuals who may pose threats to national security.

Determine whether CBP air mail inspection processes at JFK International Airport are adequate, and identify what impediments exist for effective screening, tracking, and safeguarding of incoming mail.

The purpose of this financial audit is to conduct an integrated audit of DHS' consolidated financial statements for the year ending September 30, 2021, and internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2021. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-136 requires the audit reports to be submitted as part of the Agency Financial Report (AFR), which is due on November 15th of the fiscal year following the fiscal year that is being reported. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has contracted the services of an Independent Public Accounting (IPA) firm to serve as the principle auditor of the Department's consolidated financial statements. As the principle auditor, the contractor will perform the audit of the consolidated financial statements and perform procedures on the supplemental and other accompanying information included in the Agency Financial Report (AFR) as of and for the fiscal year (FY) ended September 30, 2021, and succeeding years, in accordance with Government Auditing Standards (GAS) issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and subsequent revisions, and OMB Bulletin 19-03, Audit Requirements for Federal Financial Statements. The contractor shall also follow the GAO/PCIE Financial Audit Manual (FAM), and Government Accountability Office's (GAO) Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual (FISCAM).

To determine to what extent FEMA ensures Louisiana manages and provides oversight of Public Assistance grants to ensure compliance with Federal regulations.

To determine to what extent FEMA ensures New York manages and provides oversight of Public Assistance grants to ensure compliance with Federal regulations..

The objective is to determine whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ensured state and local law enforcement agencies accounted for and expended FEMA’s grant for protection of the President’s non-governmental residences according to Federal regulations and FEMA and U.S. Secret Service guidelines.

To determine whether FEMA is properly managing its Property Acquisitions for Open Space Program.

Determine the extent to which FEMA is meeting disaster survivors' transitional shelter needs after the California wildfires and hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in 2017.

Audit of FEMA's Verification of Household Income

To assess DHS' progress to implement continuous monitoring of security controls through its Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program.

Determine the effectiveness of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) technology systems to provide timely and accurate electronic processing of immigration and naturalization benefit requests while field locations, asylum offices and application support centers were closed or operating on a reduced workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objective is to determine whether complaints were made to CBP leadership regarding the “I’m 10-15” or similar private Facebook group(s) prior to recent media reporting; which senior-level officials knew about the “I’m 10-15” or similar private Facebook group(s) prior to the July 2019 media reporting, when they became aware, and what they knew about the content; and what actions, if any, were taken to evaluate and address potential employee misconduct in the group

Determine to what extent the establishment of CBP's Centers of Excellence & Expertise have improved the assessment, collection, and protection of revenue.

Determine to what extent CBP's FAST Program ensures only low-risk commercial drivers receive expedited entry to the United States.

To determine the causes leading to CBP's inability to comply with the general requirement to only hold detainees in its custody for up to 72 hours.

Determine to what extent CBP protects its Mobile Passport Control (MPC) applications (app) from cybersecurity threats

To determine whether CBP’s policies and procedures safeguard detained migrants experiencing serious medical conditions while in custody.

To determine to what extent CBP conducted searches of electronic devices at U.S. ports of entry in accordance with its standard operating procedures.

Determine whether CBP, ICE, TSA, and USSS appropriately report, investigate, and adjudicate employee allegations of sexual harassment and workplace sexual misconduct.

To determine to what extent the Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) counters Improvised Explosive Devices.

Determine whether the Department is in compliance with PIIA and the Executive Order 13520.

To review the DHS Secretary's report provided by the Deputy Under Secretary for Management on November 1, 2019, listing all contracts and grants awarded by any means other than full and open competition (noncompetitive) during FY 2018 and FY 2019; and assess departmental compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and department procedures.

Determine whether Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE),United States Coast Guard (USCG), and United States Secret Service (USSS) collect DNA samples from arrested or detained persons as required by the Fingerprint DNA Act of 2005 and subsequent Department of Justice (DOJ) regulations.

Determine whether CBP, ICE, TSA, and the Coast Guard effectively transport, store, and destroy seized illicit drugs. 2) To determine if DHS employees, federal contractors, and the public are adequately protected while interacting with and destroying seized illicit drugs.

Determine how well DHS oversight has strengthened the security and resiliency of the Dams Critical Infrastructure Sector.

Review the preparation, activities and authority of DHS law enforcement officers deployed to protect Federal property.

Determine the extent to which DHS provides accurate hearing notices and
facilitates immigration hearings at temporary courts in accordance with laws and
regulations.

Determine whether S&T manages its technology pilot programs in accordance with DHS guidelines, policies, and procedures.

- Evaluate how DHS determined employee status for placement into vaccine distribution priority groups.
- Determine how DHS, in conjunction with Veterans Health Administration (VHA), planned to triage and distribute available vaccine inventory and vaccinate frontline, mission-critical DHS staff.
- Evaluate how DHS executed its plans

Our objective is to assess DHS' program management approach to modernizing its financial systems, thereby ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial data and management reporting across the Department.

To determine if DHS and components have developed, updated, and adhered to policies related to cell-phone surveillance devices.

Determine to what extent BioWatch information sharing ensures jurisdictional readiness in response to biological terrorism threats.

To assess DHS' progress in implementing the cyber action plans with the National Security Agency (NSA) and United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM).

To assess the completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and quality of DHS' fiscal year 2021,
first quarter spending data submitted for publication on USAspending.gov; and DHS'
implementation and use of the Government-wide financial data standards established
by OMB and Treasury.

Determine the extent to which DHS has developed and implemented policies and procedures for collecting, managing, and protecting open source information for operational and intelligence purposes.

To assess the effectiveness of the E-Verify system to electronically confirm employment eligibility and help prevent the hiring of illegal workers.

To determine the Department's effectiveness in managing its intelligence information program and information technology systems for fiscal year 2019.

To determine the Department's effectiveness in managing its intelligence information program and information technology systems for fiscal year 2020.

Determine whether DHS' information security program and practices are adequate and effective in protecting DHS' operations and assets for FY 2020.

To determine whether ICE's use of administrative and disciplinary segregation across all authorized detention facilities complies with Departmental detention standards.

To determine to what extent FEMA (Headquarters and, specifically, Region IV) is conducting proper oversight and execution of  policies and procedures in place to identify and reduce repetitive damages to our Nation's roads and bridges.

To determine whether FEMA is administering CARES Act funding for the EFSP in accordance with Federal requirements to meet program goals.

To determine to what extent FEMA has practices and guidelines for issuing COVID-19 related non-competitively awarded contracts for unusual and compelling circumstances.

To determine to what extent FEMA develops and oversees mission assignments (MA) for COVID-19 in accordance with FEMA's policies and procedures.

To determine to what extent FEMA is coordinating with federal agencies in preparing for and responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

To determine to what extent FEMA managed and distributed medical supplies and equipment in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Determine the effectiveness of FEMA's process for recovering disallowed grant costs and whether FEMA is allowing cost in a manner consistent with OMB Circulars and other cost guidance.

Our objective is to determine whether FEMA appropriately reports, investigates, and adjudicates employee allegations of sexual harassment and workplace sexual misconduct.

Whether FEMA follows its policies and procedures consistently in responding to State, Tribal, and territorial declaration requests.

Assess whether DHS policies and FEMA procedures for determining the responsibility of a prospective contractor for disaster response commodities and services comply with procurement regulations and provide contracting personnel with adequate guidance to make such determinations according to requirements.

To determine the extent to which FEMA's Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power Program achieved its goals and objectives and complied with federal regulations and FEMA policies.

To determine whether covered assistance distributed in error by FEMA to individuals and households, in any 12-month period, exceeds 4 percent of the total amount of covered assistance distributed.

The objective is to determine to what extent the Strategic Funds Management Initiative ensures that FEMA funds are obligated in accordance with, Federal, department, and component requirements.

Determine to what extent the Science & Technology implemented internal controls to ensure the its Bankcard Program is managed and maintained to prevent illegal, improper, and erroneous purchases and payments, as required.

To determine whether Texas GLO has the processes and controls to ensure the Direct Assistance for Limited Home Repair (DALHR) program complies with Federal regulations, FEMA guidelines, and the Intergovernmental Service Agreement, and to access whether FEMA has adequate policies, procedures, and controls to oversee the program.

Review DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis's (I&A) responsibility for providing intelligence to law enforcement for the January 6, 2021 events at the Capitol, and whether and how I&A fulfilled its responsibility.

To determine whether ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) effectively controlled COVID-19 within its detention facilities and adequately safeguarded the health and safety of both detainees in its custody and its staff.

The objective is to determine to what extent ICE implemented controls to ensure Government Solutions, LLC provided qualified labor for work performed under the terms of its contracts. 

Determine how DHS, especially CBP and USCIS, have implemented the Prompt Asylum Claim/Screening Review and Humanitarian Asylum Review Process (HARP) pilot programs.

- Evaluate compliance with existing requirements for reporting, timely intake medical assessments, and access to offsite obstetric-gynecological care, for pregnant detainees at IHSC-run facilities.
- Document IHSC's Medical Quality Management Unit internal reviews, root cause findings, and corrective action plans for medical incidents for pregnant detainees.
- Determine medical staffing levels at IHSC headquarters and IHSC-run detention facilities.  

Determine DHS' compliance with Public Law 114-278, section 1(b), "Transportation Security Card Program Assessment".

Assess the causes and impact of medical vacancies at ICE detention facilities and determine whether existing medical staffing plans and vacancies at detention facilities hinder ICE detainees' access to adequate medical care.

To determine the extent and appropriateness of FEMA's use of alternative contracting methods to administer the NFIP.

Determine to what extent FEMA ensured Monroe County met Federal procurement requirements and FEMA guidelines when it procured debris removal services for Monroe County, FL, following hurricane Irma.

To assess the effectiveness of FEMA's monitoring to ensure that the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency, as a grantee, accounts for and expends Disaster Case Management Program grant funds according to Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines.

Review the circumstances surrounding a detainee's childbirth at the Chula Vista Border Patrol Station, including whether CBP mistreated the detainee or denied medical care, as alleged, and whether CBP's actions violated CBP's National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search (TEDS) and other applicable policies and procedures.

To determine whether DHS effectively supported operable and interoperable emergency communications for federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government officials and critical infrastructure operators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Determine the extent to which the goals of the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act (SRIA), Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program (PAAP) were met in accordance with legislative and FEMA guidelines.

To determine whether CBP (or other selected DHS component) has incorporated information security requirements to safeguard the sensitive information stored and processed by DHS contractors.

Determine whether aliens were given the option of bringing their children when they were removed from the United States

Objective changed to: Determine if the Coast Guard is adequately addressing widespread outages of distress signals and conducting appropriate notifications about outages to reduce the risk of loss of life or property. This change was discussed with the IG and COS on 12/14/2020. Old objective was -- Determine whether the Coast Guard promptly and adequately alerted the public about widespread outages of distress signals, whether it failed to respond to distress signals during this time, whether it developed adequate plans to address the outages, and/or the efficacy of this and alternative distress signal technologies.

Determine the extent to which TSA has evaluated its explosive detection canine team program and has met the public law requirements for training, using program resources, and monitoring, and tracking canine assets as part of developing and implementing its surface transportation risk-based security strategy.

Conduct unannounced spot inspections of ICE detention facilities to monitor compliance with health, safety, and civil rights standards outlined in ICE’s Performance-Based National Detention Standards.

To compile and review audit reports issued from FY 2017 to FY 2019 that have identified data-related challenges at DHS and/or its components; review frequently reported audit findings; and quantify persistent and systemic data issues impacting DHS.

To determine whether TSA awarded and is managing its $290 million hiring contract with Accenture in a fiscally responsible manner according to Federal, departmental, and component requirements.

To determine to what extent the Transportation Security Administration's acquisition of the Computed Tomography (CT) 3D technology addresses needed capabilities.

To determine the extent to which TSA implemented requirements from the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 and the TSA Modernization Act.

To determine to what extent U.S. Coast Guard monitors contractor performance results associated with cost and schedule relief granted under Public Law 85-804 authority, for the Offshore Patrol Cutter Program.

Determine to what extent CBP's aviation fleet is managed to meet operational mission needs.

To determine to what extent U.S. Customs and Border Protection canine teams can identify illicit drugs, other contraband, and illegal aliens crossing the border into the United States.

To determine the extent to which ICE identifies and investigates human trafficking

Determine whether the United States Coast Guard (USCG) appropriately modified its acquisition strategy for the sustainment of the Rescue 21 Program to a sole-source contracting approach.

To determine whether CBP monitors and maintains its Radiation Portal Monitors in accordance with DHS acquisition guidelines, policies, and procedures.

To determine to what extent USCIS assists in the prosecution of human traffickers and violent criminals when adjudicating T and U Visa applications.

To determine the adequacy, effectiveness, and timeliness of DHS corrective actions to five OIG reports (OIG-19-53, OIG-18-83, OIG-17-09, OIG-17-03, OIG-11-57) that made 18 recommendations for improvement to DHS's drug interdiction efforts.