Information on Personnel and Travel at the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Gao ID: FPCD-81-22 December 23, 1980A review was performed on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation's (FCIC) travel costs, type and number of personnel, personnel actions, and grading structure. A report by the Department of Agriculture's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on personnel abuses and other wrongdoings at FCIC was also reviewed.
The FCIC travel authorization policy was found to be a potential problem area warranting further study. Travel costs in recent years did not appear to be excessive; however, numerous overpayments indicated a need for improvement in the travel voucher audit system. Recent organizational changes made by FCIC were not reflected in its organizational chart and were found to be in violation of Agriculture regulations. The type and number of personnel changes appeared to be justified, and no irregularities were found concerning recent personnel actions. The average personnel grade increase experienced at FCIC was found to be caused by an upgrading of regional offices. The OIG investigation into allegations of personnel abuses and other impropieties at FCIC was found to be adequate. The alleged early release of the report to the manager of FCIC did not benefit him or disadvantage the other individuals under investigation. OIG investigations of travel abuses were adequate, and reasonable efforts were made to contact all individuals with information on the charges under investigation.