Review of Environmental Protection Agency's Efforts To Detect and Prevent Fraud and Abuse

A review was undertaken of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to detect and prevent fraud and abuse. During most of the review, the Office of Audit was responsible for evaluating the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of financial and program operations since the Office of Inspector General (OIG) was not established until January 7, 1980. Also, the Inspection Branch was responsible for matters relating to fraud, gross abuse, corrupt practices, or other irregularities.

Prior to the establishment of OIG, fraud audits and investigations were done primarily on a reactive basis. The 1980 fiscal year workplan shows that EPA will be able to meet only about 25 percent of its overall audit requirements. Although the audit resources of EPA fall short of those necessary to meet audit demands, other factors have handicapped EPA in its efforts to identify fraud and abuse. These include: (1) the delay in establishing an Office of Inspector General; (2) the lack of a viable ongoing management information system; and (3) poor utilization of investigative reports recommending needed changes in management policies and procedures.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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