Reports
Federal Student Aid's Processes for R2T4 Waivers Loan Cancellations and Pell Exclusions
The purpose of the audit is to determine whether Federal Student Aid has adequate processes (1) for students who withdrew because of the coronavirus pandemic, to waive the return of Title IV (R2T4) requirements, cancel Direct Loans received during the payment period, and exclude Pell Grants received during the payment period from Federal Pell lifetime usage; and (2) for schools to report the number and amounts of R2T4 waivers applied.
The Department’s Use of Pandemic Assistance Administration Funds
The objective of our review is to determine the Department’s progress on spending program administration funds authorized by coronavirus response and relief laws, including how those funds have been used to date and the Department’s plans for using remaining funds.
University of Cincinnati’s Use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Student Aid and Institutional Grants
Audit of the State of Michigan’s Administration of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) Grant
Determine whether Michigan designed and implemented (1) awarding processes that ensured that the GEER grant was used to support local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) that were most significantly impacted by the coronavirus or LEAs, IHEs, or other education-related entities within the State that were deemed essential for carrying out emergency educational services, and (2) monitoring processes to ensure that subgrantees used GEER grant funds in accordance with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other applicable Federal requirements.
Review of Local Educational Agencies’ Use of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds for Technology
The review will cover selected LEAs’ experience with purchasing technology to continue students’ instruction as schools closed and reopened in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. The review will include a survey to obtain information regarding the types of technology purchased, the impact the technology had on student learning, and the challenges LEAs faced related to the purchase and maintenance of that technology.
Audit of the Office of Postsecondary Education’s Oversight of Higher Education Emergency Relief Grant Funds
The purpose of the audit is to determine whether the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) has an adequate process in place to ensure that grantees use Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grant funds appropriately and performance goals are met.
Audit of FAA's Award and Oversight of CARES Act Funds
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act designated $10 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support continuing operations at U.S. airports following the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. By the end of fiscal year 2020, FAA had obligated approximately $9.4 billion in formula grants to airports for such purposes as capital expenditures, operating expenses (including payroll and utilities), and debt payments. We are initiating this audit because the act also provided $5 million to OIG for conducting oversight of DOT projects and activities supported by CARES Act funds. Our objective is to assess whether FAA’s policies and procedures for awarding and overseeing CARES Act grants are sufficient to protect taxpayer interests.
State of Oklahoma's Administration of the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund Grant
Determine whether Oklahoma designed and implemented (1) awarding processes that ensured that the GEER Fund grant was used to support local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) that were most significantly impacted by the coronavirus or LEAs, IHEs, or other education-related entities within the State that were deemed essential for carrying out emergency educational services, and (2) monitoring processes to ensure that subgrantees used GEER Fund grant funds in accordance with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other applicable Federal requirements.
Evaluation of the National Reconnaissance Office’s Implementation of Section 3610 Authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is conducting an evaluation of the NRO’s implementation of section 3610 authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The objectives are to evaluate the NRO’s implementation of section 3610 authorized by the CARES Act and to identify preliminary impacts to NRO mission.
Research for Future Audits and Evaluations Regarding Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic (SARS-CoV-2 Virus and COVID-19 Disease) on EPA Programs and Operations
The OIG plans to initiate a project to research and identify topics for potential audits and evaluations related to the EPA's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.