Reports
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.
Desk Review of the State of Alaska
The objective of this desk review is to evaluate the State of Alaska documentation supporting the uses of its Coronavirus Relief Fund proceeds as reported in GrantSolutions, and to assess risk of unallowable use of funds. The scope of our review will include obligation and expenditure data for the period March 1 through December 31, 2020, as reported in cycles 1 through 3 in the GrantSolutions portal.
Audit of the Direct Loan Program
The Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery is assessing the Department of the Treasury's Direct Loan Program, which provided approximately $2.7 billion through 35 loans to passenger air carriers and related businesses, cargo air carriers, and businesses critical to maintaining national security. The objectives of the audit are to 1) determine if the processes to approve loans followed requirements under Section 4003(b) of the CARES Act and other appropriate regulations and guidance and 2) evaluate Treasury’s Direct Loan Program loan portfolio management process and determine whether it follows best practices established by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or other appropriate authority. As part of this effort, SIGPR is partnering with the Department of Defense OIG in reviewing the loans that were issued in the interest of national security.
Desk Review of Newtok Village Council
The objective of this desk review is to evaluate Newtok Village Council’s documentation supporting the uses of its Coronavirus Relief Fund proceeds as reported in GrantSolutions, and to assess risk of unallowable use of funds. The scope of our review will include obligation and expenditure data for the period March 1 through September 30, 2020, as reported in cycles 1 and 2 in the GrantSolutions portal.
Desk Review of South Dakota
The objective of this desk review is to evaluate the State of South Dakota’s documentation supporting the uses of its Coronavirus Relief Fund proceeds as reported in GrantSolutions, and to assess risk of unallowable use of funds. The scope of our review will include obligation and expenditure data for the period March 1 through September 30, 2020, as reported in cycles 1 and 2 in the GrantSolutions portal.
Desk Review of the United States Virgin Islands
The objective of this desk review is to evaluate the US Virgin Islands documentation supporting the uses of its Coronavirus Relief Fund proceeds as reported in GrantSolutions, and to assess risk of unallowable use of funds. The scope of our review will include obligation and expenditure data for the period March 1 through September 30, 2020, as reported in cycles 1 and 2 in the GrantSolutions portal.
Audit of American Samoa's Uses of Coronavirus Relief Fund Payment
The objective is to assess whether American Samoa used Coronavirus Relief Fund payment proceeds in accordance with 601(d) of the Social Security Act, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 801(d)), Treasury's Coronavirus Relief Guidance For State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments, and Treasury's Coronavirus Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions.
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.
Evaluation of EPA's Information Systems' Compliance with Federal System Security Plans Requirements (revised objectives)
One objective of this audit is to evaluate elements within the System Security Plans to determine whether they provide details to allow the EPA to make decisions to secure its network during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Audit of the Department of the Treasury’s Implementation of “Coronavirus Relief Fund” Under Title VI of the CARES Act (A-FA-20-039)
Title VI of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), (P. L. 116-136) requires the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) to make Coronavirus Relief Fund payments to each State and Tribal government, and each unit of local government that meets the conditions outlined in Title VI. Payments are to be made no later than 30 days after enactment on March 27, 2020. Title VI also authorizes our office to conduct monitoring and oversight of the receipt, disbursement, and use of funds made available to States, Tribal governments and units of local governments.