USAID OIG Afghanistan and Pakistan Oversight Report, April-June ...

USAID OIG works with other law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation’s International Contract Corruption Task Force, the National Procurement FraudTask Force, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and U.S. embassies’ legal attaché offices tocoordinate investigative work, eliminate duplication, and maximize the efficient use of governmentresources.When OIG identifies fraud, waste, or abuse in foreign assistance programs, we seek to neutralizethis activity by all legal means at our disposal. OIG routinely works with prosecutors from the U.S.Department of Justice to put an end to civil and criminal violations and frequently works withother U.S.-based and foreign prosecutorial authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.Investigative findings on administrative matters are referred to Agency management for action.OIG also works with USAID implementing partners to resolve investigative matters with a bearingon their activities.OIG auditors work closely with Agency managers to address our findings and identify appropriatecorrective actions to be taken in response to our recommendations. We also routinely collaborateand consult with other oversight organizations. We work with DCAA in conducting audits, reviews,and preaward surveys related to foreign assistance programs. USAID OIG employees regularlymeet with representatives from the OIGs of the Departments of State and Defense to coordinateplans, reports, and activities of mutual interest. We also work with the Government AccountabilityOffice (GAO) in developing our audit plans to prevent duplication and ensure effectivecoordination.OIG is also a key participant in the Southwest Asia Joint Planning Group. The group, which is led bythe Department of Defense OIG, helps coordinate oversight of U.S. Government activities inSouthwest Asia. Representatives from the Office of Inspector General for the Department of State,DCAA, the Government Accountability Office, the Special Inspector General for AfghanistanReconstruction, and the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction also participated in thegroup. The group issues an annual coordinated oversight plan for the region that includes plannedand ongoing oversight activities by the member organizations.OIG has taken a leadership role in working to harmonize audit standards among internationaldonors, working initially with eight bilateral donors. We work extensively with supreme auditinstitutions and public accounting firms overseas and endeavor to expand and deepen thoserelationships wherever they would be mutually beneficial.Oversight ChallengesOIG oversight activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan are not without challenge. Delays in visaapprovals and the limited tours of duty that correspond to hardship posts have affected plans foraudit work. Travel requirements imposed by host governments and security-related restrictionson the movement of U.S. Government employees have sometimes limited our ability to performUSAID OIG Afghanistan and Pakistan Oversight Report 5