Smithsonian Institution Office of the Inspector General

Parking Lot Manager Pleads Guilty

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:07:04 -0400

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Abeselom Hailemariam, 33, of Alexandria, Va., pleaded guilty today for his participation in a conspiracy to steal approximately $1.4 million of visitor parking fees when he was employed by Parking Management, Inc., (PMI), the company contracted to manage parking services at the Smithsonian Institution’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Scott S. Dahl, Inspector General for the Smithsonian Institution; and Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by United States District Judge T.S. Ellis, III

OIG Quality Assurance Memo for the Independent Auditor's Financial Statements Audit

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:57:39 -0400

We posted our Quality Assurance Memo for the Independent Auditor's Financial Statements Audit, number M-13-01.

Audit Announcement - Management of the Smithsonian's Motor Vehicle Fleet Operations

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 13:11:49 -0400

We are initiating an audit of the Smithsonian's fleet management operations as part of our Fiscal Year 2013 Audit Plan.
We will evaluate the controls management has established to minimize the costs of motor vehicle operations, including maintenance, petroleum use, purchase, and disposal.
We will also assess whether the Smithsonian is achieving the sustainability goals outlined in Executive Order 13514 Federal Leadership in Environmental,Energy,and Economic Performance and other applicable guidance.

Audit suspended - Security of Transporting High Value and High Risk Collection Objects

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 13:09:26 -0400

On January 8, 2013 we issued an engagement letter announcing the Audit of Security of Transporting High-Value Objects. We have since met with representatives from the Office of Protection Services, the Nationals Collection Program, and the Office of the Treasurer to obtain background information and to gain an understanding of the current program and operating procedures.
During the course of these meetings, we found that management is processing a draft update to the policy relating to the security of transporting objects outside of Smithsonian buildings (Smithsonian Directive 600, Collections Management, Implementation Manual) . Management stated that Smithsonian stakeholders were reviewing this draft and that a revised policy was expected to be implemented by early summer 2013.
Based on our preliminary review of the draft policy, it appears that the planned updates would have been the focus of our audit objectives and scope of review. Therefore, in order to allow management time to implement these changes, we have decided to suspend this audit at this time.

The Smithsonian Institution Needs to Improve Travel Related Policies and Procedures

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:07:21 -0400

We have posted our audit entitled The Smithsonian Institution Needs to Improve Travel Related Policies and Procedures, Number A-12-05.

Management Advisory Regarding Portable Computer Encryption

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 11:47:10 -0500

We have posted a management advisory regarding portable computer encryption, number M-13-01.

Audit Announcement - Management of the National Museum of African American History and Culture - Funding and Budget Issues

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 08:38:39 -0500

This review will continue our ongoing audit presence to determine whether the Smithsonian has sufficient controls in place to keep the NMAAHC building project on time and within budget. In this phase, we will determine whether (1) management's funding plans align with the timing of projected expenses, and (2) management has a contingency plan should the Smithsonian not receive expected federal appropriations or private donations.

Audit Announcement - Government Purchase Card Program

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 08:36:30 -0500

We are initiating this audit as part of our Fiscal Year 2013 Audit Plan. The overall objective will be to determine if the Smithsonian exercises effective management and oversight of the government purchase card program.

Audit Announcement - Security of Transporting High Value and High Risk Collection Objects

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 08:33:03 -0500

We are initiating this audit as part of our Fiscal Year 2013 Audit Plan. The overall objective will be to determine what processes are used by Smithsonian units in establishing security protocols and standards for transporting high value and high risk collection objects and what level of coordination exists within the Smithsonian for these transports.

Second PMI Parking Lot Attendant Pleads Guilty

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:31:17 -0500

On November 2, 2012, Freweyni Mebrahtu, 45, of Sterling, Virginia, pled guilty to stealing at least $400,000 of visitor parking fees belonging to the Smithsonian Institution’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Scott S. Dahl, Inspector General for the Smithsonian Institution; and James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by United States District Judge T. S. Ellis III.

Semiannual Report to Congress

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:35:21 -0500

The Smithsonian Institution has transmitted to Congress the OIG Semiannual Report for the period April 1 - September 30, 2012. You can download the report from our website at the link below.

Top Management Challenges Facing the Smithsonian

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:58:39 -0500

We have just released the Office of the Inspector General's 2012 list of top management challenges facing the Smithsonian Institution.

Fiscal Year 2013 Audit Plan

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:21:01 -0400

We have posted our Fiscal Year 2013 Audit plan.

The Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Needs to Improve Its Financial Management Operations

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 16:55:45 -0400

We have posted our audit entitled The Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Needs to Improve Its Financial Management Operations, Number A-11-09.

Greater Efficiencies and Increased Oversight Needed for the NMAAHC Construction Management Process

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 16:55:01 -0400

We have posted our audit entitled Greater Efficiencies and Increased Oversight Needed for the NMAAHC Construction Management Process, Number A-12-03-2.

PMI Parking Lot Attendant Pleads Guilty

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 10:42:03 -0400

On September 28, 2012, Meseret Terefe, 36, of Silver Spring, Md., pled guilty to stealing at least $400,000 of visitor parking fees belonging to the Smithsonian Institution’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Scott S. Dahl, Inspector General for the Smithsonian Institution; and James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by United States District Judge T. S. Ellis III.

Management Advisory Regarding ARTLAB+ Stolen Laptops

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:34:56 -0400

We have posted a management advisory regarding ARTLAB+ stolen laptops.

Parking Lot Attendants Arrested

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11:05:59 -0400

Three employees of Parking Management Inc. (PMI) were arrested on August 4, 2012 by agents of the Smithsonian Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation on charges of stealing at least $400,000 of visitor parking fees collected at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Management Advisory on the Audit of the Smithsonian's Use of Consulting Services

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 08:29:29 -0400

We have posted a management advisory on our Audit of the Smithsonian's Use of Consulting Services.

Management Advisory Regarding Required COTR Training

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 18:01:53 -0400

We have posted a management advisory regarding required Contracting Officer's Technical Representative training.

Semiannual Report to Congress

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 08:25:43 -0400

The Smithsonian Institution has transmitted to Congress the OIG Semiannual Report for the period October 1, 2011 - March 31, 2012. You can download the report from our website at the link below.

In Brief: FY 2011 FISMA Review of the Smithsonian's Information Security Program

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:26:06 -0400

We have posted the In Brief summary of our fiscal year 2011 FISMA Audit of the Smithsonian Institution's Information Security Program.

The Smithsonian Should Streamline and Standardize Its Architect/Engineer Contract Modification Process

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:27:09 -0400

We have posted our audit entitled The Smithsonian Should Streamline and Standardize Its Architect/Engineer Contract Modification Process, Number A-12-03-1.

Annual Audit of Travel Expenses of the Board of Regents for Fiscal Year 2011

Wed, 2 May 2012 06:16:41 -0400

We have posted our Annual Audit of Travel Expenses of the Board of Regents for Fiscal Year 2011, Number A-12-04

Quality Assurance Letter on FY11 Financial Statement Audit

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:16:12 -0400

We have posted our quality assurance letter on the KPMG audit of the Smithsonian's fiscal year 2011 financial statements.

Non-Senior Staff Travel Oversight Needs Improvement

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 10:24:56 -0400

We have posted the report on our audit, Non-Senior Staff Travel Needs Improvement, Report Number A-11-07.

Audit Announcement

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:21:55 -0400

We are initiating a review of senior executive travel at the Smithsonian, including travel by the Secretary.

We will assess whether (1) executive travelers complied with laws, regulations, and Smithsonian policies and procedures, including for accompanying spousal travel; (2) travel management controls operated properly, including oversight by the Board of Regents and other authorities; and (3) travel was for authorized purposes and for reasonable amounts. In addition to reviewing the travel records, we will also examine the review process established by the Office of the Comptroller for quarterly assessments of all senior executive travel. Our review will cover executive travel for fiscal years 2009-2011.

Audit Announcement

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:40:24 -0500

We are initiating an audit of the Board of Regents travel expenses. We will assess whether the travel expenses for those Regents who seek reimbursement for expenses associated with attending Board meetings comply with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
In 2007, the Executive Committee of the Board requested the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an annual audit of the Regents' travel expenses. The Executive Committee requested this audit to fulfill the statutory requirement under 20 U.S.C. § 44; which allows each member of the Board to be paid necessary traveling and other actual expenses to attend meetings of the Board and tasks the Executive Committee with auditing these expenditures.

Semiannual Report to Congress

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 13:00:00 -0500

The Smithsonian Institution has transmitted to Congress the OIG Semiannual Report for the period April 1, 2011 - September 30, 2011. You can download the report from our website at the link below.

Smithsonian Institution Office of the Inspector General Peer Review

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 07:27:41 -0400

We have posted the report on our recent peer review. Government Auditing Standards require audit organizations to undergo external peer reviews by independent reviewers every three years. Our most recent peer review, conducted by the Office of the Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and issued in September 2011, concluded that our quality control system was designed to meet government auditing standards, and complied with those standards, for the 15-month period ending March 31, 2011.

Collections Stewardship of the National Collections at the National Museum of American History: Preservation and Physical Security

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 07:22:28 -0400

We have posted the report on our Audit of Collections Stewardship of the National Collections at the National Museum of American History: Preservation and Physical Security, Report Number A-10-03-2.

Use of Social Media

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 07:21:39 -0400

We have posted the report on our Audit of Use of Social Media, Report Number A-11-01.

Fiscal Year 2012 Audit Plan

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:39:31 -0400

We have posted our Fiscal Year 2012 Audit plan.

Collections Stewardship at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:02:08 -0400

We have posted the report on our Audit of Collections Stewardship at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Report Number A-11-02.

Smithsonian Enterprises Financial Management

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:55:50 -0400

We have posted the report on our Audit of Smithsonian Enterprises Financial Management, Report Number A-10-12.

Website Redesign

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 12:49:00 -0400

The Smithsonian Institution OIG has updated its website design. We are also providing additional information on OIG activities that we hope you will find informative.

Semiannual Report to Congress

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 16:00:20 -0400

The Smithsonian Institution has transmitted to Congress the OIG Semiannual Report for the period October 1, 2010 - March 31, 2011.

Management Advisory

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 16:00:26 -0400

The Smithsonian Institution OIG has just issued its Management Advisory Regarding OFEO Service Agreements with Smithsonian Enterprises Retail Operations.

OIG Strategic Plan

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:44:02 -0400

The Smithsonian OIG has posted its Strategic Plan for 2011-2015.

Oversight Letter on FY10 Financial Statement Audit

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:16:04 -0400

We have posted our oversight letter on the KPMG audit of the Smithsonian's fiscal year 2010 financial statements.

In Brief: FY 2010 FISMA Audit of the Smithsonian's Information Security Program

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:49:31 -0400

We have posted the In Brief summary of our fiscal year 2010 FISMA Audit of the Smithsonian Institution's Information Security Program.

Stewardship of the National Collections at the National Museum of American History - Inventory Controls

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 06:00:22 -0500

We have posted the report on our Audit of Stewardship of the National Collections at the National Museum of American History - Inventory Controls, Report Number A-10-03-1

Travel Expenses of the Board of Regents

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:54:11 -0500

We have posted the report on our Audit of Travel Expenses of the Board of Regents

Semiannual Report to Congress

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:58:01 -0500

The Smithsonian Institution OIG has released its Semiannual Report to Congress for the period April 1, 2010 - September 30, 2010.

Audit of Collections Accessioning at the National Museum of Natural History

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:50:18 -0500

We have posted the report on our Audit of Collections Accessioning at the National Museum of Natural History.

Audit of Acquisition Workforce Training

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:42:49 -0400

We have posted the report on our Audit of Acquisition Workforce Training at the Smithsonian Institution.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Final Update

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:08:49 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through September 30, 2010. We have completed our Recovery Act oversight activities. The October 13, 2010 report is our final monthly report.

Fiscal Year 2011 Audit Plan

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 09:32:41 -0400

We have posted our Fiscal Year 2011 Audit plan.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 08:12:22 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through August 31, 2010.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 05:52:13 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through July 31, 2010.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 13:41:57 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through June 30, 2010.

In Brief: FY 2009 FISMA Audit of the Smithsonian's Information Security Program

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:01:39 -0400

We have posted our In Brief summary of our fiscal year 2009 FISMA Audit of the Smithsonian Institution's Information Security Program.

Semiannual Report to Congress

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:59:39 -0400

The Smithsonian Institution OIG has released its Semiannual Report to Congress for the period October 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Tue, 1 Jun 2010 16:03:13 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through May 31, 2010.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Mon, 10 May 2010 13:41:57 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through April 30, 2010.

Audit Process Brochure

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 12:48:14 -0400

The Smithsonian OIG has posted a PDF brochure entitled "Understanding the Audit Process."

Oversight Letter on FY09 Financial Statement Audit

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 12:47:28 -0400

We have posted our oversight letter on the KPMG audit of the Smithsonian's fiscal year 2009 financial statements.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 12:46:50 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through March 31, 2010.

Audit of Physical Security and Inventory Control Measures to Safeguard the National Collections at the National Air and Space Museum

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 06:59:33 -0400

We have posted the report on our Audit of Physical Security and Inventory Control Measures to Safeguard the National Collections at the National Air and Space Museum.

Management Advisory on Reporting Recovery Act Jobs Data

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 14:38:19 -0500

We have posted our Management Advisory on Reporting Recovery Act Jobs Data

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 14:29:34 -0500

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through February 28, 2010.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:05:57 -0500

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through January 31, 2010.

Audit of Capital Projects Oversight

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:38:30 -0500

We have posted the report on our audit of capital projects oversight.

Audit of Travel Expenses of the Board of Regents

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:37:10 -0500

We have posted the report on our audit of travel expenses of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

Inspector General Testimony Before Congress

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:37:27 -0500

We have posted the statement of Inspector General A. Sprightley Ryan before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies on December 10, 2009

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 08:00:00 -0500

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through December 31, 2009.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 16:36:10 -0500

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through November 30, 2009.

Semiannual Report to Congress

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 16:30:17 -0500

The Smithsonian Institution OIG has released its Semiannual Report to Congress for the period April 1, 2009 - September 30, 2009.

Audit of Personal Property Accountability

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:15:53 -0500

We have posted the report on our audit of personal property accountability.

Audit of Smithsonian Institution Network Infrastructure

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:21:05 -0500

We have posted the final report of our audit of Smithsonian Institution Network Infrastructure.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:07:13 -0500

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through October 31, 2009.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:58:13 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added links to report waste or fraud in Smithsonian Institution Recovery Act programs.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 07:31:37 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through September 30, 2009.

Fiscal Year 2010 Audit Plan

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:15:40 -0400

We have posted our Fiscal Year 2010 Audit plan.

Review of the Smithsonian Institution's Implementation of the Smithsonian Network Contracts

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:15:21 -0400

We have posted our Review of the Smithsonian Institution's Implementation of the Smithsonian Network Contracts.

Audits of Facilities Maintenance and Safety

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:17:06 -0400

We have posted two reports on our audits of facilities maintenance and safety.

Management Comments on Oversight Findings on Timeliness and Transparency of the Smithsonian's Use of Recovery Act Funds

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:04:24 -0400

The Smithsonian Institution Office of the Inspector General has posted the management response to its report on Oversight Findings on Timeliness and Transparency of the Smithsonian's Use of Recovery Act Funds.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 07:32:22 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through August 31, 2009.

Oversight Findings on Timeliness and Transparency of the Smithsonian's Use of Recovery Act Funds

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 10:56:21 -0400

The Smithsonian Institution Office of the Inspector General has issued its management advisory on Oversight Findings on Timeliness and Transparency of the Smithsonian's Use of Recovery Act Funds.

Management Response to Audit of Non-Travel Business Expenses of Smithsonian Executives and Boards

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:41:02 -0400

We have posted Management's response to our Audit of Non-Travel Business Expenses of Smithsonian Executives and Boards.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 06:00:00 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through July 31, 2009.

Audit of Non-Travel Business Expenses of Smithsonian Executives and Boards

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:00:21 -0400

We have posted our Audit of Non-Travel Business Expenses of Smithsonian Executives and Boards.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 16:06:22 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through June 30, 2009.

In Brief: Smithsonian Institution Research Information System

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:52:56 -0400

We have posted our In Brief summary of our audit of the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System.

In Brief: Privacy Program

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:52:55 -0400

We have posted our In Brief summary of our audit of the Smithsonian Institution's Privacy Program.

Semiannual Report to Congress

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 10:39:23 -0400

The Smithsonian Institution OIG has released its Semiannual Report to Congress for the period October 1, 2008 - March 31, 2009.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website Update

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:17:47 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has added a report of Recovery Act expenses through May 31, 2009.

Smithsonian OIG Recovery Act Website

Fri, 15 May 2009 11:44:30 -0400

The Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General has introduced a Recovery Act website that will provide access to the OIG's Recovery Act oversight plan and reports.

Administration of Workers' Compensation Program

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:21:59 -0400

We have issued the final report on our Audit of the Administration of the Worker's Compensation Program.

In Brief: FY 2008 FISMA Audit of the Smithsonian's Information Security Program

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:38:48 -0400

We have posted our In Brief summary of our fiscal year 2008 FISMA Audit of the Smithsonian Institution's Information Security Program.

Oversight Letter on FY08 Financial Statement Audit

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 11:36:28 -0400

We have posted our oversight letter on the KPMG audit of the Smithsonian's fiscal year 2008 financial statements.

External Quality Control Review of the Smithsonian Institution Office of the Inspector General

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 16:20:05 -0500

We have posted the final report on our peer review, which was conducted by the Federal Reserve Board Office of the Inspector General.

Audit of Travel Oversight, Number A-08-02

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:12:35 -0500

We have issued the final report on our Audit of Travel Oversight, Number A-08-02. The full report is available on our public website.

New RSS Feed

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:11:48 -0500

We will keep you informed about changes to our website through this RSS feed. You will need appropriate software to subscribe to and view this information.

Semiannual Report to Congress

Tue, 9 Dec 2008 11:57:29 -0500

The Smithsonian Institution OIG has released its Semiannual Report to Congress for the period April 1 - September 30, 2008.