Semi-Annual Report to Congress for the Period of April 1, 1997 to September 30, 1997

Abstract

[Excerpt] This Semiannual Report of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) details some of the audit and investigative activities conducted in support of our strategic goals during the period of April 1, 1997 through September 30, 1997. The OIG strategic plan establishes five goals aimed at helping the Department improve the effectiveness and cost efficiency of its programs and operations and to help contribute toward the Government’s effort to reduce organized crime influence and labor racketeering activities in the workplace. Our intent is to ensure that our audit and investigative activities help the Department’s programs and services reach and maintain an optimum level of performance, address key issues of concern to the Congress, and ensure that taxpayer interests are served. The OIG is focusing considerable attention on the Department’s effective implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993. The GPRA represents a new era of accountability for Government programs and services. Resources permitting, we in- tend to expand our traditional audit and investigative functions by leveraging our resources and in-house expertise to provide relevant oversight, while being responsive to requests from the Department for consultation, technical assistance and special reviews in conjunction with GPRA. We also intend to increase our level of effort in combating labor racketeering in the workplace, particularly as related to identifying and investigating abuses by service providers to pension plans.