Evaluation of the Department of Energy's Office of Inspector General

GAO was requested to review the process and procedures in the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Inspector General (OIG) with regard to that office's planning, audit coverage, audit followup, and staffing. The OIG, created by the Department of Energy Organization Act, is required to coordinate, supervise, and conduct investigations and audits of all DOE internal activities to ensure honesty and efficiency. These activities are coordinated, when necessary, with other federal, state, and local agencies and nongovernment entities. The OIG also recommends corrective actions and identifies and arranges for prosecution of participants in fraud and abuse cases. The OIG has a Presidentially-appointed deputy.