Bureau of Indian Affairs: Long-Standing Internal Control Weaknesses Warrant Congressional Attention
RCED-92-118
Published: May 08, 1992. Publicly Released: May 08, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Bureau of Indian Affairs' (BIA) implementation of its Social Services Program, focusing on whether BIA consistently applied internal controls in the general assistance and burial assistance program components.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| The cognizant Senate and House committees should consider requiring BIA to: (1) develop a comprehensive management or strategic plan with measurable objectives and milestones and specific organizational responsibilities delineated within the organization for correcting systemic internal control weaknesses; and (2) periodically report to Congress on its progress in meeting the plan's progress. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
The focus of congressional activity is to reduce and eliminate BIA's involvement in Indian programs. According to House Appropriations Committee staff, Congress has given up on BIA and has focused its efforts on providing funding to Indian tribes to foster the federal policy of Indian self-determination. |
Full Report
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Topics
Computer securityErroneous paymentsFederal agency accounting systemsIncome maintenance programsInternal controlsNative AmericansPublic administrationPublic assistance programsQuestionable paymentsStaff utilizationTrust fundsSupplemental security income