How Were We Created?
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), was administratively established by the Secretary of Agriculture in 1962 following a major criminal fraud scandal affecting several agencies within USDA. OIG was later legislatively established by Congress under the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended.
What Do We Do?
Conduct independent and objective audits.
Promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
Prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse.
Review pending legislation and regulation.
Keep USDA officials and the Congress informed.
What Are Our Authorities And Responsibilities?
Have access to records and information of the agency.
Monitor and assess risks and areas of emphasis in USDA programs and operations.
Conduct audits and issue audit reports to address critical risks in USDA vulnerabilities.
Hire and manage a workforce with the skills and abilities to meet our challenges.
How Do We Contribute To Good Government?
Offer analysis and advice on critical agency initiatives, such the nation's commercial supply of imported or domestic meat, poultry, and egg products; protection of animal and plant resources from exotic invasive pests; benefit and entitlement programs like food stamps; scientific research; farm commodity programs; loan and grant programs; international food assistance; and conservation of our natural resources.
Look independently at problems and recommend possible solutions.
Issue fact-filled reports based on professional audit standards.
Provide technical and/or consultative advice as new issues develop.
What Are Our Goals?
Goal 1: Support USDA in the enhancement of safety and security measures to protect USDA agricultural resources and in related public health concerns.
Goal 2: Reduce program vulnerabilities and enhance program integrity in the delivery of benefits to individuals.
Goal 3: Increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which USDA manages and employs public assets and resources including physical and information resources.
|