SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

SINGLE AUDIT OF THE

STATE OF GEORGIA

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED

JUNE 30, 2000

October 2001

A-77-02-00001

AUDIT REPORT

Mission

We improve SSA programs and operations and protect them against fraud, waste, and abuse by conducting independent and objective audits, evaluations, and investigations. We provide timely, useful, and reliable information and advice to Administration officials, the Congress, and the public.

Authority

The Inspector General Act created independent audit and investigative units, called the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The mission of the OIG, as spelled out in the Act, is to:

Conduct and supervise independent and objective audits and investigations relating to agency programs and operations.

Promote economy, effectiveness, and efficiency within the agency.

Prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in agency programs and operations.

Review and make recommendations regarding existing and proposed legislation and regulations relating to agency programs and operations.

Keep the agency head and the Congress fully and currently informed of problems in agency programs and operations.

To ensure objectivity, the IG Act empowers the IG with:

Independence to determine what reviews to perform.

Access to all information necessary for the reviews.

Authority to publish findings and recommendations based on the reviews.

Vision

By conducting independent and objective audits, investigations, and evaluations, we are agents of positive change striving for continuous improvement in the Social Security Administration's programs, operations, and management and in our own office.


SOCIAL. SECURITY

MEMORANDUM

Date: OCT 11, 2001

Office of the Inspector General

Refer To:

To: Helen Hepner
Acting Director
Management Analysis and Audit Program Support Staff

From: Assistant Inspector General for Audit

Subject: Single Audit of the State of Georgia for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2000 (A-77-02-00001)

This report presents the Social Security Administration's (SSA) portion of the single audit of the State of Georgia for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2000. The Georgia State Auditor performed the audit and its reports on compliance and internal controls are attached (see Appendix A). Results of the desk review conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have not been received. We will notify you when the results are received if HHS determines the audit did not meet Federal requirements.

The Georgia Disability Determination Services (DDS) performs disability determinations under SSA's Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs in accordance with Federal regulations. The DDS is reimbursed for 100 percent of allowable costs. The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), Division of Rehabilitation Services is the Georgia DDS's parent agency.

For single audit purposes, the Office of Management and Budget assigns Federal programs and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number. SSA's DI and SSI programs are identified by CFDA number 96. SSA is responsible for resolving single audit findings reported under this CFDA number.

The single audit reported that DHR did not follow established guidelines for maintaining equipment inventory (see Appendix B). The DHR's corrective action plan indicates that policies and internal control procedures are being revised to ensure that equipment inventories are properly maintained. We recommend SSA ensure that DDS has procedures in place for maintaining equipment inventories in accordance with State rules and regulations.

The single audit also disclosed the following finding that may impact DDS operations although it was not specifically identified to SSA. I am bringing this matter to your Control weaknesses resulted when the State transitioned to a new accounting system. Specifically, accounting data reconciliations were not consistently performed and controls were not in place to safeguard data against unauthorized access.

Please send copies of the final Audit Clearance Document to Mark Bailey in Kansas City and Paul Wood in Baltimore. If you have questions contact Mark Bailey at (816) 936-5591.

Steven L. Schaeffer

Some items such as graphics or charts used in reports were unable to be converted to internet format at this time. Therefore, if you would like a copy of the full report please write:

Office of the Inspector General
Public Affairs
300 Altmeyer Bldg.
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore MD 21235

Overview of the Office of the Inspector General

Office of Audit

The Office of Audit (OA) conducts comprehensive financial and performance audits of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) programs and makes recommendations to ensure that program objectives are achieved effectively and efficiently. Financial audits, required by theChief Financial Officers Act of 1990, assess whether SSA’s financial statements fairly present the Agency’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flow. Performance audits review the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of SSA’s programs. OA also conducts short-term management and program evaluations focused on issues of concern to SSA, Congress, and the general public. Evaluations often focus on identifying and recommending ways to prevent and minimize program fraud and inefficiency.

Office of Executive Operations

The Office of Executive Operations (OEO) provides four functions for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) – administrative support, strategic planning, quality assurance, and public affairs. OEO supports the OIG components by providing information resources management; systems security; and the coordination of budget, procurement, telecommunications, facilities and equipment, and human resources. In addition, this Office coordinates and is responsible for the OIG’s strategic planning function and the development and implementation of performance measures required by the Government Performance and Results Act. The quality assurance division performs internal reviews to ensure that OIG offices nationwide hold themselves to the same rigorous standards that we expect from the Agency. This division also conducts employee investigations within OIG. The public affairs team communicates OIG’s planned and current activities and the results to the Commissioner and Congress, as well as other entities.

Office of Investigations

The Office of Investigations (OI) conducts and coordinates investigative activity related to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of SSA programs and operations. This includes wrongdoing by applicants, beneficiaries, contractors, physicians, interpreters, representative payees, third parties, and by SSA employees in the performance of their duties. OI also conducts joint investigations with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies.

Counsel to the Inspector General

The Counsel to the Inspector General provides legal advice and counsel to the Inspector General on various matters, including: 1) statutes, regulations, legislation, and policy directives governing the administration of SSA’s programs; 2) investigative procedures and techniques; and 3) legal implications and conclusions to be drawn from audit and investigative material produced by the OIG. The Counsel’s office also administers the civil monetary penalty program.