The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 makes it clear that taxpayer dollars spent under the Recovery Act will be subject to unprecedented transparency and accountability. To ensure that accountability requirements are being met, the Inspectors General of 28 federal agencies distributing Recovery funds continually review their agencies' management of Recovery funds. The following objectives are considered by the Inspectors General when reviewing if Recovery funds have been used and managed appropriately:
- Were the Recovery funds awarded and distributed in a prompt, fair, and reasonable manner?
- Is the public clear on the identity of the recipients and how the Recovery funds have been used?
- Are the public benefits from the use of Recovery funds being reported clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner?
- Are Recovery funds being used for authorized purposes, and are adequate steps being taken to prevent instances of fraud, waste, and abuse?
- Are Recovery projects avoiding unnecessary delays and cost overruns?
- Do Recovery programs meet specific goals and targets?