Inspector General
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OIG Statutory Responsibilities and Guiding Principles

Statutory Responsibilities

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent and objective oversight office created within SBA by the Inspector General Act. The Inspector General Act specifies that the OIG will:

  • Promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the management of SBA programs and supporting operations;

  • Conduct and supervise audits, investigations, and reviews relating to the Agency’s programs and support operations;

  • Detect and prevent fraud and abuse;

  • Review existing and proposed legislation and regulations and make appropriate recommendations;

  • Maintain effective working relationships with other Federal, State and local governmental agencies, and non-governmental entities, regarding the mandated duties of the Inspector General;

  • Keep the SBA Administrator and Congress informed of serious problems and recommend corrective actions and implementation measures;

  • Comply with the audit standards of the Comptroller General;

  • Avoid duplication of Government Accountability Office (GAO) activities; and

  • Report violations of law to the U.S. Attorney General.

The OIG also has other significant statutory responsibilities. These include responsibilities under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act, as well as an increasing number of legislative mandates and government-wide directives.

Guiding Principles

In carrying out our statutory and other responsibilities, we:

  • Deliver products and services of the highest quality, defined by their accuracy, timeliness, fairness, and usefulness to our customers;

  • Maintain independent and objective oversight of SBA programs and operations;

  • Promote open and honest communication among our staff and with our customers and stakeholders; and

  • Encourage a positive work environment that emphasizes mutual respect, teamwork, creativity, personal growth, diversity, and productivity.