Office of Inspector General (Department of Agriculture)
Stored: Office of Inspector General (Department of Agriculture)
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Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent entity within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), tasked with ensuring the integrity and efficiency of USDA programs through audits, investigations, and oversight activities.
Mission
The Office of Inspector General aims to safeguard USDA programs by conducting independent audits and investigations to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. Its mission includes enhancing the effectiveness of USDA operations and protecting public resources.
Parent organization
The OIG operates within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reporting directly to the Secretary of Agriculture while maintaining independence.
Legislation
The OIG was established by the Inspector General Act of 1978.
Partners
- U.S. Department of Justice for criminal prosecutions
- Other federal OIGs for collaborative oversight efforts
- State and local law enforcement for joint investigations
Number of employees
The OIG employs approximately 500 staff members.
Organization structure
The OIG is structured to execute its auditing and investigative mandates efficiently:
Leader
The office is headed by the **Inspector General**, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Divisions
The divisions include:
- Office of Audit for conducting financial and performance audits
- Office of Investigations for handling criminal and administrative investigations
- Office of Analytics and Innovation for data-driven oversight
List of programs
- Audit Program for USDA program reviews
- Investigative Program targeting fraud and misconduct
- Whistleblower Protection Program to support reporting of violations
Last total enacted budget
The last enacted budget for the OIG was $108 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Staff
The OIG employs around 500 individuals, including auditors, criminal investigators, analysts, and support staff, stationed across headquarters and regional offices.
Funding
Funding is provided through annual Congressional appropriations to the USDA, with a specific budget line for the OIG to maintain its independence.
Services provided
The OIG provides auditing, investigative, and analytical services to ensure USDA programs operate effectively, investigating allegations of misconduct and providing recommendations for improvement.
Regulations overseen
The OIG does not directly oversee regulations but enforces compliance with USDA-related laws and policies through its oversight activities.
Headquarters address
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
History
The Office of Inspector General was initially established administratively in 1962 by Secretary Orville L. Freeman but was formally created as an independent entity under the Inspector General Act of 1978, strengthening its role in preventing fraud and enhancing USDA program efficiency.