**GAO-08-727**                      Published: Jun 18, 2008. Publicly Released: Jul 18, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

In June 2007, GAO received information from a whistleblower through GAO's FraudNET hotline alleging millions of dollars in lost and stolen property and gross mismanagement of property at Indian Health Service (IHS), an operating division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). GAO was asked to conduct a forensic audit and related investigations to (1) determine whether GAO could substantiate the allegation of lost and stolen property at IHS and identify examples of wasteful purchases and (2) identify the key causes of any loss, theft, or waste. GAO analyzed IHS property records from fiscal years 2004- 2007, conducted a full physical inventory at IHS headquarters, and statistically tested inventory of information technology (IT) equipment at 7 IHS field locations in 2007 and 2008. GAO also examined IHS policies, conducted interviews with IHS officials, and assessed the security of property.

## Recommendations

## Recommendations for Executive Action

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## Topics

Health Care

AccountabilityAgency evaluationComputer equipment managementEquipment inventoriesEquipment managementFederal propertyFederal property managementFinancial managementInformation technologyInternal controlsInvestigations into federal agenciesLarcenyLossesPropertyProperty and supply managementProperty lossesWaste, fraud, and abuse