May 2022

Federal Election Commission

Office of the Inspector General

SEMIANNUAL

REPORT to

CONGRESS

October 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022
FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

WASHINGTON, 0.C. 20463 

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 26, 2022 

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi 

Speaker of the House of Representatives 

H-232 Capitol Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Kamala Harris 

President of the Senate 

S-212 Capitol Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Madam Speaker and Madam President: 

Pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the Federal Election 

Commission submits the Office oflnspector General's Semiannual Report to Congress. The 

report summarizes the activity of the FEC Office oflnspector General ("OIG") from 

October 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. 

During this reporting period, the FEC's OIG completed, with the assistance of contract 

auditors, the annual audit of the FEC's financial statements. We are pleased to report that the 

Commission received an unqualified opinion on the required statements: the FEC's Balance 

Sheet as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the related Statements of Net Costs, Changes in 

Net Position, Budgetary Resources, and Custodial Activity for the years then ended. This marks 

the thirteenth consecutive year with no material weaknesses identified. The report was issued on 

November 12, 2021. A management response to the report was not required because there were 

no current year findings or recommendations. 

The FEC's OIG also completed, with the assistance of contract auditors, the Fiscal Year 

("FY") 2021 Digital Accountability and Transparency ("DATA") Act of2014 Audit. We are 

again pleased to report that the FEC scored 90.15 points out of 100, which is a quality rating of 

"Higher," based on the results of the statistical and non-statistical testing of the FEC's 

compliance with the DATA Act during the first quarter of FY 2021. Management's response to 

the audit finding and recommendations appears in the report, which was issued on November 5, 

2021. 

The Commission appreciates and shares the Office of Inspector General's commitment to 

sound financial and management practices and looks forward to continuing its cooperative 

working relationship as management takes appropriate measures to improve operations of the 

Commission. Copies of the Semiannual Report to Congress are being provided to the Chairs and 

Ranking Members of the FEC's oversight committees. 

On behalf of the Commission, 

Allen J. ickerson 

Chairman 

Enclosure 
FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

TABLE of CONTENTS

Message from the Inspector General ................................................................................................... 1

OIG Personnel Updates ...................................................................................................................... 3

FEC Office of Inspector General Organization Chart ....................................................................... 4

OIG Core Values.................................................................................................................................. 5

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ 6

OIG Audit Activity ...................................................................................................................................9

OIG Audit/Review Follow-up Activity .................................................................................................. 11

OIG Hotline Activity ............................................................................................................................. 13

OIG Investigative Summary .................................................................................................................. 15

Other Matters – OIG Budget ................................................................................................................ 17

Top Management Challenges ...............................................................................................................18

Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency .......................................................... 20

List of Training, Meetings & Conferences ........................................................................................... 21

Reporting Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 24

Table I: Inspector General Issued Reports with Questioned Costs ................................................ 25

Table II: Inspector General Issued Reports with Recommended Actions

That Funds Be Spent to Better use ............................................................................................... 26

Table III: Summary of Audit and Inspection Reports with Corrective Actions Outstanding ......... 27

Table IV: Summary of Investigative Reports and Actions ............................................................... 28

Appendix A: Peer Review Results ........................................................................................................ 29

Appendix B: Mission Statements ........................................................................................................ 30
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 1

Message from the Inspector General

I

t is with great pleasure that I present the Federal Election Commission 

(FEC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Semiannual Report to 

Congress for the period of October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. This 

report reflects the exceptional work of the FEC OIG team and their 

commitment to the critical mission of the OIG. I am pleased to announce 

that Mr. David (Marshall) High will be joining the FEC OIG team as our 

Program Analyst. We are delighted to have him on the team and trust 

that he will prove to be a great asset to the OIG and to the Commission. 

During the reporting period, the OIG audit team published the 

results of the FY 2021 Financial Statement and Digital Accountability 

and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) audits. Additionally, the OIG 

audit team has initiated the FY 2022 Financial Statement Audit and 

plans to conduct at least one audit (via contractual agreement) of FEC 

operations in FY 2023. 

The investigative team continues to respond to hotline complaints and conduct investigations. During the 

reporting period, the investigative team completed an investigation concerning an incident that involved a potential 

information systems breach associated with agency-provided employee identification cards. Specifically, an FEC 

employee logged into the agency’s performance management system with a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card 

and discovered they were logged into the system under the credentials of another FEC employee. Our investigation 

found that the issue resulted from a software update conducted by a vendor and was limited to the FEC in which 17 

new agency employees were affected and that there was no apparent disclosure of personally identifiable information. 

As a result of our investigation, we developed five recommendations for the Commission to consider in efforts to 

prevent a similar issue from occurring.

The FEC OIG proposed that Congress separately articulate the OIG’s budget within the FEC’s FY 2022 

appropriations text, to reinforce the independence and transparency of the OIG’s budget, as well as align the FEC’s 

appropriations language with the IG Act, and with similarly situated agencies and OIGs. Indeed, Congress separately 

articulates most OIG budgets in appropriations bills. Although the draft FY 2022 House bill included a separate 

articulation of the FEC OIG’s budget, that provision was not in the final bill that became law. The FEC OIG intends 

to continue to work with the Commission, OMB, and Congress to pursue this proposal in FY 2023.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the OIG team demonstrated effective performance of their mission in a fulltime telework environment. Accordingly, in efforts to encourage innovation, creativity, experimentation, and learning 

in a modern work environment that includes traditional, virtual, and hybrid settings, the FEC OIG will continue to 
2 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

authorize maximum telework and permit remote work on a case-by-case basis. This work environment will promote a 

safe, healthy, and effective work setting for OIG personnel and allow for expanded flexibilities in work arrangements 

similar to modern private sector strategies in efforts to enhance the FEC OIG’s ability to recruit and retain top talent. 

Going forward, the FEC OIG remains committed to conducting audits and special reviews to strengthen the agency’s 

internal controls, addressing hotline complaints, resolving outstanding investigations and audit recommendations, and 

ensuring that the FEC and OIG programs evince a high level of integrity. I look forward to continuing to work with 

the FEC OIG team, the Commission, members of Congress, and my IG colleagues to provide oversight to the FEC 

on behalf of the American taxpayers. This Semiannual Report reflects the exceptional work of the FEC OIG team and 

their commitment to the critical mission of the OIG.

Christopher Skinner

Inspector General
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 3

OIG Personnel Updates

Additions:

We are pleased to announce that Mr. David (Marshall) High will be joining the FEC OIG team as our Program 

Analyst. Marshall brings a strong background in data analytics, mathematics and statistics to the OIG and has applied 

those skills to help implement data-driven management decisions. We are delighted to have him on the team and trust 

that he will prove to be a great asset to the OIG and to the Commission.

Farewells:

None during this reporting period.

Vacancies:

The OIG currently has one vacant position. The vacancy will be a top priority to fill in FY 2023, pending availability 

of funding.

Other:

Ms. Carla Smith, Senior Counsel, concluded a six-month reimbursable detail as Assistant to the Chair of the 

Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Professional Development Committee (PDC). 

During her detail she organized and led the first ever PDC Kickoff and created and launched the new PDC Lead and 

Learn Program. This program promotes awareness of the PDC subcommittees and provides content to assist the OIG 

community in their professional development and knowledge. In addition, Carla was instrumental in launching the 

CIGIE mentoring pilot program, which will launch in May 2022. As a result of her hard work, Carla was selected to 

serve as the Vice-Chair of the PDC Leadership Innovation Subcommittee.
4 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

FEC Office of the Inspector General

Organization Chart

Filled Vacant

Senior 

Auditor

Senior 

Auditor

Program 

Analyst

Senior 

Investigator

*Administrative

Officer

Deputy Inspector 

General (SL)

Dennis Phillips

Vacant

Inspector 

General (SL)

Christopher Skinner

Senior Counsel

* Administrative Officer reports to the Deputy IG, supports all FEC OIG staff in administrative matters, and 

reports to the IG for purposes of managing the IG’s schedule and related items.

Updated: March 2022
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 5

Core Values

Commitment

We are committed to continually seek personal 

and operational growth opportunities to 

preserve the positive reputation of the OIG. 

We pledge our dedication to persistently 

enhance our skillsets in efforts to uphold the 

integrity of the FEC.

Respect

We are devoted to creating a professional 

and positive work environment in which all 

colleagues and stakeholders are treated with 

the utmost respect. We welcome, value, and 

embrace the diversity of everyone and behave 

respectfully to all with whom we interact.

Service

We pride ourselves in providing a nonconfrontational, value-added service to 

customers through objective, accurate, and 

timely evaluations of OIG inquiries in support 

of FEC operations and procedures.

Honesty

We are honest, fair, and true to ourselves, 

to each other, and to our customers, which 

is reflected in our reputation. We behave 

with the highest levels of integrity, which is 

fundamental to who we are as a team.

Collaboration

We strive to collaborate and build key 

relationships within the OIG community 

and the FEC in order to improve program 

operations, efficiencies, and effectiveness. 

We universally work together to identify 

potential opportunities to partner with OIG 

stakeholders in efforts to resolve Government 

wide concerns and maximize the value to the 

citizens of the United States.

Balance

We aim to balance customer needs with the 

mission of the OIG and FEC while assuring 

all endeavors of our work reflect transparent 

and unbiased processes. We apply this 

practice through our application of due 

regard for our peers, our beliefs, our family, 

and our stakeholders.
6 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

Executive Summary

The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended (IG Act), states that the Inspector General (IG) is responsible for 

conducting audits and investigations; recommending policies and procedures that promote economy, efficiency, 

and effectiveness of agency resources and programs; and preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement.

The IG Act requires that the IG provide a means for keeping the head of its respective establishment (i.e., the 

“FEC” or “Commission”) and the Congress fully and currently informed of problems relating to the administration of 

FEC programs and operations, through regular reports. Additionally, IG’s are required to report to their respective 

establishments particularly serious or flagrant problems, abuses, or deficiencies relating to the administration of agency 

programs and operations.

This semiannual report provides the major accomplishments of the FEC OIG, as well as relevant information 

regarding additional OIG activities. The executive summary highlights the most significant completed activities of 

the OIG from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Additional details pertaining to each activity (e.g., audits, hotline, 

investigations, and special reviews) can be found in subsequent sections of this report. The FEC OIG staff relies and 

acts on its OIG Core Principles (honesty, collaboration, commitment, balance, service, and respect) and the CIGIE 

standards to ensure the integrity of all FEC OIG work products.

Audits

FY 2021 Financial Statement Audit 

During the reporting period, the independent public accountants (IPA), Brown & Company completed final 

testing and issued the agency’s FY 2021 Financial Statement audit report. The exit conference was held on November 

10, 2021 to discuss the draft report and audit findings. The IPA determined that the FEC’s financial statements were 

presented fairly, in all material respects. The IPA did not identify any material weaknesses that could impact financial 

reporting. The final report was issued on November 12, 2021. 

The IPA is required by the FEC OIG’s contract to conduct additional testing on information systems (IT) controls, 

as the FEC is exempt from the Federal Information Systems Management Act (FISMA). Additionally, the IPA conducts 

a review of outstanding recommendations related to IT controls. Based on the internal control and follow-up reviews, 

two of the six prior year’s recommendations were closed and there were no new findings. Subsequent to the issuance 

of the audit report, one additional recommendation was closed. Accordingly, there are three open recommendations.

Audit of the FEC’s Compliance under the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014

The Audit of FEC’s compliance under the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) was 

completed during the reporting period. This audit was contracted by Brown & Company. The primary purpose of 

this audit was to satisfy the OIG’s responsibilities under the DATA Act by assessing the: (1) completeness, timeliness, 

quality, and accuracy of financial and payment data submitted for publication on USASpending.gov; and (2) the FEC’s 

implementation and use of Government-wide financial data standards established by the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB) and the Department of Treasury (The Treasury).
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 7

Based on audit work performed, we concluded that the FEC properly implemented and made proper use of the 

Government-wide financial data standards. We were able to give reasonable assurance that the internal controls over 

the FEC’s sourced systems were adequate. We also determined that Files A, B, and D1 were complete, accurate, and 

of quality. However, we found that File C was not accurate or complete. The report includes one (1) finding and two 

(2) recommendations that should help improve the accuracy, timeliness and completeness of award data included in 

File C. The report was issued on November 5, 2021.

OIG Audit/Review Follow-up Activity

The OIG has the responsibility to perform follow-up assessments to ensure that management has effectively 

implemented OIG recommendations. The OIG follows up on all FEC recommendations that have been outstanding for 

more than six months and identifies the progress management has made in addressing such recommendations to date.

The OIG continues to follow up with management to address outstanding recommendations. As a result, a total 

of ten recommendations were closed during this reporting period. There is one audit, one inspection, and one special 

review containing eight outstanding recommendations as of March 31, 2022. (See complete details in the OIG Audit 

Follow-up Activity section of this report).

Hotlines and Investigations

The OIG’s preferred method of managing its complaints is through the online hotline portal in which members 

of the public and agency employees may submit matters to the OIG. During this reporting period, the OIG received 

37 new hotline complaints and closed 39, ending the reporting period with zero open hotline complaints. Two of the 

39 closed complaints were from the prior reporting period.

During the reporting period, the investigative team completed an investigation concerning an incident that involved 

a potential information systems breach associated with agency-provided employee identification cards. An investigative 

summary was published to our webpage.

Additionally, during this reporting period, the OIG referred one case to both the Department of Justice (DOJ) 

and to state and local authorities for potential prosecution. That investigation remains pending and is reported on the 

relevant figures in this SAR in accordance with the IG Act.

Other Matters – OIG Budget

The FEC OIG proposed that Congress separately articulate the OIG’s budget within the FEC’s FY 2022 

appropriations text, to reinforce the independence and transparency of the OIG’s budget, as well as align the FEC’s 

appropriations language with the IG Act, and with similarly situated agencies and OIGs. Indeed, Congress separately 

articulates most OIG budgets in appropriations bills. 

Although the draft FY 2022 House bill included a separate articulation of the FEC OIG’s budget, that provision 

was not in the final bill that became law. The FEC OIG intends to continue to work with the Commission, OMB, and 

Congress to pursue this proposal in FY 2023.

Top Management Challenges

In accordance with the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, we identify the most serious management and 

performance challenges facing the Commission and provides a brief assessment of the Commission’s progress in 

addressing those challenges. Each challenge area is related to the FEC’s mission and reflects continuing vulnerabilities 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
8 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

and emerging issues. The following identifies FEC’s most significant management and performance challenges in our 

latest report, which is based on our experience and observations from our oversight work:

1. Growth of campaign spending

2. Identifying and regulating unlawful foreign contributions

3. Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

4. Senior leadership salary structure

5. Cybersecurity
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 9

OIG Audit Activity

Title: FY 2021 Financial Statement Audit

Assignment Number: OIG-21-01

Status: Complete

During this reporting period, the independent public accountants (IPA), Brown & Company completed final 

testing and issued the agency’s FY 2021 Financial Statement audit report. The exit conference was held on November 

10, 2021, to discuss the draft report and audit findings. The IPA determined that the FEC’s financial statements were 

presented fairly, in all material respects. The IPA did not identify any material weaknesses that could have an impact 

on financial reporting. The report was issued on November 12, 2021. 

As in prior years, the IPA is required by the FEC OIG’s contract to conduct additional testing on information 

systems (IT) controls, as the FEC is exempt from the Federal Information Systems Management Act (FISMA) and 

is not required to perform the annual FISMA audit. As part of this engagement, the IPA also performs follow-up on 

outstanding recommendations related to IT controls. Based on the internal control and follow-up reviews, two of the 

six prior year’s recommendations were closed and there were no new findings. Subsequent to the issuance of the audit 

report, one additional recommendation was closed. Accordingly, there are three open recommendations. 

The IPA also issued a management letter on November 30, 2021. The management letter contained two matters 

and suggestions for improvement that were not considered to be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. These 

matters did not affect the FY 2021 Financial Statement Audit report. 

Title: Audit of the FEC’s Compliance under the Digital 

Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014

Assignment Number: OIG-21-02

Status: Complete

The Audit of FEC’s compliance under the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) was 

completed during this reporting period. This audit was contracted by Brown & Company. The primary purpose of 

this audit was to satisfy the OIG’s responsibilities under the DATA Act by assessing the: (1) completeness, timeliness, 

quality, and accuracy of financial and payment data submitted for publication on USASpending.gov; and (2) the FEC’s 

implementation and use of Government-wide financial data standards established by the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB) and the Department of Treasury (The Treasury). This engagement was conducted as a performance 

audit in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), and the Inspectors General 

Guide to Compliance Under the DATA Act which was updated and released in December 2020.
10 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

The audit main objectives included the following:

■ Assess the FEC’s internal controls in place over the financial and payment data reported to

USASpending.gov per OMB Circular A-123; 

■ Assess the FEC’s internal controls in place over data management, collection, reporting, and processes used 

to report financial and payment data under the DATA Act;

■ Assess the general and application controls pertaining to the procurement and financial systems from which 

the data elements were derived and linked; and

■ Perform testing of fiscal year 2021 first quarter financial and payment data submitted by the FEC for 

publication on USASpending.gov

Based on the audit work performed, we concluded that the FEC properly implemented and made proper use of 

the Government-wide financial data standards. We were able to give reasonable assurance that the internal controls 

over the FEC’s sourced systems were adequate. We also determined that Files A, B, and D1 were complete, accurate, 

and of quality. However, we found that File C was not accurate or complete. Accordingly, the report includes one (1) 

finding and two (2) recommendations that should help improve the accuracy, timeliness and completeness of award 

data included in File C. The report was issued on November 5, 2021.

The OIG acknowledges that the agency implemented a Data Quality Plan and significantly improved their 

certification and reconciliation processes. Though, there is opportunity to improve collaboration and coordination 

with FEC’s Federal Shared Service Provider (USDA) to ensure any errors or missing records are identified and 

corrected in a timely manner. 

OIG AUDIT ACTIVITY
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 11

OIG Audit/Review Follow-up Activity

1 There are currently three open repeat recommendations for the FY 2021 Financial Statement Audit.

Title: Audit Follow-Up

Assignment Number: N/A

Status: In Progress

As required by the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the OIG is responsible for among other things, 

conducting and supervising audits, inspections, and special reviews of the FEC’s programs and operations.

Additionally, the OIG has the responsibility to perform follow-up assessments to ensure that management has 

effectively implemented OIG recommendations. The OIG follows up on all recommendations that have been outstanding 

for more than six months and identifies the progress management has made in addressing such recommendations to 

date. Accordingly, the figures detailed herein do not include any recommendations less than six months old. 

The previous reporting period identified 18 outstanding recommendations from five engagements (three audits, 

one inspection, and one special review). FEC staff made significant progress this reporting period in closing out 10 

outstanding recommendations. Accordingly, there is one audit, one inspection, and one special review containing eight 

outstanding recommendations as of March 31, 2022. The list of audits, inspections, and special reviews is detailed below:

1. Inspection of the FEC’s Disaster Recovery Plan and Continuity of Operations Plans (outstanding 8 years)

2. TranServe Special Review (outstanding 2 years)

3. FY 2020-21 FS Audit (outstanding over 2 years)1

Additionally, we issued an Open Recommendations Snapshot to the Commission on February 22, 2022, which 

identified all open OIG recommendations to date, regardless of time open. Additional details of those recommendations 

can be found here. As of March 31, 2022, the FEC had a total of 20 open recommendations. We anticipate issuing 

similar Snapshots on a regular basis to apprise the Commission of the status of outstanding recommendations.
0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

5 5

3

8

2

5

3

Number of Recommendations

Recommendations Activity by FEC Office from 

October 2021 to March 2022 (> 6 months old)

■ Total Closed Recommendations Since October 2021

■ Current Open Recommendations

OGC OHR

FEC Office

OCIO

OIG AUDIT/REVIEW FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY

Progress Report from October 2021 to March 2022

18 

10 

4 

8 

0

5

10

15

20

Total Open Recommendations

as of October 2021 (Now includes FS 

Audit Recommendations (5))

Total Closed

Recommendations

Current Open

Recommendations

12 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL
OIG AUDIT/REVIEW FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY

SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 13

OIG Hotline Activity

The OIG hotline provides a means for FEC employees, FEC contractors, and the public to communicate directly 

and confidentially with the OIG regarding allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and misconduct. 

Additionally, the OIG may open a hotline complaint based on information received from members of Congress, 

FEC management, or the results of an audit or review.

Persons who seek to submit complaints have three methods of submitting their inquiry: (1) the hotline portal, 

which is accessible through the OIG webpage; (2) the OIG hotline form (which can be mailed to the OIG’s physical 

address); and (3) the OIG hotline telephone, which is actively monitored during business hours.

During this reporting period, the OIG received 37 new hotline complaints and closed 39 complaints, ending the 

reporting period with zero open hotline complaints.2

 Two of the 39 closed complaints remained open from the prior 

reporting period.

The OIG takes all matters received on the hotline seriously; as such, we carefully analyze all information received 

to determine the appropriate course of action. Those courses of action include but are not limited to:

■

■

■

■

Opened for investigation – Issue involves an FEC employee, program/process, and alleges a violation of 

an applicable law, rule, or regulation.

OIG referral to management for action – Issue is more suitably handled by management; OIG refers to 

management for action deemed appropriate.

OIG referral to another existing FEC program/process (i.e., OGC, EEO, HR) – Existing process 

exists to resolve the issue; OIG refers the matter to relevant program/process for action deemed appropriate.

OIG referral to external agency – Issue is best handled by another agency that has cognizance over the 

matter and/or warrants criminal investigation/prosecution. OIG refers to relevant agency for action deemed 

appropriate.

■

■

■

OIG referral to the OIG audit or special review process – The issue identifies compliance or internal 

control concerns regarding specific agency operations but does not warrant OIG investigation. OIG refers 

internally for potential audit or review.

Assist complainant – OIG determines the complaint is best handled by an existing process and/or entity 

that is available to the complaint. OIG notifies the complainant of that process.

Closed with no further action – Complaint is frivolous, has already been addressed, provides insufficient 

detail to act, or otherwise warrants no further OIG action. OIG advises complainant that the matter is not 

within the OIG’s cognizance, when appropriate.

2 The OIG also receives communications that do not rise to the level of complaints because they are not OIG specific and/or fail to state a complaint; 

we classify those as OIG Contacts for reporting purposes. During the reporting period, the OIG received and responded to 14 OIG Contacts.
14 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

OIG Course of Action - Hotlines Closed

Opened for investigation 4

OIG referral to FEC management 0

OIG referral to existing FEC program/process 3

OIG referral to external agency3 2

OIG referral to OIG audit/special review 1

Assist complainant 22

Closed with no action 8

Total Hotlines Closed 39

3 One closed complaint was both referred to an FEC program and to an external agency, which resulted in 40 courses of action for 39 closed 

complaints.

OIG HOTLINE ACTIVITY
OIG AUDIT/REVIEW FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY

SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 15

OIG Investigative Summaries 

OIG investigations gather and analyze facts to resolve allegations of wrongdoing. OIG investigations may address 

administrative, civil, and criminal violations of laws, regulations, and policies and issues concerning the 

economy and efficiency of FEC operations and programs. The subject of an OIG investigation may include 

any agency employee, FEC contractor, consultant, or person or entity involved in alleged wrongdoing affecting FEC 

programs and operations.

As previously noted, the OIG evaluates all hotline complaints to determine if an investigation is warranted. 

OIG investigations involve a detailed analysis of the issues presented, as well as emerging issues identified by the 

OIG. That analysis includes, but is not limited to obtaining pertinent agency records, performing computer material 

examinations, and interviewing witnesses and subjects. Occasionally, open investigations may be closed without a 

Report of Investigation (ROI) due to among other things, refuting evidence or lack of evidence obtained, and/or the 

level of severity of the allegation(s). Additionally, competing priorities may indicate that an allegation of wrongdoing is 

better addressed by management than by OIG investigation.

If the OIG determines to proceed and prepare an ROI, that report will provide a summary of the complaint, 

document the specific allegation(s), the law(s) or regulation(s) associated with the allegation(s), the objective description 

of the case facts, and a conclusion of investigative findings (i.e., substantiated or not substantiated). In addition, where 

appropriate, the report addresses potential improvements to the economy and efficiency of FEC programs and 

operations. The OIG previously reported three investigations as of September 30, 2021. During the reporting period, 

four new investigations were opened, one investigation was closed, and six investigations remain open with one currently 

put on hold pending OMB guidance.

3

4

6

1

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

FEC OIG Status of Investigations

(October 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022)

Open Investigations

as of September 30, 2021

Open Investigations

(October 1, 2021–

March 31, 2022)

Closed Investigations

(October 1, 2021–

March 31, 2022)

Open Investigations

as of March 31, 2022
16 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

During the reporting period the investigative team completed an investigation concerning an incident that involved 

a potential information systems breach associated with agency-provided employee identification cards. Specifically, 

an FEC employee logged into the agency’s performance management system with a Personal Identity Verification 

(PIV) card and discovered they were logged into the system under the credentials of another FEC employee. Our 

investigation found that the incident was limited to the FEC in which 17 new agency employees were affected and 

that there was no apparent disclosure of personally identifiable information. We also found that the FEC did not 

memorialize a change in the contract with the vendor to offer employee identification card services offsite. As a 

result, we developed five recommendations for the Commission to consider in efforts to prevent a similar incident 

from occurring and to reduce the risk of the agency being billed for services that were not memorialized in a 

contract and/or contract modification.

Closed Investigations - Courses of Action

(October 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022) # of Investigations

Investigations closed with ROI released to Commissioners 1

ROI completed and released to Commissioners and referred to local 

state authorities 0

Investigations closed with Management Alert Memorandum (requesting 

management to follow up with actions taken, if any) 0

Investigations closed with Closing Memorandum but not provided to 

management due to insufficient evidence 0

Investigations closed and referred to OIG audit/special review program 0

Referrals to DOJ for federal prosecution 0

Totals 1

OIG INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARIES
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 17

Other Matters - OIG Budget

Beginning in FY 2022, the FEC OIG proposed that Congress separately articulate the OIG’s budget within the 

FEC’s appropriations language. Doing so would reinforce the independence and transparency of the OIG’s budget, 

as well as align the FEC’s appropriations language with the IG Act, and with similarly situated agencies and OIGs. 

By way of background, the IG Act was amended in 2008 to require specific budget itemizations that must be 

transmitted by each OIG to the President and to Congress via their respective agencies (here, the Commission). 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the FEC’s appropriation text has not separately articulated the OIG’s budget. Although 

the IG Act does not expressly require separate budget articulation in appropriations bills for designated federal entity 

OIGs (such as the FEC OIG), doing so would promote transparency as well as the public’s trust in the independence 

of the OIG. 

Separately articulating the OIG’s budget within the FEC’s appropriation text would align the FEC OIG with most 

other federal agency OIGs. The FEC OIG recently conducted an informal review of federal agency OIG appropriations 

and found that a majority (approximately 61%) had either a separate appropriation from their respective agencies or an 

earmark within their agencies’ appropriations. 

Ultimately, although the FY 2022 Appropriations draft House bill included a separate articulation of the FEC 

OIG’s budget, that provision was not in the final FY 2022 Appropriations bill that became law. The FEC OIG intends 

to continue to work with the Commission, OMB, and Congress to pursue this proposal in FY 2023 and strongly urges 

Congress to consider separately articulating the budget for the FEC OIG in future appropriations bills.
18 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

Top Management Challenges

I

n accordance with the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, we identify the most serious management and performance 

challenges facing the Commission and provides a brief assessment of the Commission’s progress in addressing those 

challenges. Each challenge area is related to the FEC’s mission and reflects continuing vulnerabilities and emerging 

issues. The following summarizes FEC’s most significant management and performance challenges in our latest report, 

which is based on our experience and observations from our oversight work:

1. Growth of campaign spending – The FEC was established nearly fifty years ago to provide oversight 

of federal campaign finance. Since then, federal campaign fundraising and spending have increased 

dramatically, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC in 2010. Indeed, 

total spending on federal election campaigns has increased from $1.6 billion in 1998 to roughly $14.5 billion 

in 2020. However, the FEC’s budget has remained largely static over the past decade or more (and even 

decreased when accounting for inflation). That dynamic has placed great strain on the FEC staff and creates 

significant risks to the FEC.

2. Identifying and regulating unlawful foreign contributions – Identifying and regulating unlawful 

foreign campaign contributions pose a significant challenge to the FEC. As campaign expenditures and 

the number of transactions subject to FEC regulation and oversight increase, potential contributions by 

foreign nationals also increase, which demands greater scrutiny by agency regulators. However, a recent 

OIG report found that the FEC’s practice of relying on filers’ self-certifications concerning potential foreign 

contributions poses a national security risk and provides insufficient oversight of possible illegal foreign 

donations. Indeed, numerous recent cases highlight the risk of unlawful foreign influence in U.S. elections.

3. Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the FEC, and many 

other agencies, to operate in a remote status since March 2020. As federal workers begin returning to their 

offices in more significant numbers, their health and safety remains a top concern.

4. Senior leadership salary structure – Currently, the senior leadership roles of the Staff Director and CIO 

are occupied by the same individual and have been since August 2011. Information technology is everevolving, which affects all government agencies and without a fully dedicated CIO to focus on technological 

issues to ensure resources are properly allocated and adequate processes are in place for the protection and 

safeguards of the agency, the agency will remain at risk. Similarly, the Deputy General Counsel for Law 

is concurrently serving as the Acting General Counsel and has been doing so since September 2016. This 

has potential to put the agency at risk and inhibit the agency to effectively and efficiently meet its mission 

requirements, as robust internal dialogue and diversity of opinion are essential to ensuring the agency 

considers competing legal theories and courses of action. Filling the CIO and General Counsel positions 

with full-time incumbents would help ensure the FEC is effectively and efficiently supporting its overall 

mission objectives.
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 19

TOP MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES

5. Cybersecurity - Protecting data, systems, and networks from threats remains a top challenge. The 

FEC was established to protect the integrity of federal campaign finance by providing transparency and 

enforcing and administering federal campaign finance laws. In doing so, the FEC discloses campaign 

finance data to the public and as a result, encounters large volumes of webpage traffic from stakeholders 

and members of the public. In efforts to streamline transparency initiatives and improve business 

processes, the Commission is more technology reliant today, as is society; as such, it is imperative that the 

Commission continue to prioritize cybersecurity.
20 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

Council of the Inspectors General on

Integrity and Efficiency

Mr. Christopher Skinner, the Inspector General, attends CIGIE monthly meetings as well as CIGIE sponsored 

Conferences and Professional Development Seminars. Mr. Skinner is an active member of the CIGIE 

Technology Committee, the Budget Committee, and serves on the IG Candidate Panel, reviewing candidates 

interested in Presidential Appointment, needing Senate confirmation (PAS), Inspector General Positions. During the 

reporting period, Mr. Skinner completed the Association of Inspectors General Certified Inspector General Course.

Mr. Dennis Phillips, the Deputy Inspector General, participates on the Deputy Inspector’s General Quarterly 

meetings and OIG investigative meetings. During the reporting period, Mr. Phillips served in a dual-hatted capacity 

as the Deputy IG and Acting Senior Counsel. As the Acting Senior Counsel, he was responsible for providing 

comprehensive legal service, counsel, recommendations, reviews, and opinions to the OIG staff on all matters falling 

within the purview of the OIG.

Ms. Carla Smith, Senior Counsel, participates on the following recurring meetings: CIGIE Legislative Committee, 

Counsel to the OIG, Counsel to the small OIG, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In addition, Carla completed 

a six-month reimbursable detail as the first Special Assistant to the CIGIE Professional Development Committee (PDC) 

chair. During that time, she worked to support and curate professional developmental events that best meet the needs 

of the CIGIE community. She conducted extensive research to develop content and launch PDC’s Lead and Learn 

Program. This program consists of 1-hour events that promote the PDC subcommittees’ mission to generate awareness 

about the tools and opportunities CIGIE offers to employees to develop their professional skills and knowledge. Carla 

will continue to serve as the Vice Chair of the Leadership Innovation Subcommittee. In this position, she will assist in 

developing community-wide forums and events that foster continual innovation and knowledge sharing in leadership 

development for the OIG community.

Ms. Shellie Purnell-Brown, Senior Auditor, participates on the DATA Act and Enterprise Risk Management 

working groups.
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 21

List of Training, Meetings & Conferences

The chart below provides a list of trainings, meetings, programs, seminars, and/or conferences 

attended by the IG and the OIG staff for the period October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

Trainings, Meetings, Conferences, Etc.

Host / Sponsor Topic / Subject

AINS User Conference

Association of Inspectors 

General Institute (AIGI) 2022 AIG Certified Inspector General Institute

Brookings Institute Ethics in Action: Leading with Integrity

Influence and Information Leadership

Council of the Inspectors 

General on Integrity 

and Efficiency (CIGIE)

8th Annual Leadership Forum 

2022 – Annual CIGIE/GAO Coordination Meeting

Business Diversity Subgroup Meeting

Becoming & Leading as a Senior Executive (SES/SL) 

Brainstorming Session - Return to the Office/Telework/COVID-19 

Matters

Candidate Panel Review

CCL Session on Information Technology Audit

Coaching 

Cybersecurity Working Group Presentation on Zero Trust

Deputy Inspector General Quarterly Meeting

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Monthly Meeting

ERM Quarterly Working Group

Federal Audit Executive Council (FAEC) Fall 2021 Procurement 

Conference

FLRA & ULP Process

Freedom of Information Act Meeting

Infrastructure Working Group

Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy (IGCIA) - Data 

Analytics for Positive Case Results Offered

Investigations Committee / Assistant Inspector General for 

Investigations Committee (IC / AIGI) Quarterly Meeting
22 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

LIST OF TRAINING, MEETINGS & CONFERENCES

Trainings, Meetings, Conferences, Etc.

Host / Sponsor Topic / Subject

Council of the Inspectors 

General on Integrity 

and Efficiency (CIGIE)

(continued)

Investigative Peer Review Training

Jumpstarting Inspections and Evaluations 

Leadership and Mission Support Academy (L&MS) - Congressional 

Update

Leading With Intent - How Coaching Can Impact Your Growth as a 

Leader

Legislative Committee Meeting 

Monthly Meeting with Inspectors Generals

Monthly Meeting with Counsel

New Inspection and Evaluation Blue Book Standards Virtual Town Hall

Pandemic Response Accountability Committee – What Cities Need to 

Know about Pandemic Oversight with PRAC IGs

Professional Development Committee (PDC) – 2022 Lead and Learn 

Kickoff 

Periodic Legal Review Training Program

PRAC -We’re Heading to Congress

Small/Unique OIG Quarterly Meeting

Tech Tuesday’s

Women’s History Month Celebration

Department of Defense 

(DoD)

Annual Hotline Worldwide Outreach

Quarterly Hotline Working Group

Department of Justice

Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) First in the Door: An 

Overview of the Criminal Antitrust Leniency Program

Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) Suspension and Debarment 

Webinar

Federal Election 

Commission

Administrative Services – New Hire Orientation

African American History Month Program - The Importance of Health 

and Wellness

AEON Requestor Training

Director’s Meeting

Emergency Occupant Training

FERS Late Career Training
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 23

LIST OF TRAINING, MEETINGS & CONFERENCES

Trainings, Meetings, Conferences, Etc.

Host / Sponsor Topic / Subject

Federal Election 

Commission (contiued)

Finance Committee Meeting

Town Hall

OIG New Hire Orientation

Workplace Wellness – Navigating Loss

Workplace Wellness – Return to the Worksite with Ease Webinar

George Washington 

University

Center for Excellence in Public Leadership – Building a Flexible 

Framework for Zero Trust

Government Accounting 

Office (GAO) Data Act Working Group (DAWG) Coordination Meeting

Graduate School USA Contracting Officer's Representative: Level 2

Institute of Internal 

Auditors Board and Officers Meeting

Wolters Kluwer TeamMate - Webinar How Best to Start Agile Audit Deliver 
24 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

Reporting Requirements

Reporting requirements required by the IG Act, as amended, are detailed below:

IG Act DESCRIPTION PAGE

Section 4(a)(2) Review of Legislation None

Section 5(a)(1) Significant Problems, Abuses, and Deficiencies None

Section 5(a)(2) Recommendations with Respect to Significant Problems, Abuses, 

and Deficiencies None

Section 5(a)(3) Recommendations Included in Previous Reports on Which 

Corrective Action Has Not Been Completed (Table III) 27

Section 5(a)(4) Matters Referred to Prosecuting Authorities None

Section 5(a)(5) Summary of Instances Where Information was Refused- None

Section 5(a)(7) Summary of Significant Reports None

Section 5(a)(8) Questioned and Unsupported Costs (Table I) 25

Section 5(a)(9) Recommendations that Funds be Put To Better Use (Table II) 26

Section 5(a)(10)

(A)

Summary of Audit Reports issued before the start of the Reporting 

Period for which No Management Decision has been made None

Section 5(a)(10)

(B)

Summary of Audit Reports Issued Before the start of the 

Reporting Period for which No Management Comment was 

Returned Within 60 Days

None

Section 5(a)(10)

(C)

Summary of Audit Reports Issued Before the Start of 

the Reporting Period for which There Are Outstanding 

Unimplemented Recommendations

None

Section 5(a)(11) Significant Revised Management Decisions None

Section 5(a)(12) Management Decisions with which the Inspector General is in 

Disagreement None

Section 5(a)(14) Peer Review Recommendations 29

Section 5(a)(17), 

(18)

Investigative Reports Table and Metrics (Table IV) 13–16,

and 28
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 25

IG Act DESCRIPTION PAGE

Section 5(a)(19) Investigations Involving a Senior Government Employee with 

Substantiated Misconduct None

Section 5(a)(20) Instances of Whistleblower Retaliation None

Section 5(a)(21) Attempts by the Agency to Interfere with OIG Independence None

Section 5(a)(22) Undisclosed Inspections, Evaluations, Audits, 

and Investigations

None

Table I: Inspector General Issued Reports with Questioned Costs

Required reporting Number of 

Reports

Questioned 

Costs

Unsupported 

Costs

A.

For which no management decision 

has been made by commencement 

of the reporting period 

0 0 0

B. Which were issued during the 

reporting period 0 0 0

Sub-Totals (A&B) 0 0 0

C.

For which a management decision 

was made during the reporting 

period 

0 0 0

(i) Dollar value of disallowed costs 0 0 0

(ii) Dollar value of costs not 

disallowed 0 0 0

D.

For which no management decision 

has been made by the end of the 

reporting period

0 0 0

E.

Reports for which no management 

decision was made within six 

months of issuance 

0 0 0

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
26 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Table II: Inspector General Issued Reports with Recommended Actions 

That Funds Be Spent to Better use

Required Reporting Number of Rec’s Dollar Value 

(In Thousands)

A.

For which no management decision has 

been made by the commencement of 

the reporting period

0 0

B. Which were issued during the reporting 

period 0 0

C. For which a management decision was 

made during the reporting period 0 0

(i) dollar value of recommendations were 

agreed to by management 0 0

based on proposed management action 0 0

based on proposed legislative action 0 0

(ii) dollar value of recommendations that 

were not agreed to by management 0 0

D.

For which no management decision has 

been made by the end of the reporting 

period

0 0

E.

Reports for which no management 

decision was made within six months of 

issuance

0 0
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 27

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Table III: Summary of Audit and Inspection Reports with Corrective Actions Outstanding 

Report Title Report

Number

Date

Issued

Total

Rec’s Closed Open Cost Savings

2010 Follow-up Audit 

of Privacy and Data 

Protection

OIG-10-03 03/11 5 5 0 0

Inspection of the Federal 

Election Commission’s 

Disaster Recovery 

Plan and Continuity of 

Operations Plans

OIG-12-06 01/13 3 1 2 0

Audit of the Federal 

Election Commission’s 

Office of Human 

Resources 

OIG-12-05 07/13 1 1 0 0

Audit of the FEC’s

Telework Programs OIG-15-03 06/16 1 1 0 0

Fiscal Year 20-21 Financial 

Statement Audit4 OIG-21-01 11/21 5 2 3 0

TranServe Special Review SR-19-01 07/20 3 0 3 0

Totals 18 10 8 0

4 The FEC’s FY 21 annual Financial Statement Audit includes three repeat outstanding recommendations. Prior to the previous SAR, the 

Financial Statement audit recommendations were not included in this table.
28 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

Table IV: Summary of Investigative Reports and Actions5

FEC OIG Investigations Courses of Action (Oct 1, 2021 – Mar 31, 2022) Number

Total number of investigative reports issued 1

Total number of persons referred to DOJ for criminal prosecution 1

Total number of persons referred to state and local prosecuting Authorities for 

criminal prosecution

1

Total number of indictments and criminal information resulting from any prior 

referral to prosecuting authorities

0

Total Investigations Closed 1

5 Metrics Used for Developing Data for Table IV: 

Total number of investigative reports issued - reflects the number of all Reports of Investigation (ROI) issued to FEC Commissioners, 

management alert memorandums, closing memorandums, and other referral memorandums during the reporting period;  

Total number of persons referred to DOJ for criminal prosecution and total number of persons referred to state and local prosecuting authorities 

for criminal prosecution - reflects the total number of referrals for criminal prosecution made by the FEC OIG to the respective criminal prosecuting 

authorities during the reporting period; and

Total number of indictments and criminal information resulting from any prior referral to prosecuting authorities - includes all indictments and 

information issued during the reporting period by Federal, State, or local criminal prosecuting authorities based upon any referral by the FEC OIG, 

whether the referral was made during this reporting period or a prior reporting period.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 29

Appendix A: Peer Review Results

I accordance with the IG Act, OIGs are required to report to Congress, as applicable, results of any peer reviews 

it received or conducted during the reporting period. Specifically, OIGs are required to report any outstanding 

recommendations that resulted from the peer review. The FEC OIG was not peer reviewed during this reporting 

period. 

The FEC OIG was last peer reviewed by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) OIG and the modified peer 

review report was issued on December 30, 2020. The modified report contained one finding and one recommendation. 

The finding specified that the FEC OIG internal policies and procedures did not conform to the 2018 version of 

Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book). Accordingly, we are happy to report that the FEC 

OIG completed a revision of its audit manual and there are no outstanding recommendations to report.

The FEC OIG did not conduct any peer reviews during the reporting period. Accordingly, there are no open 

recommendations to report from prior peer reviews conducted. 
30 FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION | OFFICE of the INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appendix B: Mission Statements

Office of Inspector General

The FEC OIG is committed to detecting and preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and other violations of law, and to 

promoting economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of the FEC. The OIG strives to collaboratively 

promote improvements to FEC strategic operations, programs, and initiatives by independently conducting 

value-added audits, reviews, and investigations. 

Our vision is to serve as trusted agents in driving positive change and promoting integrity in FEC programs and 

operations. 

The Federal Election Commission

The FEC is the independent regulatory agency charged with administering and enforcing the federal campaign 

finance law. The FEC has jurisdiction over the financing of campaigns for the U.S. House, Senate, Presidency and the 

Vice Presidency. Its mission is to protect the integrity of the Federal campaign finance process by providing transparency 

and fairly enforcing and administering Federal campaign finance laws.

In 1975, Congress created the FEC to administer and enforce the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as 

amended. The duties of the FEC, an independent regulatory agency, are to disclose campaign finance information, 

enforce the provisions of the law, and oversee the public funding of Presidential elections.

The Commission consists of six members who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. 

Each member serves a six-year term, and two seats are subject to appointment every two years. By law, no more than 

three Commissioners can be members of the same political party, and at least four votes are required for any official 

Commission action. The Chairmanship of the Commission rotates among the members each year, with no member 

serving as Chairman more than once during his or her term.

Currently, the FEC has six Commissioners –Allen Dickerson (Chair), Steven T. Walther (Vice Chair), Shana M. 

Broussard, James E. “Trey” Trainor, III, Ellen L. Weintraub, and Sean J. Cooksey.
SEMIANNUAL REPORT to CONGRESS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 – MARCH 31, 2022 31

APPENDIX A: PEER REVIEW

Federal Election Commission

Office of the Inspector General

OIG Hotline Portal

https://fecoig.ains.com

* Also accessible via: 

http://www.fec.gov/oig

OIG Hotline Phone

202-694-1015

* Available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Eastern Standard Time, Monday through 

Friday, excluding federal holidays.

REPORT

FRAUD, WASTE, & ABUSE

Or you may call toll free at 1-800-424-9530 (press 0; then dial 1015). You may also file 

a complaint by completing the Hotline Complaint Form (http://www.fec.gov/oig) and 

mailing it to: 1050 First Street, N.E., Suite 1010, Washington DC 20463.

Individuals including FEC and FEC contractor employees are encouraged to alert the OIG to fraud, waste, abuse, and 

mismanagement of agency programs and operations. Individuals who contact the OIG can remain anonymous. However, 

persons who report allegations are encouraged to provide their contact information in the event additional questions 

arise as the OIG evaluates the allegations. Allegations with limited details or merit may be held in abeyance until further 

specific details are reported or obtained. Pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the Inspector 

General will not disclose the identity of an individual who provides information without the consent of that individual, 

unless the Inspector General determines that such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of an investigation. To 

learn more about the OIG, visit our Website at: http://www.fec.gov/oig. 

Together we can make a difference!