FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 1

November 2019

TEST

FISCAL YEAR 2020 WORK PLAN

Office of Inspector General
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 2

Table of Contents

Message from the Inspector General................................................................................................................................. 3

FEC Office of Inspector General Organization Chart................................................................................................... 5

OIG Core Values........................................................................................................................................................... 6

OIG FY 2020 Work Plan Estimated Work Schedule........................................................................................................ 7

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Audits and Special Reviews.............................................................................................................................................. 9

Investigations................................................................................................................................................................... 12

OIG Strategic Planning and Additional Reporting Requirements................................................................................... 14

Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Community and Professional Certifications ........ 16

OIG Vacancies ................................................................................................................................................................ 17

Appendix A: Annual Planning and Methodology Strategies......................................................................................... 18

Appendix B: Mission Statements................................................................................................................................... 19
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 3

FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20463

Office of Inspector General

Message from the Inspector General

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

(FEC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Annual 

Work Plan. I am honored that the Commission has selected me to serve 

as its Inspector General (IG) to provide oversight for an essential and 

impactful federal agency and I look forward to helping its hard working 

personnel continue to improve the Commission’s efficiency and 

effectiveness. Our work defines the OIG’s commitment to promoting 

accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness through our independent 

oversight of the Commissions’ programs and operations.

This plan provides the OIG’s formal strategy for identifying and 

prioritizing issues and managing its workload and resources for 

FY 2020. Successful execution of this plan will enable the OIG to provide 

high quality work products to its stakeholders and to assist the FEC to 

ensure its resources are being expended in a responsible and reasonable 

manner.

Due to the lack of a permanent or acting IG and deputy IG from November 2018 to May 2019, the OIG 

operated in a limited capacity for a majority of FY 2019. As a result, the sole audit completed in FY 2019 was 

the Audit of the FEC’s Fiscal Year 2018 Financial Statements (Financial Statement audit). Additionally, the 

Contract Management and Oversight Audit was placed on hold due to the resignation of the deputy IG and the 

auditor in charge. Other special reviews and investigative work were suspended after the deputy IG resigned 

in November 2018. As a result, the OIG devoted its limited resources in FY 2019 to engage with FEC 

management to resolve outstanding audit and inspection recommendations.

In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (as amended in 

section 5 of 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. Peer reviews are required for OIG audit operations and 

voluntary for investigative operations. Peer review programs are scheduled on three-year cycles and the FEC 

OIG is scheduled for an audit peer review in FY 2020.

The investigative program accomplished much of the work it had planned for in FY 2019, which included 

responding to hotline complaints, investigating allegations of wrongdoing, providing OIG briefings to new 

employees, and managing the OIG’s hotline service. In FY 2019, 12 investigations were opened and 10 were 

closed. In efforts to enhance the FEC OIG investigative function, we are in the process of implementing a 

case management system (CMS). The CMS will, among other things, significantly streamline the OIG 

investigative process while concurrently improving the knowledge management functions for the office. I 

anticipate that the CMS will increase the OIG’s efficiency and, as a result, the OIG’s overall value to the 

agency.
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 4 

FEC OIG staff were actively involved in several professional working groups in FY 2019, including the CIGIE 

Professional Development Committee, the Council of Counsels to Inspectors General, and the CIGIE 

Enterprise Resource Management (ERM) and DATA Act working groups. 

The work plan is generally developed based on the results of the OIG annual risk assessment and staff 

brainstorming and planning sessions. However, due to personnel changes, office vacancies, the government 

shutdown, and the outstanding work items on the FY 2019 Work Plan, the formal risk assessment was not 

completed for the FY 2020 Work Plan. In its place, we considered the results of the FY 2019 risk assessment

and evaluated the work accomplished in the FY 2019 Work Plan. 

The development and modernization of the OIG’s annual work plan is critical in accomplishing the OIG’s 

mission to promote economy and efficiency in FEC programs and operations. Effective work planning ensures 

that all OIG resources, including audit and investigative resources, are used effectively and efficiently to meet 

OIG mission requirements. 

Going forward, the FEC OIG remains committed to addressing hotline complaints, resolving outstanding audit 

recommendations, conducting audits and special reviews to strengthen agency internal controls, and ensuring 

the citizens of the United States that our programs evince a high level of integrity, which is fundamental to 

who we are as an agency. Additionally, the OIG is dedicated to improving and streamlining its internal 

processes to improve the overall support to the agency. I look forward to a successful year of providing the 

highest quality support and service to all OIG stakeholders. 

Christopher Skinner 

Inspector General

November 1, 2019 
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 5

FEC Office of Inspector General Organization Chart
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 6

OIG Core Values

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

We pride ourselves in providing a non-confrontational, value-added 

service to customers through objective, accurate, and timely evaluations 

of OIG inquiries in support of FEC operations and procedures.

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.

Honesty

Collaboration

Commitment

Balance

Service

Respect
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 7

OIG FY 2020 Work Plan Estimated Work Schedule

45

180

45

240

364

90

90

90

180

364

364

60

30

45

45

180

45

45

75

75

October 1, 2019 November 30, 2019 January 29, 2020 March 29, 2020 May 28, 2020 July 27, 2020 September 25, 2020

Financial Statement Audit 2019

Financial Statement Audit 2020

DATA Act Audit 2019

Contract Mgmt Audit

Audit Follow Up

Special Review: TranServe Benefits

Special Review: Penetration Testing

Special Review: Travel Processes

Case Mgmt System Implementation

Hotline and Investigations

OIG Agency Training

OIG Strategic Plan (FY 21-25)

Mgmt Challenges 2021

Purchase/Travel Card Reporting

Improper Payments Reporting

Peer Review (Audit)

Semiannual Report (I)

Semiannual Report (II)

OIG Deputy IG Vacancy

OIG Senior Auditor Vacancy

FEC OIG FY 2020 Work Plan Estimated Work Schedule (In Days) Audits /Reviews

Investigations

Reporting 

Vacancy Tasks
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 8

Introduction

The OIG implements an annual work plan to ensure its resources are being effectively and efficiently utilized 

throughout the year. We identify that priorities and resources may shift throughout the performance year but 

provide this plan as a baseline to our stakeholders. As a result, the FY 2020 OIG work plan is divided into 

five primary categories:

1) Audits and Special Reviews; 

2) Investigations; 

3) Special Projects and Additional Reporting Requirements; 

4) Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Community and Professional 

Certifications; and

5) OIG Vacancies.

Audits and special reviews aim to identify compliance and/or root cause analysis into FEC programs and 

operations. These reviews can be limited in scope or broadly defined depending on the topic. The objective 

is to provide a final report that highlights best practices and identifies areas for improvement to increase the 

effectiveness and efficiency of agency operations. 

OIG investigations analyze complaints from employees, contractors, and/or United States citizens to 

determine if the alleged actions violate any law, regulation, or policy. The subject of an OIG investigation 

may range from any agency employee, FEC contractor, consultant, or a person or entity involved in alleged 

wrongdoing affecting FEC programs and operations. OIG investigations may address administrative, civil, 

and criminal violations of laws, regulations, and policies. 

Special projects and additional reporting requirements may include but are not limited to, projects the 

agency head has requested the OIG look into, mandated reporting requirements (improper payments, 

purchase and travel card, and management challenges), review of agency legislation, peer reviews, and 

miscellaneous assignments and requests from the OIG community.

CIGIE Community and professional certifications include actions related but not limiting to participation in 

CIGIE training events, working groups, and committees/sub committees. Topics include, among other 

things, information technology, legislation, audits, enterprise risk management, and investigations. Each 

subject plays a vital role in the accomplishment of the OIG mission. 

The IG plans to fill the OIG vacant positions in FY 2020. Those positions include a deputy IG and senior 

auditor. Additionally, the OIG requested an additional position (senior investigator) for FY 2021 to increase 

the effectiveness and efficiencies within the office. 
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 9

Audits and Special Reviews 

The term “audit” is used to describe work performed by auditors in examining financial statements, as well 

as work performed in reviewing compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the economy and 

efficiency of operations, and the effectiveness in achieving program results. Audits are prepared in 

accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards and vary in scope and complexity. In 

lieu of conducting compliance based audits, the OIG may elect to conduct capacity audits which emphasize

root cause analysis rather than focus on compliance issues. The FEC OIG is currently staffed with one 

senior auditor with plans to fill another senior auditor vacancy in early FY 2020. 

Additionally, the OIG may conduct special reviews which can be limited scope, or short-term, reviews of 

FEC programs or operations. Special reviews are conducted in accordance with the quality standards issued 

by the federal IG community. 

The following audit and special review assignments are planned for FY 2020:

1. Audit of the Federal Election Commission’s 2019 and 2020 Financial Statements

In accordance with the Accountability of Tax Dollars Act of 2002, the FEC is required to prepare annual 

financial statements in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-136, 

Financial Reporting Requirements. The Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, as amended, requires the FEC 

Inspector General, or an independent external auditor selected by the IG, to audit the agency financial 

statements.

The FEC OIG will contract and provide oversight to the FY 2019 and 2020 financial statement audits. An 

independent accounting firm, Brown & Company, is conducting the FY 2019 Financial Statement Audit and

is in the first year of its contract. The OIG is responsible for, among other things, 1) reviewing the auditor’s 

approach and planning of the audit; 2) evaluating the qualifications and independence of the auditors; 3) 

monitoring the work of the auditors; 4) examining audit documents and reports to ensure compliance with 

government auditing standards, and OMB Bulletin No.17-03, Audit Requirements for Federal Financial 

Statements; and 5) other procedures the OIG deems necessary to oversee the contract and audit.

2. The Audit of the FEC’s Compliance with the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA 

Act) Audit

In accordance with the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (the DATA Act), the FEC OIG, 

or an independent auditor designated by the IG, is required to conduct a review of the agency data on USA 

spending. The DATA Act requires the establishment of government-wide standards for information on 

spending by Federal agencies, and tasks agency IG’s with reviewing and assessing organizational 

compliance. In FY 2019, the OIG initiated the DATA Act audit in June 2019. Due to the timing of the audit 

and limited OIG resources, we modified the FY 2019 Financial Statement Audit solicitation to include the 

work for the DATA Act Audit with the expectation that Brown & Company could leverage the results from 

the Financial Statement Audit and perform both audits.

3. Audit of Contract Management and Oversight by the FEC’s Operational Units

The audit was initiated in FY 2016 to assess contract management and oversight of the FEC’s operational 

units, to include but not limited to, a review of the agency’s contract with the Elocen Group. The Elocen 

Group was hired to assist with and oversee logistics, related to the relocation of the FEC’s office building. 
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 10

The scope of the audit entailed a multi-faceted review including acquisition planning, personnel and 

operational involvement, assigned roles and responsibilities, contract management, and agency oversight. 

The completion of the planning and initial fieldwork commenced in August 2016. The audit has been 

extended on several occasions due to resource constraints, extenuating OIG requirements, workload 

priorities, and office personnel changes including turnover to key leadership positions within the OIG. The 

project was placed on a hold status following the resignation of the Deputy IG in November 2018. 

The scope of this audit has been revised on several occasions since a few of the original contracts selected 

for review and testing extend beyond five years and/or relate to outdated business practices.1 Due to the 

expiration of the contracts selected for review, the OIG plans to reduce the scope of the audit in efforts to 

provide a value-added report to management. The OIG will issue a management letter defining the new 

limited scope of the audit. 

4. Audit Follow Up

A critical responsibility of the OIG is to follow-up on previously issued audit reports to ensure outstanding 

audit recommendations are resolved. The OIG previously provided the Commission with a semiannual 

report of outstanding audit and inspection recommendations that contained details of the follow-up work 

conducted by the OIG and the status of each recommendation. In August 2018, the OIG issued to the 

Commission its final semiannual outstanding recommendations report and communicated that a formal 

report will be issued annually. We continue to communicate and work with management regarding the seven 

(7) open audits and inspections, which entail a total of 32 outstanding recommendations as of September 30,

2019. 

Audit follow up in FY 2020 involve the following responsibilities: 

1) Review implemented audit recommendations to ensure the audit finding has been resolved; 

2) Review and comment on management’s corrective action plans that detail plans for resolving 

outstanding audit recommendations;

3) Conduct scheduled biannual meetings with management to discuss progress in implementing audit 

recommendations; and 

4) Provide an annual report to the Commission detailing progress made by management and any 

ongoing OIG concerns. 

5. Special Reviews

Similar to an audit, the objective of a special review is to provide management a value-added report that 

identifies systemic deficiencies and opportunities for improvement. However, a special review may focus on 

root cause analysis rather than a compliance evaluation. Special reviews aim to provide timely, up-to-date 

information to FEC management and the Commission regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of FEC 

programs and operations. Special reviews can be initiated through a variety of methods. For example, an 

OIG Hotline complaint may be referred to an audit or special review depending on the nature and severity 

level of the complaint. 

The OIG is planning to complete several limited scope, or short-term, reviews of FEC programs in FY 2020. 

The special reviews planned or under consideration for FY 2020 include but are not limited to: 

 1 Excluding the contracts related to the physical relocation of the FEC. 
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 11

• TranServe Benefits Usage Rates During Government Shutdown

• FEC Penetration Test Assessment on IT Network2

• Travel Processes – Commencement to Reimbursement 

• Other reviews deemed necessary

The OIG anticipates expending its resources to all audit functions for the following time periods of 

performance in FY 2020:

• FY 2019 Financial Statement Audit:

3 October 2019 – November 2019 (45 + days) 

• FY 2020 Financial Statement Audit: April 2020 – September 2020 (180 + days)

• FY 2019 DATA Act Audit: October 2019 – November 2019 (45 + days)

• Contract Management and Oversight Audit: November 2019 – June 2020 (240 days)

• Continued Audit Follow Up: October 2019 – September 2020 (364 days).

The OIG anticipates expending its resources to complete the special reviews for the following time periods 

of performance in FY 2020:

• TranServe Benefits: October 2019 – December 2019 (90 days)

• FEC Penetration Test: November 2019 – January 2020 (90 days)

• Travel Processes: March 2020 – May 2020 (90 days) coordinate 

 2 Due to limited IT resources and expertise within the OIG, the OIG collaborated with the Office of Chief Information Office to

coordinate with an external third party to conduct a penetration testing assessment on the FEC IT network. 

3 The timelines associated are limited to the FY 2020 schedule. For instance, the FY 2019 Financial Statement Audit was initiated 

in April 2018 and would require 180 days to complete. 
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 12

Investigations

The OIG’s investigative program aims to add value to the agency’s programs and operations by objectively 

investigating allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, and mismanagement. The subject of an OIG 

investigation may range from any agency employee, FEC contractor, consultant, or a person or entity 

involved in alleged wrongdoing affecting FEC programs and operations. The OIG pursue facts related to 

allegations of wrongdoing to determine if a violation of law, regulation, or policy occurred. OIG 

investigations may address administrative, civil, and criminal violations and in some cases, investigative 

results may lead to administrative, civil, and criminal penalties and recoveries. Additionally, reports of 

investigation may include agency recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations 

in efforts to mitigate a future concern. 

The following investigative assignments are planned for FY 2020:

1. Implement FEC OIG Case Management System

In efforts to enhance the FEC OIG investigative function, we awarded a contract in September 2019 to 

implement a custom-made case management system (CMS). The CMS will, among other things, 

significantly streamline the OIG investigative process while concurrently improving the knowledge 

management functions for the office. OIG staff will work with the contractor to ensure the CMS provides a 

user-friendly, value-added, streamlined approach to manage all OIG complaints. 

2. Manage Hotline Complaints and Investigation Caseload

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

directly and confidentially with the OIG. All allegations and referrals of fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, 

and mismanagement involving FEC employees, contractors, agency programs, operations, and property, are 

termed “hotline complaints” per OIG policy. The OIG takes all complaints seriously; as such, we carefully 

analyze all complaint details to determine if an investigation is warranted. Other courses of action may 

include but are not limited to, referred to management for action, referred to another existing 

program/process (i.e., EEO, HR), referred to another agency, referred to the audit or special review process, 

or closed and dismissed with no further action.

Staff will continue to thoroughly analyze each complaint and respond accordingly. Additionally, staff plan 

to continue to research and address the six (6) open investigations until a resolution is made. The identities of

complainants and witnesses will be protected pursuant to The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended 

(IG Act). 

3. OIG Agency Training

The OIG will continue to participate in the FEC new employee orientation program to educate all new 

employees about the mission of the OIG. The OIG plans to update the training material for the new 

employee orientation and the mandatory OIG online training. The OIG desires to schedule an in-person 

training for all FEC staff at some point in FY 2020. Additionally, the OIG plans to revise the verbiage and 

design of the public web page, the OIG brochure, and the hotline fraud poster.
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 13

The OIG anticipates expending its resources to address all investigation initiatives for the time periods of 

performance as follows:

• CMS Implementation: October 2019 – March 2020 (180 days)

• Hotlines and Investigations: October 2019 – September 2020 (364 days).

• OIG Agency Training: October 2019 – September 2020 (364 days).
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 14

OIG Strategic Planning and Additional Reporting Requirements

To enhance the effectiveness of the OIG and to ensure effective audit and investigative coverage of the 

Commission’s programs and operations, the OIG aims to operate within the objectives identified in its

FY 2016 – FY 2020 Strategic Plan. Additionally, the OIG is required to complete and submit mandated 

reporting assignments throughout the year. 

The following strategic plan initiatives and additional reporting requirements are planned for FY 2020:

1. Strategic Plan

The FY 2016 – FY 2020 OIG Strategic Plan identifies three (3) essential OIG mission elements to abide by 

in the completion of all OIG work products. 

• Impact: OIG products and services will be designed to positively impact FEC policies, programs, 

and operations by promoting integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness.

• Quality: OIG products and services provided to the FEC will be of the highest quality and meet or 

exceed applicable standards.

• Excellence: OIG will maintain a skilled and motivated work force and empower employees to 

maximize their professional and personal potential by fostering accountability, communication, 

teamwork, and constant growth and development. 

The strategic plan will expire at the end of FY 2020 thus, the OIG will set aside time in FY 2020 to create its 

FY 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. 

2. Management Challenges for FY 2021

The OIG submits an annual Management Challenges report highlighting the current challenges facing the 

agency which is provided in the annual Agency Financial Report.

3. Purchase and Travel Card Reporting

The OIG conducts an annual risk assessment of FEC purchase and travel cards pursuant to the Charge Card 

Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 and OMB Memorandum M-13-21. The OIG is required to file a report with 

OMB by January 31st of each year reporting on any audit recommendations from the previous FY 

concerning audits of purchase or travel card programs. 

4. Improper Payments Reporting

The OIG is required to annually review the FEC’s compliance with OMB Memorandum M-15-02, which 

provides, among other things, statutory and executive order implementation guidance for the Improper 

Payments Information Act of 2002, as amended, the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 

2010, the Improper Payments Information Improvement Act of 2012, and Executive Order 13520. The OIG 

is required to assess agency compliance with M-15-02, and to report the results to Congress, the Comptroller 

General, and OMB.
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 15

5. Peer Review Program

Audit programs of Federal OIG’s are required to be peer reviewed once every three years. Under the 

program the CIGIE has developed to ensure compliance with this requirement, each OIG undertakes a peer 

review of another Federal OIG. The FEC OIG audit program is scheduled to be peer reviewed in FY 2020. 

The peer review of the FEC OIG will include those audits performed through September 30, 2019, and will 

likely take place the first half of FY 2020.

 

Additional special projects/work assignments may be undertaken during FY 2020 based on available OIG 

resources, benefit to the agency, and other relevant factors. Priorities may be adjusted to reflect emerging 

issues during the FY. 

6. Semiannual Reporting

In accordance with the IG Act, the OIG will prepare and submit semiannual reports to Congress 

summarizing the work completed for the reporting period. Semiannual reports summarize OIG activities 

during the immediately preceding six-month periods ending March 31 and September 30 of each year. As 

required by the IG Act, semiannual reports are provided to the Commission. 

The OIG anticipates expending its resources to complete the special projects and work reporting 

requirements for the following time periods of performance:

• OIG Strategic Plan: June 2020 – July 2020 (60 days)

• Management Challenges for FY 2021: October 2020 (30 days)

• Purchase and Travel Card Reporting: December 2019 – January 2020 (45 days)

• Improper Payments Reporting: December 2019 – January 2020 (45 days)

• Peer Review (Audit): October 2019 – March 2020 (180 days)

• Semiannual Reports to Congress: (1) October 2019 – November 2019 (45 days) 

(2) February 2020 – March 2020 (45 days)
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 16

Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Community 

and Professional Certifications

In addition to the OIG’s audit and investigative responsibilities, the OIG participates in numerous CIGIE 

activities and completes professional certifications. The OIG will participate in several Federal Inspectors 

General community working groups on topics related to legislation, audits, and investigations. FEC OIG 

staff prioritize OIG mission requirements before attending any non-mandatory meetings or participating on 

OIG community working groups. 

The following are examples of the CIGIE activities and commitments planned by the OIG for FY 2020:

1. Participate in/Attend Professional Working Group and Other Meetings

The IG or OIG staff will regularly attend and participate on the following CIGIE professional working group 

meetings which include but are not limited to: Executive Council of CIGIE; CIGIE Professional 

Development Committee; Budget Committee; Council of Counsels to the Inspector General; Assistant 

Inspector General for Investigations; Federal Audit Executive Council (FAEC); CIGIE Enterprise Resource 

Management (ERM) Working Group; FAEC DATA Act Working Group; and Financial Statement Audit 

Network Group. 

Additionally, the IG or OIG staff will attend the FEC director and town-hall meetings and other meetings 

associated with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

FEC OIG staff always prioritize OIG mission requirements before attending any non-mandatory meetings or 

participating on OIG community working groups. 

2. Professional Development and Training

The objective of the OIG’s training program is to provide cost effective training to enhance professional 

understanding and proficiency, and ensure staff meet continuing professional educational requirements. As a 

result, the OIG staff will attend professional training courses in FY 2020 to continue to develop OIG 

knowledge, skills and abilities.

No timelines are attached to CIGIE and professional certifications as a majority of the works tasks are not 

mandatory. 
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 17

OIG Vacancies

The FEC OIG currently has two (2) approved vacant positions for FY 2020 and one (1) requested vacant 

position for FY 2021 which are detailed herein:

1) Deputy Inspector General (approved)

2) Senior Auditor (approved)

3) Senior Investigator (FY 2021)

The IG currently plans to fill the approved OIG vacant positions in FY 2020. 

The OIG anticipates expending its resources to fill the approved vacant positions for the following time 

periods of performance:

• Deputy IG: January 2020 – March 2020 (75 days)

• Senior Auditor: November 2019 – January 2020 (75 days)

• Senior Investigator: Pending (FY 2021)
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 18

Appendix A: Annual Planning and Methodology Strategies

The planning methodology adopted by the OIG is based on a formal risk assessment process. The purpose of 

the risk assessment process is to better align OIG resources to areas that will provide the most value to the 

FEC. A risk assessment is a process to identify, assess, respond to, and report on opportunities and threats 

that affect the achievement of objectives. The OIG also solicits feedback and ideas from stakeholders 

throughout the year. The annual work plan will, of course, require periodic updates to reflect changes, such 

as new priorities, as well as any changes in OIG resources. 

The last risk assessment performed was in the spring of 2018. In addition to risk base planning, the OIG’s 

work plan is also designed to yield work assignments that will identify opportunities for economy, efficiency 

and effectiveness in FEC programs and operations, and detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse and 

mismanagement. The priority for conducting work assignments is based on: 1) mandatory legislative 

requirements; 2) emphasis by the President, Congress, and the Commission; 3) a program’s susceptibility to 

fraud, manipulation, or other irregularities; 4) dollar magnitude or resources involved in the proposed area; 

5) management needs identified through consultation with primary organization heads; 6) newness, changed 

conditions, or sensitivity of a program or operation; 7) the extent of outstanding issues resulting from prior 

audit coverage or review by the OIG or other oversight body; and 8) the adequacy of internal control 

systems in place for the program or other factors.
FY 2020 OIG Work Plan 19

Appendix B: Mission Statements

The Federal Election Commission

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 three Commissioners and three vacancies – Ellen L. Weintraub (Chair); Steven T. 

Walther and Caroline C. Hunter.

Office of Inspector General

The FEC OIG is committed to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, violations of law, and to promote 

economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of the FEC. The OIG strives, as an agent of positive 

change, to promote improvements in the management of FEC programs and operations by independently 

conducting audits, reviews, and investigations. Our overriding objective is excellence and continuous 

improvement. 
or toll free at 1-800-424-9530 (press 0; then dial 1015)

Fax us at 202-501-8134 or e-mail us at oig@fec.gov

Visit or write to us at 1050 First Street, N.E., Suite 1010, Washington DC 20463

Federal Election Commission

Office of Inspector General

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/fecig/fecig.shtml 

Together we can make a difference.

Fraud Hotline

202-694-1015