United States Department of Agriculture

Office of Inspector General

Office of Inspector General

Annual Plan

October 1, 2011–September 30, 2012

Fiscal Year 2 012
Highlights of Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Plans for Fiscal Year 2012

GOAL 1 Strengthen USDA’s ability to implement safety and security measures to protect the public health as well as 

agricultural and Departmental resources.

n Conduct audits to ensure that USDA food safety and inspection programs effectively meet program objectives.

n Evaluate USDA controls over shell eggs and interagency coordination efforts for detecting and reporting salmonella or other 

contaminates. 

n Investigate smuggling of animals, animal products, plants, and plant products.

n Investigate threats involving the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products to protect the public from food tampering and 

tainted food.

n Investigate allegations of criminal activity in the National Organic Program.

n Investigate acts of violence against USDA employees.

GOAL 2 Reduce program vulnerabilities and strengthen program integrity in delivering benefits to individuals.

n Conduct audits on nutrition, farm, and rural community programs to determine if entitlements and benefits are effectively 

directed based on eligibility. This includes audits of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funds.

n Review USDA’s mandated reports as required by both Executive Order 13520 and the Improper Payments Elimination and 

Recovery Act of 2010.

n Investigate allegations of criminal activity in nutrition assistance programs.

n Monitor and investigate allegations of criminal activity pertaining to USDA programs, including Recovery Act and disaster 

funds.

GOAL 3 Support USDA in implementing its management improvement initiatives.

n Perform mandated FY 2011/2012 financial statement audits of six USDA agencies and the Department as a whole.

n Evaluate the adequacy and security of information technology (IT) systems and applications.

n Carry out oversight responsibilities under the Recovery Act.

n Investigate allegations of significant criminal activity by USDA employees.

n Investigate whistleblower allegations as required by the Recovery Act.

GOAL 4 Increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which USDA manages and exercises stewardship over natural 

resources.

n Determine whether the Forest Service is properly obtaining and modifying rights-of-way and easements for Federal lands, and 

is granting and modifying easements according to applicable laws.

n Assess whether producers in the Conservation Security Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program comply with 

highly erodible land provisions.

n Determine whether eligibility and program requirements were met by those who received Recovery Act funds for reducing 

hazardous fuels and restoring ecosystems on non-Federal lands.

n Investigate allegations of significant criminal activity in programs involving the management and stewardship of natural 

resources.

GOAL 5 Strive for a highly qualified, diverse workforce that has the tools and training necessary to enhance OIG’s ability to 

fulfill its mission and communicate its accomplishments.

n Update and publish Inspector General management and policy directives.

n Improve performance of IT’s help desk initial response and resolution.

n Continuously monitor the OIG network and issue formal IT security briefing to the OIG Chief Information Officer.

n Improve internal and external response times to security incidents.

n Develop and deliver budget and accounting information and regular reports to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and 

the National Finance Center.

n Submit the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Counselor’s report to the EEO office within 15 days after completing the 

counseling period.
Message from the Inspector General

Iam pleased to present the USDA OIG Annual Plan for fiscal year (FY) 2012. This document describes how OIG will achieve its 

mission of promoting economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity in the delivery of USDA programs. In setting our goals and 

objectives, we aligned our annual plan with both the OIG Strategic Plan for FY 2010-2015 and the USDA Strategic Plan for FY 

2010-2015. This plan reflects the priority work that OIG believes is necessary to provide effective oversight of the broad spectrum 

of USDA programs and activities. As the Nation moves forward to address its fiscal situation, OIG anticipates that there will be 

fewer resources available to carry out our mission in FY 2012. Accordingly, adjustments to this plan may be necessary as the year 

unfolds to ensure that we direct our resources to areas of highest risk and vulnerability.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) continues to influence this year’s plan significantly because it 

gives OIG specific responsibilities for audit and investigative oversight of USDA programs and activities funded through the Act. 

In FY 2012, we estimate that we will use approximately 15 percent of our audit resources and 5 percent of our investigative 

resources for Recovery Act oversight.

As mandated by Executive Order (E.O.) 13520 and the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (IPERA) of 2010, we 

will determine USDA’s compliance with IPERA and review agencies methodologies and plans to reduce improper payments. In 

addition, as required by the Claims Resolution Act of 2010, we will review Pigford II adjudicated claims to determine whether 

USDA established and followed proper procedures for distributing settlement funds to eligible claimants.

Also, as mandated by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill), we continue to monitor how the Food Safety 

and Inspection Service (FSIS) implements provisions related to State meat inspection programs. Once relevant regulations are in 

place, we will initiate an audit to determine if they are being followed.

The Disaster Relief and Recovery Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 entrusted USDA with more than $400 million in 

funding for disaster relief and recovery. Our work this year will include a review of programs intended to rehabilitate land damaged 

by floods, tornadoes, and wildfires: the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), and the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Program (EWP). As disaster relief circumstances warrant, we may 

undertake additional work to ensure that these funds are used properly.

Based on OIG’s continuing commitment to our strategic goals, adapted to respond to key developments and carry out new and 

ongoing responsibilities, we present this Annual Plan for FY 2012. We look forward to continuing to work productively with 

Congress and the Secretary to promote the effective delivery of USDA programs.

Phyllis K. Fong

Inspector General
Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Resources and Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

FY 2012 Work Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Goal 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Strengthen USDA’s ability to implement safety and security measures to protect the 

public health as well as agricultural and Departmental resources

Goal 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Reduce program vulnerabilities and strengthen program integrity in the delivery 

of benefits to individuals

Goal 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Support USDA in implementing its management improvement initiatives

Goal 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which USDA manages and exercises 

stewardship over natural resources

Goal 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Strive for a highly qualified diverse workforce with the tools and training necessary 

to continuously enhance OIG’s ability to fulfill its mission and communicate its 

accomplishments

FY 2011 Performance Summary and Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Related Materials and Information

Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

OIG Organizational Chart and Functional Responsibilities

Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Distribution of Audit Resources by Agency

Appendix D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Distribution of Investigative Resources by Agency

Appendix E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fiscal Year 2012 Audits Planned
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 1

Introduction

Introduction

The USDA OIG Strategic Plan for FY 2010-2015 establishes 

our mission, vision, and goals for 5 years. OIG is committed to 

providing a positive return on the U.S. taxpayers’ investment by 

planning our work to address issues of the greatest importance 

and achieve the most significant results.

While OIG continues its work to ensure the overall integrity 

of payments in USDA programs and the effectiveness of those 

programs, we have also directed a significant portion of our 

resources to overseeing USDA’s effective implementation of 

$28 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 

2009 (Recovery Act) funds. As of August 31, 2011 OIG has 

completed 31 audits and issued 56 fast reports assessing USDA 

agencies’ Recovery Act program guidance, internal controls, 

eligibility criteria, and compliance activities in a number of 

areas, including farm loans, watershed programs, supplemental 

nutrition assistance, wildland fire management, and several 

rural development programs (such as rural housing, rural 

business, water and waste disposal, and broadband). 

In FY 2012, we expect to complete most planned Recovery 

Act audit oversight work. We also expect to receive fewer 

new allegations of Recovery Act fraud in FY 2012, as the 

Government-wide authority to expend Recovery Act funds 

expires. We will, however, continue to evaluate and investigate 

potential criminal violations involving USDA Recovery Act 

programs, as we do for all other USDA-funded activities.

This Annual Plan presents the FY 2012 work that USDA OIG 

intends to undertake in support of our current Strategic Plan

and in accordance with our Recovery Act responsibilities.

Resources and Organization

We assessed the work for this Annual Plan relative to the 

resources that we believe will be available to accomplish it. 

FY 2012 funding level is not yet certain, and the annual plan 

may need to be adjusted during the year to reflect any resource 

constraints. Appendix B describes our current organizational 

structure and functional responsibilities; these also could 

change during the year if resource levels should change.

FY 2012 Work Plan

A summary of the work we plan in support of our FY 2012 

strategic goals follows.

Goal 1 – Strengthen USDA’s ability to implement 

safety and security measures to protect the public 

health as well as agricultural and Departmental 

resources.

We expect to use approximately 17.5 percent of our audit and 

12 percent of our investigative resources in achieving this goal.1

 

Our investigations work focuses on threats to the food supply, 

the agricultural sector, USDA employees, and national security. 

Our audit work focuses on assessing management control 

systems designed to ensure that the Department is effectively 

protecting the consumer and the Nation’s agricultural resources. 

Our audit work will also concentrate on homeland security and 

will continue to evaluate the Department’s coordination and 

communication of increased security controls both internally 

and across Federal Departments. For FY 2012, our priorities 

include the following:

n Evaluate USDA’s controls over shell eggs for detecting 

and reporting salmonella or other contaminates. Assess 

interagency coordination efforts to ensure the safety and 

wholesomeness of shell eggs. 

n Address the effectiveness of FSIS’ N-60 testing protocol on 

beef trim for Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli). Determine 

whether industry and private laboratories’ sampling and 

testing protocols meet FSIS standards and examine how 

FSIS and the beef industry use test results. 

n Follow up on prior audits of FSIS food safety initiatives to 

determine if the agency has made improvements in: staffing, 

training, and supervising in-plant inspectors; oversight 

of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act; removing 

specified-risk materials; and information system 

management controls. 

1

All OIG teams contribute to each goal, but we can currently only quantify and project the audit and investigation resources employed.
2 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Goals

n Investigate threats involving the safety of meat, poultry, and 

egg products to ensure that timely response and appropriate 

corrective actions are taken to protect the public from food 

tampering or tainted food.

n Follow up on prior audits of select agents and toxins to 

determine if the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS) is ensuring compliance with regulations pertaining 

to the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness 

and Response Act of 2002. 

n Investigate animal, animal product, plant, and plant product 

smuggling that can introduce devastating diseases and pests 

into American agriculture.

n Investigate allegations of criminal activity in the National 

Organic Program (NOP).

n Follow up on prior audits to determine if the Agricultural 

Research Service (ARS) has designed and implemented 

controls to ensure security of sensitive technology and 

information transfers. 

n Coordinate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint 

Terrorism Task Forces to support ongoing investigations 

working to identify and combat domestic and international 

terrorism.

Specific Recovery Act work we are conducting includes the 

following:

n Investigate whistleblower complaints that involve Recovery 

Act funds and alleged health, safety, or security threats. 

n Determine whether sponsors of projects to rehabilitate flood 

control dams are following Recovery Act requirements for 

issuing contracts, monitoring projects, and reporting their 

use of funds to the Recovery Board. 

Goal 2 – Reduce program vulnerabilities and 

strengthen program integrity in the delivery of 

benefits to individuals.

We expect to use approximately 20.3 percent of our audit and 

76 percent of our investigative resources to accomplish this 

goal. Our investigative focus includes threats to the integrity 

and effectiveness of USDA’s benefits programs. Our audit focus 

includes assessing internal control systems and identifying risk 

indicators that should increase both OIG’s and USDA’s ability 

to detect and prevent program abuse and criminal activity. For 

FY 2012, our priorities include the following:

n Investigate allegations of criminal activity in USDA’s 

disaster relief and assistance programs (e.g., crop insurance, 

indemnity payments, and grants and loans).

n Determine the effectiveness of FSA’s and NRCS’ 

administration of ECP and EWP, which are intended 

to rehabilitate land damaged by floods, tornadoes, and 

wildfires. 

n Investigate allegations of criminal activity in farm 

programs, including the crop insurance and farm loan 

programs.

n Evaluate the Biomass Crop Assistance Program—established 

by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008—to 

review eligibility and selection criteria and contract 

compliance. 

n Match the Social Security Administration’s list of deceased 

individuals’ social security numbers and names to 

eligibility data in the Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to 

determine whether benefits are delivered appropriately.2

n Evaluate vendor monitoring under the Special Supplemental 

Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children 

(WIC) to assess implementation of new regulations and 

corrective actions regarding improper payments. 

n In response to a congressional request, determine whether 

school districts that signed cost-reimbursable contracts 

with Food Service Management Companies (FSMC) under 

the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) receive all 

appropriate discounts and rebates from their FSMC. Follow 

up on recommendations identified in prior audit reports. 

n As mandated by E.O. 13520 and IPERA, determine 

USDA’s compliance with IPERA, and review agencies’ 

methodologies and plans to reduce improper payments. 

Assess risks in high-priority programs, determine the extent 

of oversight warranted, and provide recommendations, 

where appropriate. 

n Investigate alleged criminal activity in food and nutrition 

programs, including SNAP and its Electronic Benefits 

Transfer (EBT) delivery system, WIC, and NSLP.

2

SNAP was formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 3

Goals

Specific Recovery Act work we are conducting includes the 

following:

n Identify and investigate potentially fraudulent activity 

occurring within USDA agencies and programs receiving 

Recovery Act funding.

n Review Recovery Act-funded Supplemental Agricultural 

Disaster Assistance programs to determine if adequate 

controls were developed and implemented. 

n Determine if Rural Development’s agencies have effectively 

implemented Recovery Act provisions. Audit initiatives 

include reviewing the Rural Business Enterprise Grants 

Program; the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan 

Program; the Single-Family Housing (SFH) Guaranteed 

Loan Program; SFH Direct Loans Program; and Rural 

Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants Program. 

n Determine if Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers 

Program funds under the Recovery Act are used for 

authorized purposes and results are accurately reported. 

Goal 3 – Support USDA in implementing its 

management improvement initiatives.

We expect to use approximately 56.8 percent of our audit and 

10 percent of our investigative resources to accomplish this 

goal. Our audit focus is on improved financial management 

and accountability, IT security and management, real property 

management and procurement, renewable energy programs, 

research, and compliance with the Government Performance 

and Results Act. Our investigative focus includes allegations 

involving criminal violations that have employee corruption or 

fraud implications. For FY 2012, our mandated and priority 

work include the following:

n Investigate allegations of employee corruption and fraud.

n Determine if the Department has provided adequate 

training to its employees to detect and prevent social 

engineering tactics used to acquire sensitive information.3

n Audit the FY 2011/2012 USDA consolidated financial 

statements and the financial statements of six stand-alone 

agencies and entities, i.e., FNS, NRCS, Forest Service 

(FS), Rural Development, the Federal Crop Insurance 

Corporation, and the Commodity Credit Corporation. 

n Determine if NRCS’ oversight and compliance activities are 

adequate to ensure compliance with laws and regulations 

and achieve program results effectively and efficiently.

n Review Pigford II adjudicated claims to determine whether 

USDA established and followed proper procedures for 

distributing settlement funds to eligible claimants (as 

required by the Claims Resolution Act of 2010). 

n Complete work to assess USDA’s process for settling with 

civil rights program complainants, and follow up on prior 

audit recommendations relating to USDA’s civil rights 

programs.

Specific Recovery Act work we are conducting includes the 

following:

n Investigate whistleblower complaints related to Recovery Act 

funding, and track them through an automated system to 

ensure timeliness.

n Determine if Departmental Management and the 

Agricultural Research Service properly closed out Recovery 

Act-funded contracts.4

n Review FS’ plans to spend additional Recovery Act funds on 

wildland fire management. 

Goal 4 – Increase the efficiency and effectiveness 

with which USDA manages and exercises stewardship 

over natural resources.

We expect to use approximately 5.4 percent of our audit 

resources and 2 percent of our investigative resources for Goal 

4. Our audit and investigative focus is on USDA’s management 

and stewardship of natural resources, such as soil, water, and 

recreation sites. For FY 2012, our priorities include:

n Investigate allegations of significant criminal activities in 

programs related to natural resource management and 

stewardship.

n Evaluate FS’ management of oil and gas resources on 

National Forest System land, focusing on assessing potential 

weaknesses we identified in a survey of the agency’s 

implementation of the National Energy Policy. 

n Assess whether producers in the Conservation Security 

Program and Conservation Stewardship Program comply 

with highly erodible land provisions. Evaluate NRCS’ 

non-compliance determinations and variance approvals. 

3

Social engineering involves using manipulation to compel people into divulging sensitive information. 

4

Departmental Management includes administrative offices within USDA such as the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Human Resources 

Management.
4 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Goals

n Evaluate NRCS controls over the Farm and Ranch Lands 

Protection Program to ensure that land easements are 

properly appraised, and that the land is used for agriculture. 

n Examine whether Environmental Quality Incentives 

Program (EQIP) recipients fulfilled their contracts, and 

whether controls ensure that contracts continue to meet 

program objectives. Determine if EQIP contracts duplicate 

other payments or services offered by USDA.

Specific Recovery Act work we are conducting includes the 

following:

n Determine whether FS’ Recovery Act biomass projects met 

requirements and were completed timely and effectively.5

 

Evaluate whether FS can adequately support its reported 

achievements in capital improvements and maintenance. 

n Determine whether recipients of funds for reducing 

hazardous fuels and restoring ecosystems on non-Federal 

lands met eligibility and program requirements, and timely 

and effectively completed their projects. 

n Assess FS controls over capital improvement and 

maintenance funding to ensure that participants meet 

requirements and the funding meets objectives. Examine 

activities such as renovating buildings, remediating 

abandoned mines, and maintaining trails.

Goal 5 – Strive for a highly qualified, diverse 

workforce with the tools and training necessary 

to continuously enhance OIG’s ability to fulfill its 

mission and communicate its accomplishments.

For FY 2012, we will continue to use our 19 performance 

measures for this goal. Our management focus is on ensuring 

the readiness of the OIG workforce, timely reporting of 

information to stakeholders, and satisfying employees’ needs. 

Our FY 2012 work will include the following:

n Continue soliciting feedback through the New Employee 

Survey within 6 weeks of a person joining the organization.

n Issue candidate certificates within 5 days of announcement 

closing date.

n Improve initial response and completion time for IT help 

desk requests.

n Deliver timely and informative semiannual reports to 

Congress, annual plans, and other OIG publications to 

stakeholders.

n Report monthly to the Recovery Board on the use of 

Recovery Act funds.

n Issue timely and effective IG subpoenas.

n Submit budget and accounting information, as well as 

regular reports, to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer 

and the National Finance Center.

n Issue OIG’s formal IT security briefing to the OIG Chief 

Information Officer at least three times per quarter.

n Improve internal and external response times to security 

incidents.

n Submit Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Counselor’s 

reports to the EEO office within 15 calendar days after 

completing the counseling period.

5

Biomass is a renewable energy resource that derives from living and dead organisms, such as wood, waste, and alcohol fuels.
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 5

FY 2011 Performance Summary and Results 

OIG Strategic and Performance Goals and FY 2011 Results

Strategic Goal Performance Goals

(1) Safety and Security Strengthen USDA’s ability to implement safety and security measures to protect the 

public health as well as agricultural and Departmental resources.

(2) Integrity of Benefits Reduce program vulnerabilities and strengthen program integrity in the delivery of 

benefits to individuals.

(3) Management Improvement Initiatives Support USDA in implementing its management improvement initiatives.

(4) Natural Resources Increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which USDA manages and exercises 

stewardship over natural resources.

(5) Qualified Diverse Workforce

Strive for a highly qualified, diverse workforce with the tools and training necessary 

to continuously enhance OIG’s ability to fulfill its mission and communicate its 

accomplishments.

Performance Summary and Results

Our Strategic Plan identifies the results of our work using a 

life-cycle approach to our outputs that tracks individual actions 

at critical milestones. We began measuring these results in FY 

2004. Since then, we have steadily increased the number of 

performance measures we track to 30 in total. In FY 2011, 

OIG met 25 of the 30 performance targets. This provides an 

opportunity for OIG to improve its work processes in FY 2012. 

OIG will be keeping 26 of the 30 performance measures and 

adding four new measures keeping the total to 30 for FY 2012. 

The following tables illustrate our FY 2011 results in comparison with our performance targets. 

Performance Measures FY 11 Target FY 11 Actual

(1) Percentage of OIG direct resources dedicated to critical-risk or high-impact 

activities. 

90%

97.2%

99.3% Audit

93.3% Inv.

(2) Percentage of audit recommendations where management decisions are achieved 

within 1 year. 90% 90.1%

(3) Percentage of audits initiated where the findings and recommendations are presented 

to the auditee within established and agreed-to timeframes. 85% 100%

(4) Percentage of closed investigations that resulted in a referral for action to the 

Department of Justice, State or local law enforcement officials, or a relevant 

administrative authority.

70% 82.5%

(5) Percentage of closed investigations that resulted in an indictment, conviction, civil 

suit or settlement, judgment, administrative action, or monetary result. 65% 70.4%

(6) On a biannual basis, positive employee satisfaction rate reported in staff surveys. 70% 66.4%

(7) *Update 8 management directives that are over 3 years old. 80% 100%
6 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Performance Summary and Results

Note: *New Performance Measure

Performance Measures (Continued) FY 11 Target FY 11 Actual

 (8) Time from receipt of an SF-52 for a standard recruitment action until positions are 

posted and opened through the automated system averages 3 days. 90% 88.9%

 (9) Time to issue candidate certificates after the closing date of an announcement 

averages 5 days. 90% 93.3%

(10) *Survey results indicate new employees find orientation session useful to them as 

they begin their new jobs. 70% 100%

(11) All Information Technology Division (ITD) systems including the LAN, WAN, 

e-mail, and ARGOS remain operational, excluding planned outages for system 

maintenance and outages caused by outside factors.

97% 99.9%

(12) *ITD staff will make an initial response to help desk requests within 2 hours 

or less. 85% 99.9%

(13) *ITD staff will resolve help desk requests within 24 hours. 85% 83.9%

(14) *Internal and external security incidence response and resolution accomplished 

within 30 days of incident in accordance with the Agriculture Security Operations 

Center (ASOC).

70% 85.7%

(15) *Budget information provided to the Department for the Office of Management 

and Budget requirements on time. 95% 100%

(16) *Accounting information and regular reports submitted to the National Finance 

Center and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer on time. 95% 95.6%

(17) Micro-purchases awarded within 3 working days of receipt of approved

AD-700. 85% 82.8%

(18) All public reports meet management and statutory timeframes and content 

requirements.

90% 100%

(19) *Positive evaluation scores on OIG internal training course evaluations. 75% 93.1%

(20) *The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Counselor’s reports will be 

completed and submitted to the EEO office within 15 calendar days after 

completing the counseling period.

85% 100%

(21) Inspection report issued in final with management response within 60 days. 85% 100%

(22) Inspection report recommendations accepted annually. 85% 100%

(23) Total requests from Congress acknowledged either orally or in writing within 5 

working days of receipt. 90% 92.3%

(24) Counsel to the Inspector General issues IG subpoenas within 5 working days upon 

receipt of complete information for review. 85% 97.6%
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 7

Performance Measures for Recovery Act Work FY 11 Target FY 11 Actual

(1) Notify USDA agency managers of significant audit findings related to Recovery Act 

programs, along with recommendations for corrective action, within 30 days after 

identification.

80% 86.7%

(2) Respond to Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board-sponsored requests and 

projects within established schedules or agreed-to timeframes. 85% 100%

(3) An investigative determination to accept or decline an allegation of whistleblower 

retaliation is made within 180 days of receipt. 100% 100%

(4) Investigations staff will participate in 10 Outreach/Training meetings each quarter 

on Recovery Act work. 80% 95%

(5) Whistleblower retaliation allegations are investigated and reported within 180 days 

of receipt. 75% N/A

(6) Timely and accurate monthly Recovery Act funds reports submitted to the Recovery 

Accountability and Transparency Board. 88% 100%

Note: *New Performance Measure

Performance Summary and Results
8 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Throughout FY 2012, we will measure our progress in 

achieving the performance objectives of this plan through 

periodic reporting. Adjustments may be made to reflect 

shifting priorities, increased or reduced resources, or other 

circumstances that may arise.

In developing this annual plan, we made every effort to 

realistically assess our planned work’s strategic alignment and 

importance, anticipated outcomes, and resource requirements. 

We believe it represents a balanced and achievable set of 

performance objectives for FY 2012.

We will report on our results through our semiannual reports to 

Congress.

Conclusion

Conclusion
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 9

Appendix A

Appendix A 

Related Materials and Information

OIG Strategic Plan for FY 2010-2015:

http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/OIGStrat2010-2015.pdf

USDA Strategic Plan for FY 2010-2015:

http://www.ocfo.usda.gov/usdasp/sp2010/sp2010.pdf

USDA Major Management Challenges (August 2011)

http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/MgmtChallenges2011.pdf

OIG American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Recovery Efforts

http://www.usda.gov/oig/recovery/index.htm
10 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Appendix B 

Organization Chart and Functional Responsibilities

October 2011

Note 1: *AIG – Assistant Inspector General

Note 2: **DAIG – Deputy Assistant Inspector General

Appendix B

Special Assistant to the Inspector 

General for Recovery Act

Robert Young

(202) 720-8001

Inspector General

Phyllis Fong

(202) 720-8001

Counsel

Christy Slamowitz

(202) 720-9110

Compliance & Integrity 

Scott Williams

(301) 504-1111

Deputy Inspector General

David Gray

(202) 720-7431

Diversity & Conflict 

Resolution 

Ron Guillen

(202) 720-6902

AIG for Audit

Gil Harden

(202) 720-6945

AIG for Investigations

Karen Ellis

(202) 720-3306

Deputy Counsel

Paul Feeney

(202)720-6901

AIG for Management

Sue Murrin

(202) 720-6979

Deputy Counsel

Antigone Potamianos

(202) 720-9110

DAIG for 

Audit

Tracy LaPoint

 (202) 690-4483

DAIG for 

Audit

Steven Rickrode

(202) 720-5907

DAIG for 

Audit

Rod DeSmet

(202) 720-7431

DAIG for Investigations

Kathy Horsley

(202) 720-3306

DAIG for Management 

Jack Lebo

(202) 720-6979

5 Headquarters Divisions

3 Regional Offices 

18 Field Offices

3 Headquarters 

Divisions

5 Regional Offices

40 Suboffices & 

Residences

5 Headquarters 

Divisions

6 Regional Offices

1 Suboffice
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 11

Areas of Responsibility:

Audit

The Office of Audit examines the economy and efficiency of 

USDA programs and operations, including program results, 

compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and fair 

presentation of financial reports. Audit also performs data 

analyses to assist audit teams in identifying early indicators of 

potential fraud, or the need for additional program controls. 

While the majority of work is performed by OIG staff, Audit 

contracts with certified public accountants for some work and 

oversees the quality of work done by auditors under contract 

to other USDA agencies. OIG audits are performed in 

accordance with Government Auditing Standards, published by 

the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and in accordance 

with the professional standards set by the American Institute of 

Certified Public Accountants.

Investigations

The Office of Investigations utilizes specific law enforcement 

authorities, tools, and techniques, including asset forfeiture, to 

conduct investigations and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in 

the programs and operations of USDA.6 Investigative work is 

intended to result in appropriate actions to resolve allegations 

and to prevent future instances of illegal or fraudulent acts or 

misconduct.

Counsel

The Office of Counsel (OC) provides legal advice and 

representation on issues arising during the course of audit, 

investigative, and inspection activities, or administrative 

and management issues facing OIG. OC also manages 

OIG’s congressional and media relations, ethics, Freedom of 

Information Act and Privacy Act programs. Additionally, OC 

coordinates reviews of existing and proposed legislation and 

regulations in order to make recommendations concerning the 

impact of such proposals on the economy and efficiency in the 

administration of USDA’s programs and operations, as well as 

for the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse in such 

programs and operations. 7

Management

The Office of Management (OM) ensures that OIG staff, 

budgetary funds, technology, equipment, and policies are in 

place so that we can function efficiently and effectively. OM’s 

responsibilities include asset management, budget formulation 

and execution, human resources, cross-OIG workplace training, 

information technology, and policy preparation for OIG. OM 

also facilitates OIG’s planning activities and prepares crosscutting documents on OIG accomplishments.

Compliance and Integrity

The Office of Compliance and Integrity conducts systematic 

and independent reviews and investigations of operations 

within OIG. Reviews are generally focused on management 

and internal controls, and investigations are generally in 

response to allegations of OIG employee misconduct or 

mismanagement.

Diversity and Conflict Resolution

The Office of Diversity and Conflict Resolution advises OIG 

leadership on applying the principles of civil rights, equal 

employment opportunity, dispute resolution, and affirmative 

employment to matters involving our workforce, program 

activities, and policy development. As needed, this office also 

guides employees who seek to use the Federal employment 

discrimination complaints and dispute resolution processes.

Special Assistant to the IG for Recovery Act

The Special Assistant to the IG provides overall guidance and 

direction to all Recovery Act audit and investigative activities, 

as well as duties and functions relating to the Recovery Board. 

The Special Assistant directs and reviews the development of 

Recovery Act-related goals and priorities, operation plans, 

performance measures, and reports for each OIG component, 

including audit, investigation, and management functions.

Appendix B

6

As a component member of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Asset Forfeiture Program, OIG supports DOJ’s National Asset Forfeiture Strategic Plan by making 

tracing and recovery of assets an integral part of every applicable criminal investigation. Asset forfeiture can be a vital tool to deprive criminals of the fruits and 

instrumentalities of their crimes, thereby deterring criminal activities.

7

Such reviews are mandated under the Inspector General Act of 1978 [5 U.S.C. app. 3, § 4(a)(2)].
12 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

FY 2012 PLANNED

MISSION AREA AGENCY %

NATURAL RESOURCES

AND ENVIRONMENT – 20.0%

Forest Service (FS) 8.9

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 11.1

FARM AND FOREIGN

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES – 9.1%

Farm Service Agency (FSA) 3.4

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) 1.8

Risk Management Agency (RMA) 3.7

Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) .2

RURAL DEVELOPMENT – 14.5%

Rural Development (RD) 3.5

Rural Utilities Service (RUS) 2.2

Rural Housing Service (RHS) 4.7

Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) 4.1

FOOD, NUTRITION, AND

CONSUMER SERVICES – 9.4% Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) 9.4

FOOD SAFETY – 10.7% Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) 10.7

Appendix C

Distribution of Audit Resources by Agency

Appendix C
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 13

FY 2012 PLANNED

MISSION AREA AGENCY %

MARKETING AND REGULATORY

PROGRAMS – 6.4%

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 3.2

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 3.2

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration 

(GIPSA) *

RESEARCH, EDUCATION, 

AND ECONOMICS – .9%

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) .9

National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) *

National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) *

EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT

AND OTHER ENTITIES – 5.0%

Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), Office of the 

Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Office of the Assistant 

Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR)

5.0

MULTIPLE AGENCY – 24.0% 24.0

*No work is currently scheduled for this agency in FY 2012

Appendix C
14 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

FY 2012 ANTICIPATED

MISSION AREA AGENCY %

NATURAL RESOURCES

AND ENVIRONMENT – 5.5%

Forest Service (FS) 3.5

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2.0

FARM AND FOREIGN

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES – 17.0%

Farm Service Agency (FSA) 10.0

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) 1.5

Risk Management Agency (RMA) 5.5

RURAL DEVELOPMENT – 6.5%

Rural Utilities Service (RUS) 1.0

Rural Housing Service (RHS) 4.5

Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) 1.0

FOOD, NUTRITION, 

AND CONSUMER SERVICES – 55.0% Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) 55.0

FOOD SAFETY – 5.5% Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) 5.5

MARKETING AND

REGULATORY PROGRAMS – 7.0%

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 1.5

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS) 5.0

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 

Administration (GIPSA) 0.5

RESEARCH, EDUCATION,

AND ECONOMICS – 1.3%

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) 1.0

National Institute of Food and Agriculture 

(NIFA) 0.3

OTHER – 2.2%

Departmental Management (DM), Office of the 

Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), Office of the 

Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Office of the 

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR), 

OIG, other

2.2

Appendix D 

Distribution of Investigative Resources by Agency

Appendix D
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 15

Appendix E 

Fiscal Year 2012 Audits Planned and In Process

Appendix E

AGENCY TITLE GOAL

AMS

* Oversight of Federally Authorized Research and Promotion Board 

Activities Improvement Initiatives

* Beef Research and Promotion Board Activities Improvement Initiatives

Retailer Handling of Organic Products Safety and Security

* National Organic Program’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited 

Substances Safety and Security

* National Organic Program – Organic Milk Integrity of Benefits

* National Organic Program – Organic Milk Operations Safety and Security

APHIS

* Follow Up on APHIS’ Evaluation of the Implementation of Select 

Agent or Toxin Regulations Safety and Security

*

Effectiveness of the Safeguarding, Intervention, and Trade 

Compliance Units’ Controls to Identify and Prevent Unauthorized 

Entry of Prohibited Products

Safety and Security

APHIS Controls Over Critical Information Systems Safety and Security

Plant Protection Quarantine Pre-clearance Program Safety and Security

* APHIS Oversight of Research Facilities Safety and Security

ARS Adequacy of Controls to Prevent the Release of Sensitive Technology Safety and Security

ASCR

Pigford II – Distribution of Settlement Funds for Discrimination 

Litigation Improvement Initiatives

* Review of USDA’s Accountability of Actions Taken on Program 

Civil Rights Complaints Improvement Initiatives

CCC * FY 2011 Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Financial 

Statements Improvement Initiatives

FY 2012 CCC Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

FAS * Private Voluntary Organization Grant Fund Accountability Improvement Initiatives

* + Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Program, Phase II Integrity of Benefits

FNS

*

Social Security Administration Death Master List Match to 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eligibility Data 

in Identified States

Integrity of Benefits

* FY 2011 FNS Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

FY 2012 FNS Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

Maryland and Virginia SNAP Applicant Eligibility Determination 

Process Integrity of Benefits

Table Key: 

Asterisk (*) Denotes work-in-process, which is carried over from an assignment initiated in the prior fiscal year.

Plus Sign (+) Denotes Recovery Act work.
16 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Appendix E

AGENCY TITLE GOAL

FNS

* + Recovery Act Impacts on SNAP, Phase II Integrity of Benefits

Effectiveness and Potential Overlaps Within FNS’ Domestic Food 

Assistance Programs Improvement Initiatives

*

Vendor Management and Participant Eligibility in the Special 

Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and 

Children (WIC)

Integrity of Benefits

* National School Lunch Program – Food Service Management 

Companies and Cost Reimbursable Contracts Integrity of Benefits

FS

* FY 2011 FS Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

FY 2012 FS Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

* Management of Oil and Gas Resources on National Forest System 

Land Natural Resources

* + FS Use of Recovery Act Funds for Wildland Fire Management Improvement Initiatives

* Evaluating FS’ Processes to Obtain and Grant Rights-of-Way and 

Easements Natural Resources

* FS’ Acquisition of IT Software/Hardware, Phase I Improvement Initiatives

* + Recovery Act – FS’ Wood to Energy Projects (Biomass) Natural Resources

* + Recovery Act – FS Trail Maintenance and Decommissioning Natural Resources

* + Recovery Act – FS Facility Improvement, Maintenance and 

Renovation Natural Resources

* FS Administration of Working Capital Funds Improvement Initiatives

FS Administration of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Grants Improvement Initiatives

* + Recovery Act – FS’ Hazardous Fuels on Non-Federal Lands Natural Resources

* Firefighting Cost Share Agreements with Non-Federal Entities Improvement Initiatives

* + Recovery Act – FS Road Maintenance and Decommissioning Natural Resources

* + Recovery Act – FS Abandoned Mine Remediation Natural Resources

+ Summary of FS Recovery Act Audits Natural Resources

FSA

* Review of Farm Service Agency Accounting for FY 2011 Improvement Initiatives

Review of Farm Service Agency Accounting for FY 2012 Improvement Initiatives

* + Recovery Act Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Program Integrity of Benefits

* Biomass Crop Assistance Program Integrity of Benefits

* Conservation Reserve Program Soil Rental Rates Integrity of Benefits

* Farm Storage Facility Loan Program Integrity of Benefits

* 2008 Farm Bill’s Changes to Payment Limitation Integrity of Benefits

FSA Livestock Forage Disaster Program Integrity of Benefits
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 17

Appendix E

AGENCY TITLE GOAL

FSIS

* Assessment of FSIS Inspection Personnel Shortages in Processing 

Establishments Safety and Security

Controls over Imported Meat and Poultry Products Safety and Security

FSIS State Inspection Programs Safety and Security

Implementation of the Public Health Information System for 

Domestic Inspection Safety and Security

Follow Up on 2007 and 2008 Audit Initiatives in FSIS Safety and Security

Issues for Mobile Slaughter Facilities Safety and Security

* FSIS Application of N-60 Testing Protocol on Beef Trim for E. coli Safety and Security

* Review Appeals of Humane Handling Noncompliance Records Safety and Security

* FSIS’ Food Defense Verification Procedures Safety and Security

* FSIS Swine Slaughterhouse Inspections Safety and Security

MULTI

* + American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Report Oversight Improvement Initiatives

* FY 2011 USDA Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

FY 2012 USDA Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

USDA’s Compliance With the Improper Payments Elimination and 

Recovery Act of 2010 Integrity of Benefits

* Calendar Year 2011 Executive Order (E.O.) 13520 Reducing 

Improper Payments, High Dollar Overpayment Report Integrity of Benefits

Calendar Year 2012 Executive Order (E.O.) 13520 Reducing 

Improper Payments, Accountable Official Report Review Integrity of Benefits

Security Over Social Media Used by USDA Agencies Safety and Security

* FY 2011 Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) 

Report Improvement Initiatives

FY 2012 Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) 

Report Improvement Initiatives

+ Recovery Act Contract Closeout Process Improvement Initiatives

* + Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) Work for 

Recovery Act Contracts Improvement Initiatives

Detection and Prevention of Social Engineering Within USDA Safety and Security

* Secure Domain Name (DNS) System Deployment in USDA Safety and Security

* + Data Analysis – Recovery Act Reporting Oversight Improvement Initiatives

* Review of the Department’s U.S. Bank Purchase and Travel Card 

Data Improvement Initiatives

* Identifying Areas of Risk in the Child and Adult Care Food Program 

(CACFP) Using Automated Data Analysis Tools Improvement Initiatives

* Analysis of the Comprehensive Information Management System 

(CIMS) Improvement Initiatives

* Section 632(a) Funds from the U.S. Agency for International 

Development (USAID) to USDA Improvement Initiatives
18 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Appendix E

AGENCY TITLE GOAL

MULTI

* Effectiveness of the Department’s Recent Efforts to Enhance 

Agricultural Trade Improvement Initiatives

National Animal Health Laboratory Network Safety and Security

* USDA’s Response to Colony Collapse Disorder Safety and Security

* USDA Controls Over Shell Egg Inspections Safety and Security

USDA’s Implementation of the “Do Not Pay List” Improvement Initiatives

* Verifying Credentials of Veterinarians Employed or Accredited by 

USDA Safety and Security

Emergency Conservation and Emergency Watershed Program Funds 

for 2010 and 2011 Integrity of Benefits

* Rural Development Procurement Integrity of Benefits

Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) Contract Audit 

Administration (2011) Integrity of Benefits

Data Analysis Projects and Reviews Improvement Initiatives

Single Audit Management Integrity of Benefits

Special Requests Improvement Initiatives

Audit Follow-up Improvement Initiatives

NRCS

* FY 2011 NRCS Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

FY 2012 NRCS Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

* Review of NRCS Management Controls Improvement Initiatives

* + NRCS Use of Recovery Act Funds for the Rehabilitation of Flood 

Control Safety and Security

+ NRCS Use of Recovery Act Funds for the Rehabilitation of Flood 

Control Dams – Review of Expenditures Safety and Security

* NRCS Oversight and Compliance Activities Improvement Initiatives

USDA’s Controls Over the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection 

Program Natural Resources

Conservation Compliance of Conservation Security or Stewardship 

Program Participants Natural Resources

* + Recovery Act – Emergency Watershed Protection Program, 

Floodplain Easements, Field Confirmations of Grants Integrity of Benefits

+ Recovery Act – Emergency Watershed Protection Easements and 

Watershed Operations Programs, Effectiveness of Funds Used Integrity of Benefits

+ Recovery Act – Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention 

Operations, Field Confirmations of Grants Integrity of Benefits

* + Recovery Act – Emergency Watershed Protection Program, 

Floodplain Easements, Field Confirmations of Small Land Parcels Integrity of Benefits
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 19

Appendix E

AGENCY TITLE GOAL

NRCS

Information Technology Contracts for NRCS’ Conservation 

Program Delivery Improvement Initiatives

Review of Contract Performance for FY 2009 and FY 2010 

Environmental Quality Incentives Program Payments Natural Resources

* Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative – NRCS’ Response to Issues 

Caused by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Improvement Initiatives

OCFO

Agreed-Upon Procedures – Employee Benefits, Withholdings/

Contribution and Supplemental Semiannual Headcount Report 

Submitted to the Office of Personnel Management 

Improvement Initiatives

Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) 

No. 16, Report on Controls at the National Finance Center Improvement Initiatives

OCIO

SSAE No. 16, Report on Controls at the National Information 

Technology Center Improvement Initiatives

Security Over Remote Access of USDA Information Systems Safety and Security

Internal Control and Operational Audit of USDA’s Implementation 

and Use of the Cloud Computing Environment Safety and Security

* OCIO FY 2010 Funding Received for Security Enhancements Safety and Security

* 2011 International Technology Services Select Control Review Improvement Initiatives

RBS

+ Recovery Act – Rural Business Enterprise Grants, Effectiveness 

Review Improvement Initiatives

* + Recovery Act – Rural Business Enterprise Grants, Grantee 

Confirmation Improvement Initiatives

* + Recovery Act – Rural Business Enterprise Grants, State and Area 

Offices Integrity of Benefits

Rural Energy for America Program Integrity of Benefits

* + Recovery Act – Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan 

Program, Effectiveness Review Integrity of Benefits

* + Recovery Act – B&I Guaranteed Loan Program, Phase II Integrity of Benefits

RD * FY 2011 Rural Development Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

FY 2012 Rural Development Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives
20 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Appendix E

AGENCY TITLE GOAL

RHS

Rental Assistance Improper Payments Integrity of Benefits

* Rural Rental Housing Program Project Cost and Inspection 

Procedures Integrity of Benefits

* + Controls Over Eligibility Determinations for Single-Family Housing 

(SFH) Guaranteed Loan Recovery Act Funds, Phase II Integrity of Benefits

* + Evaluation of Loss Claims Related to Recovery Act Funds 

Distributed Through the SFH Guaranteed Loan Program Integrity of Benefits

* + Recovery Act – Internal Controls over the Rural Community 

Facilities Direct Grant and Loan Programs, Phase II Integrity of Benefits

+ Recovery Act – SFH Direct and Guaranteed Loans, Effectiveness 

Review Integrity of Benefits

* + SFH Direct Loans Recovery Act Controls, Compliance Review Integrity of Benefits

RMA

* FY 2011 Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Financial 

Statements Improvement Initiatives

FY 2012 FCIC Financial Statements Improvement Initiatives

Controls Over Prevented Planting Claims Integrity of Benefits

* RMA Oversight of Organic Crop Insurance Insureds Integrity of Benefits

* Validity of New Producers Integrity of Benefits

* Assured Insurance Providers (AIP) Reduction of Inconsistent Yields Integrity of Benefits

Cherry Plot Crop Insurance Program Integrity of Benefits

RUS + RUS Controls Over Recovery Act Water and Waste Loans and 

Grants Expenditures and Effectiveness Review Integrity of Benefits

* + Recovery Act Broadband Programs Improvement Initiatives

Notes: 

Goal 1 Safety and Security - Strengthen USDA’s ability to implement safety and security measures to protect the public health as 

well as agricultural and Departmental resources.

Goal 2 Integrity of Benefits - Reduce program vulnerabilities and strengthen program integrity in the delivery of benefits to 

individuals.

Goal 3 Improvement Initiatives - Support USDA in implementing its management improvement initiatives.

Goal 4 Natural Resources - Increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which USDA manages and exercises stewardship over 

natural resources.
USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan 21

Percentage of Direct Resources To Be Spent on Each FY 2012 Goal Audit Investigations

(1) Strengthen USDA’s ability to implement safety and security measures to protect 

the public health as well as agricultural and Department resources. 17.5% 12%

(2) Reduce program vulnerabilities and strengthen program integrity in the 

delivery of benefits to individuals. 20.3% 76%

(3) Support USDA in implementing its management improvement initiatives. 56.8% 10%

(4) Increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which USDA manages and 

exercises stewardship over natural resources. 5.4% 2%

(5) Strive for a highly qualified, diverse workforce with the tools and training 

necessary to continuously enhance OIG’s ability to fulfill its mission and 

communicate its accomplishments.8

N/A N/A

Overview of OIG Plans for Fiscal Year 2012

8

Work on Goal 5 includes: (1) the OIG mission support work of the Offices of Counsel, Management, and Compliance and Integrity; and (2) the training, general 

supervision, and EEO work done by staff in all OIG organizational units.
22 USDA OIG Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Plan

Overview of OIG Plans for Fiscal Year 2012

Performance Measures FY 11 

Target

FY 11

Actual

FY 12 

Target

(1) Percentage of OIG direct resources dedicated to critical-risk or high-impact activities. 90%

97.2%

99.3%Audit

93.3% Inv.

92%

(2) Percentage of audit recommendations where management decisions are achieved 

within 1 year. 85% 90.1% 90%

(3) Percentage of audits initiated where the findings and recommendations are presented 

to the auditee within established and agreed-to timeframes. 85% 100% 90%

(4) Percentage of closed investigations that resulted in a referral for action to the 

Department of Justice, State or local law enforcement officials, or a relevant 

administrative authority.

70% 82.5% 70%

(5) Percentage of closed investigations that resulted in an indictment, conviction, civil 

suit or settlement, judgment, administrative action, or monetary result. 65% 70.4% 65%

(6) On a biannual basis, positive employee satisfaction rate reported in staff surveys. 70% 66.4% 70%

(7) *OIG Hotline will process, research, and refer USDA health and safety complaints 

within 24 hours of receipt by an analyst.  N/A N/A 80%

(8) *Issue new or update 10 Inspector General directives. N/A N/A 80%

(9) *Time from receipt of an SF-52 for a standard recruitment action until positions are 

posted and opened through the automated system averages 10 days. N/A N/A 90%

(10) Time to issue candidate certificates after the closing date of an announcement 

averages 5 days. 90% 93.3% 90%

(11) Survey results indicate new employees find orientation session useful to them as they 

begin their new jobs. 70% 100% 80%

(12) All Information Technology Division (ITD) systems including the LAN, WAN, 

e-mail, and ARGOS remain operational, excluding planned outages for system 

maintenance and outages caused by outside factors.

97% 99.9% 97%

(13) ITD staff will make an initial response to help desk request within 2 hours or less. 85% 99.9% 85%

(14) ITD staff will resolve help desk request within 24 hours. 85% 83.9% 85%

(15) Internal and external security incidence response and resolution accomplished within 

30 days of incident in accordance with the Agriculture Security Operations Center 

(ASOC).

70% 85.7% 80%

(16) Budget information provided to the Department for the Office of Management and 

Budget requirements on time. 95% 100% 95%

(17) Accounting information and regular reports submitted to the National Finance 

Center and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer on time. 85% 95.6% 95%

(18) Micro-purchases awarded within 3 working days of receipt of approved

AD-700. 90% 82.8% 90%
Note: *New Performance Measure

Note: *New Performance Measure

Performance Measures for Recovery Act Work FY 11 

Target

FY11 

Actual

FY 12 

Target

(1) Notify USDA agency managers of significant audit findings related to Recovery 

Act programs, along with recommendations for corrective action, within 30 days 

after identification.

80% 86.7% 85%

(2) Respond to Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board-sponsored requests and 

projects within established schedules or agreed-to timeframes. 85% 100% 85%

(3) An investigative determination to accept or decline an allegation of whistleblower 

retaliation is made within 180 days of receipt. 100% 100% 100%

(4) Whistleblower retaliation allegations are investigated and reported within 180 days 

of receipt. 75% N/A 75%

(5) Timely and accurate monthly Recovery Act funds reports submitted to the Recovery 

Accountability and Transparency Board. 88% 100% 95%

Performance Measures (continued) FY 11 

Target

FY 11

Actual

FY 12 

Target

(19) All public reports meet management and statutory timeframes and content 

requirements.

90% 100% 95%

(20) Positive evaluation scores on OIG internal training course evaluations. 75% 93.1% 80%

(21) *The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Counselor’s internal and external 

reports will be completed within 15 calendar days after completing the counseling 

period.

N/A N/A 85%

(22) Inspection report issued in final with management response within 60 days. 85% 100% 85%

(23) Inspection report recommendations accepted annually. 85% 100% 85%

(24) Total requests from Congress acknowledged either orally or in writing within 5 

working days of receipt. 90% 92.3% 90%

(25) Counsel to the Inspector General issues IG subpoenas within 5 working days upon 

receipt of complete information for review. 85% 97.6% 90%
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, 

color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex (including gender identity and expression), marital status, 

familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or 

part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, 

audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for 

Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 

(English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

To learn more about OIG, visit our website at

www.usda.gov/oig/index.htm

How To Report Suspected Wrongdoing in USDA Programs

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

In Washington, DC 202-690-1622

Outside DC 800-424-9121

TDD (Call Collect) 202-690-1202

Bribes or Gratuities

202-720-7257 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.– 3 p.m. ET)