FY 2021 BUDGET SUBMISSION

Office of Inspector General

Railroad Retirement Board
UNITED STATES RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 

Mr. Russell T. Vought 

Acting Director 

Office of Management and Budget 

725 17th Street, NW 

Washington, DC 20503 

Dear Mr. Vought: 

September 11 , 2019 

We are respectfully submitting the fiscal year 2021 budget request for the Office 

of Inspector General (OIG) of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). This request 

was prepared in compliance with Office of Management and Budget (0MB) 

Circular No. A-11. In accordance with Section ?(f) of the Railroad Retirement Act, 

our request is being submitted concurrently to 0MB and the Congress. 

The OIG focuses its audit and investigative efforts on protecting the integrity of 

the RRB's trust funds and improving the delivery of benefits to the railroad 

community. The OIG provides comprehensive oversight of all RRB operations 

and programs and is the exclusive provider of financial and internal audit 

services to the agency. The OIG also operates a nationwide investigative 

program to address allegations of fraud and employee misconduct. 

We are requesting $13,620,000 in fiscal year 2021 to continue our oversight of 

agency programs. This represents the amount needed to fund our requested 

staff level of 57 FTEs; to adequately fund required contracts, indirect costs, and 

other miscellaneous expenses; and to provide the necessary resources for the 

OIG to continue its efforts to perform fraud investigations, detect operational 

weaknesses, and identify internal control deficiencies in RRB benefit programs. 

In compliance with 0MB guidance provided on June 21 , 2019, our budget 

submission also includes a fiscal year 2021 budget level of $10,450,000 (the 

fiscal year 2021 level for the RRB OIG in the fiscal year 2020 Budget with a 5% 

reduction per 0MB guidance). 

Our current fiscal year 2019 appropriation of $11 ,000,000 has made it possible 

for the RRB OIG to evaluate and upgrade its information technology environment 

and obtain assistance in improving its information technology infrastructure. 

Continuing funding at a level of $11 ,000,000, or higher, will make it possible for 

us to advance our primary goal, which is to hire additional staff. We have begun 

to hire additional auditors and investigators, and we hope to be able to continue 

with our hiring plans. If we were to receive our request level of $13,620,000 in 
fiscal year 2021 , we would be able to fund a staffing level of 57 FTEs, which 

would optimally fulfill our audit and investigative responsibilities. 

We anticipate that providing funding for the RRB OIG at the 0MB guidance level 

of $10,450,000 in fiscal year 2021 would significantly and negatively impact our 

ability to retain current staff and meet statutory obligations; significant staff 

reductions are likely at that level. 

Without adequate funding, our ability to perform in all areas of the Inspector 

General's statutory mission and to provide independent oversight of agency 

operations would be limited. If we are unable to maintain or increase our funding 

level, mandated annual audit requirements would dominate our efforts, and our 

ability to perform additional audits and investigate allegations of fraud, waste, 

and abuse would be curtailed. 

Adequate resources are vital to maintain our ability to effectively pursue 

investigations. Insufficient resources would adversely impact our ability to pursue 

investigations of fraud schemes targeting RRB programs or beneficiaries, 

thereby creating an incentive for those who would otherwise be deterred by more 

effective investigative and prosecutorial actions. 

This budget submission includes the OIG's Performance Budget for fiscal year 

2021, which provides actual performance data for fiscal years 2016 through 2018 

and projected performance for fiscal years 2019 through 2021. 

We are also requesting the following change to our oversight and enforcement 

authority: 

• The RRB OIG requests the authority to utilize an independent accounting 

(IPA) firm or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct its 

financial statement audit. There are currently 20 OIG Offices of Audit with 

between 10 and 100 auditors (including the RRB OIG Office of Audit). 

The RRB OIG is the on,ly office of this size to conduct the financial audit 

with its own audit staff. 

Permitting the RRB OIG to contract with an IPA or the GAO to conduct the 

financial statement audit would allow the RRB OIG to pursue additional 

audit priorities such as RHB benefit program operations, RRB contracting 

activity, improper payments, and security, privacy, and information 

management. With additional staff availability, the RRB OIG will complete 

more audits and provide better oversight of RRB operations. 
This office will continue to effidently use all available resources to improve 

agency program operations, reduce fraud against agency benefit programs, and 

help ensure the agency provides the highest level of service to its constituents. 

Sincerely, 

Martin J. Dickman; Inspector General 

Enclosure 

original signed 
UNITED ST ATES RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD 

OFFTCE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 

The Honorable Michael R. Pence 

President of the Senate 

S-212 Capitol Building 

Washington, D.C. 20510 

Dear Mr. President: 

September 11 , 2019 

We are respectfully submitting the fiscal year 2021 budget request for the Office 

of Inspector General (OIG) of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). This request 

was prepared in compliance with Office of Management and Budget (0MB) 

Circular No. A-11 . In accordance with Section ?(f) of the Railroad Retirement Act, 

our request is being submitted concurrently to 0MB and the Congress. 

The OIG focuses its audit and investigative efforts on protecting the integrity of 

the RRB's trust funds and improving the delivery of benefits to the railroad 

community, The OIG provides comprehensive oversight of all RRB operations 

and programs and is the exclusive provider of financial and internal audit 

seNices to the agency. The OIG also operates a nationwide investigative 

program to address allegations of fraud and employee misconduct. 

We are requesting $13,620,000 in fiscal year 2021 to continue our oversight of 

agency programs. This represents the amount needed to fund our requested 

staff level of 57 FTEs; to adequately fund required contracts, indirect costs, and 

other miscellaneous expenses; and to provide the necessary resources for the 

OIG to continue its efforts to perform fraud investigations, detect operational 

weaknesses, and identify internal control deficiencies in RRB benefit programs. 

In compliance with 0MB guidance provided on June 21 , 2019, our budget 

submission also includes a fiscal year 2021 budget level of $10,450,000 (the 

fiscal year 2021 level for the RRB OIG in the fiscal year 2020 Budget with a 5% 

reduction per 0MB guidance). 

Our current fiscal year 2019 appropriation of $11 ,000,000 has made it possible 

for the RRB OIG to evaluate and upgrade its information technology environment 

and obtain assistance in improving its information technology infrastructure. 

Continuing funding at a level of $11 ,000,000, or higher, will make it possible for 

us to advance our primary goal, which is to hire additional staff. We have begun 

to hire additional auditors and investigators, and we hope to be able to continue 

with our hiring plans. If we were to receive our request level of $13,620,000 in 
fiscal year 2021 , we would be able to fund a staffing level of 57 FTEs, vyhich 

would optimally fulfill our audit and investigative responsibilities. 

We anticipate that providing funding for the RRB OIG at the 0MB guidance level 

of $10,450,000 in fiscal year 2021 would significantly and negatively impact our 

ability to retain current staff and meet statutory obligations; significant staff 

reductions are likely at that level. 

Without adequate funding, our ability to perform in all areas of the Inspector 

General's statutory mission and to provide independent oversight of agency 

operations would be limited. If we are unable to maintain or increase our funding 

level, mandated annual audit requirements would dominate our efforts, and our 

ability to perform additional audits and investigate allegations of fraud, waste, 

and abuse would be curtailed. 

Adequate resources are vital to maintain our ability to effectively pursue 

investigations. Insufficient resources would adversely impact our ability to pursue 

investigations of fraud schemes targeting RRB programs or beneficiaries, 

thereby creating an incentive for those who would otherwise be deterred by more 

effective .investigative and prosecutorial actions. 

This budget submission includes the OIG's Performance Budget for fiscal year 

2021 , which provides actual performance data for fiscal years 2016 through 2018 

and projected performance for fiscal years 2019 through 2021 . 

We are also requesting the following change to our oversight and enforcement 

authority: 

• The RRB OIG requests the authority to utilize an independent accounting 

(IPA) firm or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct its 

financial statement audit. There are currently 20 OIG Offices of Audit with 

between 10 and 100 auditors (including the RRB OIG Office of Audit). 

The RRB OIG is the only office of this size to conduct the financial audit 

With its own audit staff. 

Permitting the RRB OIG to contract with an IPA or the GAO to conduct the 

financial statement audit would allow the RRB OIG to pursue additional 

audit priorities such as RRB benefit program operations, RRB contracting 

activity, improper payments, and security, privacy, and information 

management. With additional staff availability, the RRB OIG will complete 

more audits and provide better oversight of RRB operations. 
This o•ffice will continue to efficiently use all available resources to improve 

agency program operations, reduce fraud against agency benefit programs, and 

help ensure the agency provides the highest level of service to its constituents. 

Sincerely, 

Martin J. Dickman, Inspector General 

Enclosure 

cc: Honorable, Richard Shelby 

Ch.airman, Senate Committee on Appropriations 

Honorable Patrick J. Leahy 

Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations 

Honorable Roy Blunt 

Chairman, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health 

and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies 

Honorable Patty Murray 

Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health 

and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies 

original signed 
UNITED ST ATES RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi 

Speaker of the House of Representatives 

H-232 Capitol Building 

Washington, D.C. 20515 

Dear Madam Speaker: 

September 11 , 2019 

We are respectfully submitting the fiscal year 2021 budget request for the Office 

of Inspector General (OIG) of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). This request 

was prepared in compliance with Office of Management and Budget (0MB) 

Circular No. A-11 , In accordance with Section 7(f) of the Railroad Retirement Act, 

our request is being submitted concurrently to 0MB and the Congress. 

The OIG focuses its audit and investigative efforts on protecting the integrity of 

the RRB's trust funds and improving the delivery of benefits to the railroad 

community. The OIG provides comprehensive oversight of all RRB operations 

and programs and is the exclusive provider of financial and internal audit 

services to the agency. The OIG also operates a nationwide investigative 

program to address allegations of fraud and employee misconduct. 

We are requesting $13,620,000 in fiscal year 2021 to continue our oversight of 

agency programs. This represents the amount needed to fund our requested 

staff level of 57 FTEs; to adequately fund required contracts, indirect costs, and 

other miscellaneous expenses; and to provide the necessary resources for the 

OIG to continue its efforts to perform fraud investigations, detect operational 

weaknesses, and identify internal control deficiencies in RRB benefit programs. 

In compliance with 0MB guidance provided on June 21, 2019, our budget 

submission also includes a fiscal year 2021 budget level of $10,450,000 (the 

fiscal year 2021 level for the RRB OIG in the fiscal year 2020 Budget with a 5% 

reduction per 0MB guidance). 

Our current fiscal year 2019 appropriation of $11 ,000,000 has made it possible 

for the RRB OIG to evaluate and upgrade its information technology environment 

and obtain assistance in improving its information technology infrastructure. 

Continuing funding at a level of $11 ,000,000, or higher, will make it possible for 

us to advance our primary goal, which is to hire additional staff. We have begun 

to hire additional auditors and investigators, and we hope to be able to continue 

with our hiring plans. If we were to receive our request level of $13,620,000 in 
fiscal year 2021, we would be able to fund a staffing Jevel of 57 FTEs, which 

would optimally fulfill our audit and investigative responsibilities. 

We anticipate that providing funding for the RRB OIG at the 0MB guidance level 

of $10,4501 000 in fiscal year 2021 would significantly and negatively impact our 

ability to retain current staff and meet statutory obligations; significant staff 

reductions are likely at that level. 

Without adequate funding, our ability to perform in all areas of the Inspector 

General's statutory mission and to provide independent oversight of agency 

operations would be limited. If we are unable to maintain or increase our funding 

level, mandated annual audit requirements would dominate our efforts, and our 

ability to perform additional audits and investigate allegations of fraud, waste, 

and abuse would be curtailed. 

Adequate resources are vital to maintain our ability to effectively pursue 

investigations. Insufficient resources would adversely impact our ability to pursue 

investigations of fraud schemes targeting RRB programs or beneficiaries, 

thereby creating an incentive for those who would otherwise be deterred by more 

effective investigative and prosecutorial actions. 

This budget submission includes the OIG's Performance Budget for fiscal year 

2021 , which provides actual performance data for fiscal years 2016 through 2018 

and projected performance for fiscal years 2019 through 2021 . 

We are also requesting the following change to our oversight and enforcement 

authority: 

• The RRB OIG requests the authority to utilize an independent accounting 

(IPA) firm or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct its 

financial statement audit. There are currently 20 OIG Offices of Audit with 

between 10 and 100 auditors (including the RRB OIG Office of Audit). 

The RRB OIG is the only office of this size to conduct the financial audit 

with its own audit staff. 

Permitting the RRB OIG to contract with an IPA or the GAO to conduct the 

financial statement audit would allow the RRB OIG to pursue additional 

audit priorities such as RRB benefit program operations, RRB contracting 

activity, improper payments, and security, privacy, and information 

management. With additional staff availability, the RRB OIG will complete 

rnore audits and provide better oversight of RRB operations. 
This office will continue to efficiently use all available resources to improve 

agency program operations, reduce fraud against agency benefit programs, and 

he·lp ensure the agency provides the highest leve.l of service to its constituents. 

Sincerely, 

Martin J. Dickman, Inspector General 

Enclosure 

cc: Honorable, Nita M. Lowey 

Chairwoman, House Committee on Appropriations 

Honorable Kay Granger 

Ranking Member, House Committee on Appropriations 

Honorable Rosa L. Delaura 

Chairwoman, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health 

and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies 

Honorable Tom Cole 

Ranking Member, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health 

and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies 

original signed
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Submission

Table of Contents

Limitation on the Office of Inspector General Fiscal Year 2021 Budget .................................... 1

Administrative Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2021 ...................................................... 2

Analysis of Resources.................................................................................................................. 4

Full Time Equivalent Staff by Grade............................................................................................ 5

Office of Audit............................................................................................................................. 6

Office of Investigations............................................................................................................... 8

Requested Change in Operational Authority............................................................................. 11

Fiscal Year 2021 Performance Budget...................................................................................... 12

Performance Budget................................................................................................................. 15

Agency Workforce Plan ......................................................................................................................21
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

1

Limitation on the Office of Inspector General

Fiscal Year 2021 Budget

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is responsible for 

promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness; and for identifying and preventing fraud, 

waste, and abuse in agency programs. 

The RRB administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness 

insurance benefit programs for the nation's railroad workers and their families. In fiscal year 

2018, the agency paid approximately $13.1 billion in retirement and survivor benefits to about 

540,000 beneficiaries. The RRB also paid $100.2 million in net unemployment and sickness 

insurance benefits. Approximately 9,000 railroad workers received unemployment benefits and 

15,900 received sickness insurance benefits. 

The RRB contracts with a separate Medicare Part B carrier to process the Medicare Part B 

claims of qualified railroad retirement beneficiaries. As of September 30, 2018, there were 

about 455,300 railroad retirement beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare Part B 

program. During fiscal year 2018, the RRB’s separate Part B carrier paid nearly $868 million in 

claims. 

The OIG conducts audits, management reviews, inspections of RRB program operations, and 

provides recommendations for improvement to agency management. The OIG also identifies 

and investigates cases of waste, fraud, and abuse in RRB programs, and makes referrals for 

prosecution and monetary recovery actions.

The OIG is requesting $13,620,000 in fiscal year 2021 to conduct its independent oversight of 

agency operations. At this level of funding, the OIG will have the resources needed to support a 

requested staff level of 57 FTEs and to continue its efforts to conduct fraud investigations, 

identify operational weaknesses, and detect internal control deficiencies in RRB benefit 

programs. The OIG will also continue its work with agency managers to ensure implementation 

of corrective actions.

The fiscal year 2021 budget submission also includes a budget level of $10,450,000 (equal to a 

5 percent reduction below the net Non-Defense Discretionary total provided in the fiscal year

2021 column of the fiscal year 2020 Budget), in compliance with the Office of Management and 

Budget memorandum of June 21, 2019. 
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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The fiscal year 2021 Performance Budget, including performance statistics at the fiscal year

2021 budget levels, projected performance statistics for fiscal years 2019 – 2020, and actual 

results for fiscal years 2016 – 2018, is included in this budget document. 

Budget Account - Limitation on the Office of Inspector General

(60-8018-0-7-601)

Administrative Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2021

(in thousands of dollars)

Fiscal Year 2021

Fiscal Year 

2020 RRB

Administration

OMB 

Level*

OIG

Proposed 

Level

Request 

Level

Limitation on the Office of Inspector General 11,000 10,450 13,620

Full-time equivalent staff years (FTEs) 54 51 57

*OMB level includes the 5% reduction pursuant to OMB’s June 21, 2019 memorandum and

guidance; at that level FTEs are an estimate based on average 2019 salaries. 
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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Fiscal Year 2021

Fiscal Year 2019 Fiscal Year 2020 RRB OIG

Current President’s OMB Request

Appropriation Budget Level Change Level

OMB Object Class

Personnel Compensation:

11.1 Full-Time Permanent 5,583 6,775 6,440 860 7,300 a/

11.3 Other Than Full-Time 

Permanent 55 67 60 (60) 0 

11.5 Other Personnel 

Compensation 130 158 150 50 200

11.9 Total Personnel 

Compensation 5,768 7,000 6,650 850 7,500

12.0 Personnel Benefits: 

Civilian 2,112 2,000 1,900 850 2,750

13.0 Benefits for Former 

Personnel 0 0 0 0 0 

21.0 Travel and 

Transportation 303 230 220 110 330

23.0 Communications, 

Utilities, and Rent 363 255 245 130 375

25.0 Other Services 1,994 867 820 1,030 1,850 b/

26.0 Supplies and Materials 70 39 35 25 60 

31.0 Equipment 390 609 580 175 755 c/ 

Total OIG Direct Obligations 11,000 11,000 10,450 3,170 13,620 d/ 

Reimbursable Obligations 1,500 1,500 1,500 0 1,500

Total OIG Obligations 12,500 12,500 11,950 3,170 15,120

OIG Funded FTE Allocation 47 54 51 6 57

a/ Provides full FY 2021 funding for the entire OIG staff plus a new, senior data scientist position.

b/ The RRB OIG has been informed by GSA’s Public Building Service that our current office will be relocated. The OIG FY 

2021 request level includes $300,000 for contract assistance to prepare for this relocation. In addition, this object 

includes 0.33 percent of the appropriation amount for support of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and 

Efficiency in fiscal year 2021. 

c/ To protect the OIG’s mission-critical IT equipment from water damage in the event of fire, the OIG requests 

$400,000 to assess, design, install and maintain a clean agent fire suppression system which includes architectural, 

electrical, HVAC, fire alarm and fire protection improvements for our IT equipment room to comply fully with NFPA 75 

requirements.

d/ The RRB OIG request level of $13,620,000 for fiscal year 2021 would allow the RRB OIG to fund a staff level of 57 

FTEs and provide additional funding for miscellaneous expenses.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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Budget Account - Limitation on the Office of Inspector General

(60-8018-0-7-601)

Analysis of Resources

(in thousands of dollars)

FY 2021

FY 2019 FY 2020 RRB OIG

Request

Level

Current 

Appropriation

President’s 

Budget

OMB

Level**

Budget Authority........................ 11,000 11,000 10,450 13,620

Outlays....................................... 11,000 11,000 10,450 13,620

Full-time Equivalent Employment

(Work Years):

 Total Funded.......................... 47 54 51 57

FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026

Budget Authority:

 OMB Level..................................... 12,920 12,920 12,920 12,920 12,920

 RRB OIG Request Level............... * * * * *

Outlays:

 OMB level.......................................... 12,920 12,920 12,920 12,920 12,920

 RRB OIG Request Level.................. * * * * *

*Amounts for these years to be determined.

** OMB level includes the 5% reduction pursuant to

OMB’s June 21, 2019 memorandum and guidance; at 

that level FTEs are an estimate based on average 2019 

salaries.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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Budget Account - Limitation on the Office of Inspector General

(60-8018-0-7-601)

Full Time Equivalent Staff by Grade

FY 2021

FY 2019 FY 2020 RRB OIG

Grade Current Administration OMB Request

Personnel Series Level Appropriation * Proposed Level Level** Level

Executive IG 1 1 1 1 

Senior Executive 

Service

SES 1 3 3 3 

General Schedule GS-15 2 1 0 1 

GS-14 9 10 9 12 

GS-13 17 19 19 19

GS-12 13 17 16 18 

GS-11 3 2 2 2 

GS-10 0 0 0 0 

GS-09 1 1 1 1 

GS-08 0 0 0 0 

GS-07 0 0 0 0 

GS-06 0 0 0 0 

GS-05 0 0 0 0 

GS-04 0 0 0 0 

________ ________ _______ ________

Total FTEs Funded 47 54 51 57

* The FTE total for fiscal year 2019 reflects projected FTE usage.

** OMB level includes the 5% reduction pursuant to OMB’s June 21, 2019

memorandum and guidance; at that level FTEs are an estimate based on 

average 2019 salaries and the chart presents one possible scenario to achieve 

a reduction.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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The OIG conducts its operations through two major components: the Office of Audit and the 

Office of Investigations. A discussion of the priority areas in fiscal year 2021 for audit and 

investigative activities follows. 

Office of Audit

The mission of the Office of Audit (OA) is to (1) promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness 

in the administration of RRB programs and (2) detect and prevent fraud and abuse in such 

programs. Through the Inspector General, OA keeps the Board Members and the Congress 

informed of current and potential problems and deficiencies in RRB operations and the status 

of progress towards corrective action.

During fiscal year 2021, OA will focus on meeting its mandated audit requirements; areas 

affecting program performance; the efficiency and effectiveness of agency operations; and 

areas of potential fraud, waste, and abuse. In fiscal year 2021, OA will continue its emphasis on 

long term systemic problems and solutions, and will address major issues that affect the RRB’s 

service to rail beneficiaries and their families. OA has identified six broad areas of potential 

audit coverage:

• financial accountability;

• Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA)

benefit program operations;

• RRB contracts and contracting activities;

• Railroad Medicare program operations;

• security, privacy, and information management; and

• Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 oversight.

During fiscal year 2021, OA must accomplish the following mandated activities in addition to 

other program audits:

• audit of the RRB’s financial statements pursuant to the requirements of the

Accountability of Tax Dollars Act of 2002;

• audit of information security pursuant to the Federal Information Security

Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA);

• audit of the RRB’s compliance with the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery

Act of 2010;

• audit of the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014;
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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• review of Inspector General requirements for the Government Charge Card Abuse and

Prevention Act of 2012;

• identification of performance and management challenges; and

• semiannual reporting in accordance with the Inspector General’s Act of 1978, as

amended.

During fiscal year 2021, unless budget authority and funding is provided for a contract to 

perform the financial audit (see page 13), OA will complete the audit of the RRB’s fiscal year

2020 financial statements and begin its audit of the agency’s fiscal year 2021 financial 

statements. OA contracts with a consulting actuary for technical assistance in auditing the 

RRB’s Statement of Social Insurance. In addition to the mandated annual evaluation of 

information security, OA also conducts audits of individual computer application systems that 

are required to support the annual FISMA evaluation. OA work in this area is targeted toward 

the identification and elimination of security deficiencies and system vulnerabilities, including 

controls over sensitive personally identifiable information. Finally, OA will begin its required 

Peer Review of another federal OIG Office of Audit and will undergo a peer review of its 

functions.

In fiscal year 2019, OA expects to complete 16 reports, 6 of which address mandated 

requirements and most of which are completed under Generally Accepted Government 

Auditing Standards. To date in fiscal year 2019, OA has issued 79 recommendations for 

improvement to the agency and reviewed and accepted agency requests to close 23 prior audit 

recommendations. In addition, in fiscal year 2019, OA reported that the RRB is noncompliant

with the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (IPERA) for the Railroad Medicare 

program and needs to improve accuracy and completeness of improper payment reporting. OA 

also reported that improvements are needed for internal controls for financial operations. OA 

also reported on continuing, systemic weaknesses in RRB’s information technology security 

program. 

OA undertakes additional projects with the objective of allocating available audit resources to 

areas in which they will have the greatest value. In making that determination, OA utilizes a 

strategic planning process to focus on areas affecting program performance, the efficiency and 

effectiveness of agency operations, and areas of potential fraud, waste, and abuse. OA also 

considers staff availability, current trends in management, and Congressional and Presidential 

concerns. The OA annual work plan is the primary tool for directing and controlling OA fiscal 

year activities. 
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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Office of Investigations

The Office of Investigations (OI) focuses its efforts on identifying, investigating and presenting 

cases for prosecution, throughout the United States, concerning fraud in RRB benefit programs. 

OI conducts investigations relating to the fraudulent receipt of RRB sickness, unemployment, 

disability, or retirement benefits. OI investigates railroad employers and unions when there is 

an indication that they have submitted false reports to the RRB. OI also conducts investigations 

involving fraudulent claims submitted to the Railroad Medicare Program. These investigative 

efforts may result in criminal convictions, civil penalties, administrative sanctions, and the 

recovery of RRB program benefit funds. 

OI initiates cases based on information from a variety of sources. For instance, the RRB 

conducts computer matching of employment and earnings information reported to state 

governments and the Social Security Administration with RRB benefits paid data. Fraud 

referrals are made to OI if a match is found. OI also receives allegations of fraud through the 

OIG Hotline, contacts with state, local, and federal agencies, and information developed 

through OIG audits. 

Fraud referrals from the RRB have varied over the last several fiscal years. The OIG will continue 

their commitment to proactively design projects aimed at promoting economy, efficiency, and 

effectiveness in the RRB’s program and operations. In addition to identifying potential targets 

previously undetected through the RRB’s standard program integrity measures, OIG will make 

the necessary recommendations to resolve identified program weaknesses and prevent future 

occurrences. 

Ol Investigative Results for FY 2019 

Civil Judgments Indictments/Informations Convictions Financial Accomplishments

 13 21 31 $106,089,303.60a

OI anticipates an ongoing caseload of approximately 250 investigations in fiscal year 2021. 

During fiscal year 2019, OI opened 135 new cases and closed 114. As of late July 2019, OI had 

a The total amount of financial accomplishments reflect fraud amounts related to programs administered 

exclusively by the RRB and fraud amounts from other federal programs such as Medicare or Social Security, which 

were included in the disposition resulting from the investigation.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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cases open in 41 states and the District of Columbia, with estimated fraud losses totaling more 

than $211 million.

b

OI will concentrate its resources on cases with the highest fraud losses. Typically, these cases 

are related to the RRB's disability and Medicare programs. Disability fraud cases currently 

constitute approximately 33 percent of Ol's total caseload. These cases involve more 

complicated schemes and often result in the recovery of substantial funds for the agency's trust 

funds. OI will continue to dedicate considerable time and resources in the investigation of

schemes to defraud the RRB disability program. These types of cases require sizeable resources 

for travel by special agents to conduct surveillance, or more sophisticated investigative 

techniques, and numerous witness interviews. The schemes are often complex. These cases 

also require very sophisticated financial analysis, since the schemes are often cloaked in what 

could appear to be legitimate business practices.

The OI continues to work joint cases with other Offices of Inspector General and federal law 

enforcement agencies that have responsibility for healthcare fraud matters. Medicare fraud 

investigations currently represent approximately 23 percent of OI’s total caseload and more 

than $195 million in potential fraud losses. OI’s collaborative joint investigative efforts ensure 

that RRB beneficiaries are protected from sham medical practitioners, and that the Railroad 

Medicare program’s interests are safeguarded from fraudulent schemes.

OI will continue to investigate fraud violations of railroad employees collecting unemployment 

or sickness insurance benefits while working and receiving wages from an employer. 

Unemployment fraud cases currently constitute approximately 19 percent of OI’s total 

caseload.

OI will also investigate retirement fraud which typically involves the theft and fraudulent 

cashing of U.S. Treasury checks or the withdrawal of electronically deposited RRB benefits. OI 

will continue to utilize the Department of Justice's Affirmative Civil Enforcement Program to 

recover trust fund monies from cases that do not meet U.S. Attorney's guidelines for criminal 

prosecution. 

In fiscal year 2021, OI will continue to coordinate its efforts with agency program managers to 

address vulnerabilities in benefit programs that allow fraudulent activity to occur and will 

recommend changes to ensure program integrity. OI plans to continue proactive projects to 

b This reflects potential fraud amounts related to programs administered exclusively by the RRB and potential 

fraud amounts from other federal programs such as Medicare or Social Security which have been identified during

OI’s joint investigative work.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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identify fraud matters that are not detected through the agency's program policing 

mechanisms. Findings will be conveyed to agency management through OIG systemic 

implication reports to alert officials of operational weaknesses that may result in fraud against 

RRB programs. OI will also continue to work with RRB program managers to ensure the 

appropriate and timely referral of all fraud matters to the OIG. The OIG will continue their 

commitment to proactively designing projects aimed at promoting economy, efficiency, and 

effectiveness in the RRB’s program and operations. In addition to identifying potential targets 

previously undetected through the RRB’s standard program integrity measures, OIG will make 

the necessary recommendations to resolve identified program weaknesses and prevent future 

occurrences.

OI will also investigate complaints involving administrative irregularities and any alleged 

misconduct by agency employees.

Conclusion

In fiscal year 2021, the OIG will continue to focus its resources on the review and improvement 

of RRB operations and will conduct activities to ensure the integrity of the agency trust funds. 

This office will continue to work with agency officials to ensure the agency is providing quality 

service to railroad workers and their families. The OIG will also aggressively pursue all 

individuals who engage in activities to fraudulently receive RRB funds, including Railroad 

Medicare funds. 
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Requested Change in Operational Authority

Outsourcing the Financial Statement Audit of the Railroad Retirement Board

In accordance with the Accountability of Tax Dollars Act of 2002, the RRB is required to produce 

audited financial statements. Prior requirements of the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 

required the preparation and audit of RRB trust funds. The RRB OIG has conducted audits of the 

RRB’s financial statements using OIG staff since fiscal year 1997. The OIG was directed to do so 

by Congress, as noted in both Senate and House Reports related to the fiscal year 1994 

appropriation. In accordance with the legislative intent communicated by Congress, the OIG 

financial statement audit opines on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, Consolidated Statement of 

Net Cost, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Position, Combined Statement of 

Budgetary Resources, and Statement of Social Insurance and the Statement of Change in Social 

Insurance Amounts.

There are currently 20 OIG Offices of Audit with between 10 and 100 auditors (including the 

RRB OIG Office of Audit). Of these, all but the RRB OIG utilized an independent public 

accounting (IPA) firm or the Government Accountability Office to conduct its financial 

statement audit. Of the agencies defined in the Chief Financial Officers Act, in recent years, all 

but five issue a financial statement audit opinion issued by an IPA, while many of the remaining 

rely on IPAs to conduct much of the audit work. 

The RRB OIG requests the authority to utilize an IPA to conduct the financial statement audit 

and the budgetary resources to do so. The most significant advantage of utilizing an IPA is that 

OIG staff could be utilized on other audit activities. During the peak of financial statement audit 

work, up to 10 of 18 OIG auditors are working on the financial statement audit. Work on the 

financial statement audit, including additional audits supporting the financial statement audit, 

is equivalent to four to five FTEs each year—nearly a third of the current RRB OIG audit staff. 

We estimate that the cost of utilizing an IPA for the financial statement audit will be between 

$700,000 and $850,000. A formal procurement process would be undertaken to ensure the IPA 

is selected in the most cost effective manner and to ensure continued OIG independence in 

conducting the financial statement audit. 

Permitting the RRB OIG to contract with an IPA for the financial statement audit will allow the 

RRB OIG to pursue additional audit priorities, such as RRB benefit program operations, RRB 

contracting activity, improper payments, and security, privacy, and information management. 

The OA maintains an audit universe of over 100 audit ideas and determines which audits to 

conduct after considering various risk analyses such as program size, potential for fraud and 

abuse, improving efficiency at the RRB, effect on RRB’s noncompliance with the Improper 

Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010, as well as Congressional interest. With 
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additional staff availability, we will be able to complete more of these audits and further 

develop expertise across the RRB’s varied and complex program areas in order to provide 

better oversight of the RRB. 

Fiscal Year 2021 Performance Budget

The audit and investigative programs of the OIG are dedicated to protecting the integrity of the 

RRB’s trust funds and improving the delivery of benefits to the railroad community. The OIG has 

developed the fiscal year 2021 Performance Budget to support our mission by establishing 

performance measures for our strategic goals. 

The OIG is aware that external factors may significantly affect planned activities and the 

allocation of resources during any given fiscal year. New legislative mandates may necessitate 

the delay of scheduled projects to ensure that we meet new statutory requirements. 

Mission Statement

The OIG will promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the RRB’s programs and 

operations by focusing our audit and investigative efforts on protecting the integrity of the 

RRB’s trust funds and improving the delivery of benefits to the railroad community.

Vision Statement

The OIG employs a skilled and professional workforce dedicated to the goals and mission of the

Office. The OIG will: 

• conduct audits/evaluations, management reviews, and inspections of the RRB’s

programs and operations;

• provide recommendations for improvement to RRB management;

• prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in the RRB’s programs and operations;

• review and make recommendations regarding existing and proposed legislation and

regulations relating to the RRB’s programs and operations; and

• inform RRB Board Members and the Congress of problems in the RRB’s programs and

operations.
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Strategic Goals

This plan establishes the following three strategic goals.

1. Add value to the RRB’s programs and operations.

2. Protect the integrity of the RRB’s programs, operations, and trust funds.

3. Ensure quality and excellence in the OIG’s work and products.

The first goal addresses our independent oversight of the RRB’s programs and operations. In 

support of this goal, we evaluate agency program functions, assess program efficiency, and 

advise management regarding necessary actions to improve agency performance.

The second goal involves compliance reviews and enforcement activities to identify systemic 

weaknesses in the RRB’s programs and operations. Our objective is to reduce the potential for 

waste, fraud, and abuse in the RRB’s programs and operations and to create a deterrent for 

future fraudulent activities. 

The third goal focuses on the OIG’s internal operations. We will identify ways to streamline 

audits and investigations by utilizing new technologies, providing staff training, and improving 

planning processes.

Goal 1 – Add value to the RRB’s programs and operations.

The OIG’s products and services are used by the RRB, the Congress, and other interested parties 

to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of the RRB’s programs and operations.

We will achieve this goal by:

• Focusing the OIG’s work on major RRB programs and operations. Major areas include

the annual financial statement audit, information systems and security, improper

payments, and e-Government initiatives. We will review operating performance in both

program and administrative functions to ensure that agency activities promote

efficiency and minimize the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse.

• Providing accurate, objective, and timely information to the RRB, the Congress, and

other interested parties.

• Promoting actions on the OIG’s recommendations.
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Goal 2 – Protect the integrity of the agency’s programs, operations, and trust funds.

This goal addresses the third element of the OIG’s vision, to prevent and detect fraud and 

abuse in the RRB’s programs and operations. To achieve this goal, we review and investigate 

allegations of fraud that are referred to our office through a variety of internal and external 

sources. We develop proactive strategies to identify systemic fraud and abuse and make 

recommendations to address the causes. Based on the recommendations issued by this office, 

the agency has the responsibility to establish the necessary controls in its programs and 

operations.

We will achieve this goal by:

• Analyzing RRB programs and operations to identify those that are most susceptible to

fraud and abuse and those programs for which the agency’s policing mechanisms are

ineffective. We will continue to develop traditional information sources, both within and

outside the agency, that provide information concerning allegations of fraud and abuse.

• Taking timely actions in response to allegations of fraud and abuse. We will take a

proactive approach to developing electronic information sources and methodologies

that will allow us to conduct our investigations and analysis in the most efficient

manner. We will provide the necessary support for prosecutors to conduct appropriate

criminal or civil actions to address allegations of fraud or abuse.

• Providing all interested parties, i.e., prosecutors, agency officials, the Congress, and

others as warranted, with complete, accurate, and timely reports concerning the results

of our audit and investigative activities. We will alert agency officials and the Congress

regarding significant issues that will impact agency programs and operations. We will

encourage publication of judicial results by prosecutors to strengthen the deterrent

effect of those actions.

• Conducting timely follow-up actions to ensure the agency addresses our systemic issue

recommendations.

• Monitoring progress for all matters referred for judicial action.

• Encouraging prosecutors to complete a satisfaction survey at the conclusion of all

judicial proceedings to provide honest feedback regarding OI’s investigative activities.
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Goal 3 – Ensure quality and excellence in the OIG’s work and products.

To carry out its mission in a competent and efficient manner, the OIG must have a skilled and 

motivated work force. All staff members must have the knowledge and skills required to 

perform their duties. The OIG’s management will support its staff by providing the means to 

carry out the mission of the office and implementing a comprehensive quality assurance 

program.

We will achieve this goal by:

• Focusing on recruitment and retention of a professional staff that is highly skilled and

appropriately developed.

• Ensuring that the staff is fully supported with the necessary tools, services, and direction

to carry out their oversight duties effectively and efficiently.

• Implementing a comprehensive quality assurance program that ensures compliance

with OIG policies and procedures; the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and

Efficiency quality standards for federal Offices of Inspector General; and other

requirements.

Performance Budget 

The Performance Budget for fiscal year 2021 provides performance indicators consistent with 

our strategic goals. Actual performance is provided in the following exhibit for fiscal years 2016 

through 2018. Performance for fiscal year 2019 reflects the level of resources provided by the 

Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations 

Act, 2019, and fiscal year 2020 performance reflects the President’s proposed budget level of 

$11,000,000. 

Performance data for fiscal year 2021 reflects funding at the fiscal year 2021 OMB guidance 

level of $10,450,000 (reflecting the reduction in OMB’s June 21, 2019 memorandum and 

guidance) and at the RRB OIG budget request level of $13,620,000. 
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Railroad Retirement Board

Office of Inspector General

FY 2021 Performance Budget

FY 2016 

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2017 

Actual

$10.000M

FY 2018 

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2019 

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2020

President’s 

Budget

$11.000M

FY 2021

OMB 

Level 

$10,450M

FY 2021

RRB OIG 

Request 

Level 

$13,620M

Strategic Goal I: Add value to the RRB’s programs and operations.

The OIG will solicit suggestions for 

audits and reviews for the annual 

audit work plan from 100 percent

of the agency’s organizational 

components.

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Seventy-five percent of audit 

reports will be issued within 240 

days of entrance, or by the 

mandated reporting deadline.

67% 75% 100% 69% 65% 80% 85%

Agency management agrees with 

80 percent of recommendations 

made in audit, evaluation, and 

inspection reports.

75% 76% 92% 61% 75% 80% 90%

Reports on the progress of 

corrective actions for audit 

recommendations will be issued to 

the RRB Chairman within 35 days 

of the six month reporting period.

35 days 35 days 35 days 35 days 35 days 35 days 35 days

The OIG will file 100 percent of 

reports on time, and acknowledge 

100 percent of requests for 

information within three working 

days.

100% 100% 100% 90% 100% 100% 100%
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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Railroad Retirement Board

Office of Inspector General

FY 2021 Performance Budget

FY 2016 

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2017 

Actual

$10.000M

FY 2018 

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2019 

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2020

President’s 

Budget 

$11.000M

FY 2021

OMB 

Level 

$10,450M

FY 2021

RRB OIG 

Request 

Level 

$13,620M

Strategic Goal II: Protect the integrity of the RRB’s programs, operations, and trust funds.

Percentage of allegations 

evaluated and submitted for 

disposition within 30 days of 

receipt.

93% 99% 98% 93% 95% 95% 95%

Percentage of investigative 

cases closed, or in judicial 

process, during a fiscal year 

which resulted in a successful 

action, i.e., criminal indictment, 

criminal conviction, civil 

judgment or settlement, 

administrative action, or 

monetary recovery.

36% 27% 26% n/a n/a n/a n/a

Percentage of investigative 

cases opened during the fiscal 

year that were closed by the 

end of the fiscal year (updated 

2019)

n/a n/a n/a 20% 20% 20% 20%

The OIG will complete four

projects to identify fraud cases 

that are not detected through 

agency policing procedures.

10 8 7 8 7 7 7 
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Railroad Retirement Board

Office of Inspector General

FY 2021 Performance Budget

FY 2016 

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2017 

Actual

$10.000M

FY 2018

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2019

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2020

President’s 

Budget 

$11.000M

FY 2021

OMB 

Level 

$10,450M

FY 2021

RRB OIG 

Request 

Level 

$13.620M

Strategic Goal III: Ensure quality and excellence in the OIG’s work and products.

Percentage of employees 

meeting the training 

requirements of their 

profession.

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

All auditors hold the 

appropriate credentials to 

satisfy government, CIGIE, 

and applicable standards.

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

All auditors will receive 80 

hours of continuing 

professional education over 2 

years.

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Eighty percent of audits, 

evaluations, and inspections 

are subjected to an internal 

quality assurance review.

100% 100% 66.7% 100% 80% 90% 100%
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As described in OMB’s Memorandum on fiscal year 2021 Budget Guidance, the OIG has several 

activities that support the President’s Management Agenda (PMA) priority areas. The guidance 

notes the following priority areas: 

• IT Modernization;

• Data, Accountability and Transparency;

• People: Developing a Workforce for the 21st Century;

• Improving Customer Experience;

• Sharing Quality Services;

• Shifting From Low-Value to High-Value Work; and

• Acquisition Modernization.

RRB OIG is responsible for promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness; and for identifying 

and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in agency programs. As part of strategic planning, we 

have often focused audit work on assessments in these priority areas and would continue to 

conduct audits and evaluations in these areas in support of the PMA. 

Several OIG identified major management challenges facing RRB are related to PMA priority 

areas as shown in the table below.

OIG Identified Major 

Management Challenge 

Facing RRB

Associated PMA 

Priority Areas RRB OIG Planned Projects/Audits

IT Security and System 

Modernization

IT Modernization Audits of RRB large scale system modernization 

recently funded for $10 million 

Annual FISMA audit to assess agency wide IT 

security

Human Capital 

Management

People: Developing 

a Workforce for the 

21st Century

Telework Audit

Material Weaknesses 

Related to Financial 

Statement Reporting and 

the Control Environment

Data, 

Accountability, and 

Transparency

Audit of Cash Statement

Annual financial statement audit

Audit of financial systems including unapplied cash 

and debt waivers

Lack of RRB Oversight of 

the NNRIT

Data, 

Accountability, and 

Transparency

None
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In addition, several other management challenges relate to payment accuracy weaknesses such 

as challenges in program integrity related to the RRB disability program, management of the 

Railroad Medicare program, and RRB’s noncompliance with improper payment reporting. 

Given the significant parallels between the PMA and RRB OIG’s strategic planning related to 

RRB major management challenges, we dedicate significant OIG resources to review and 

provide recommendations for improvement to RRB management to make its activities more 

efficient and cost effective, in support of the PMA. 
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Agency Workforce Plan

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is committed to fostering a culture that motivates and 

rewards employees not only for their performance but also for their longevity of service, 

innovative ideas and their contributions to the office. 

The OIG strives to ensure that all personnel are committed to achieving results aligned with 

our office’s strategic goals. One of our major human capital goals is to develop a 

performance management system that distinguishes between high and low performers, links 

individual/team/unit performance to organization goals, and motivates and rewards staff for 

high performance. The agency has a robust Incentive Awards Program that allows for the 

ongoing use of awards and recognition throughout the year to reward high performing 

employees.

In FY2020, the RRB projects awards spending of approximately $150,000, which neither 

includes QualityStep Increases (QSI) nor Time-Off Awards. Awards spending decisions will be 

decided by the Inspector General. All spending decisions will adhere to the OIG’s Incentive 

Awards Program. 

Awards and Recognition

The OIG recognizes employees for their accomplishments and contributions to the OIG and 

service to the railroad public. The office’s Incentive Awards Program improves office 

operations by encouraging employees to submit constructive suggestions, to perform the 

duties of their position in a superior manner, to make significant accomplishments in the 

area of public service, and to help promote equal employment opportunities in the Federal 

Service. Following are the various ways in which an individual can be rewarded and 

recognized:

• Performance Awards are recommended annually based on an employee’srating of

record. The rating of record must show that an employee’s performance substantially

exceeds an acceptable level of competence. The amount of the performance award is

calculated in accordance with the performance awards scale, with higher ratings

receiving higher award amounts. This category of awards also includes Quality Step

Increases. It should be noted that only employees with an outstanding rating of

record can be considered for a Quality Step Increase.
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• Superior Accomplishment Awards are used to motivate employees to increase

productivity and creativity by rewarding their contributions resulting in tangible

benefits or savings and/or intangible benefits to the office. A contribution means an

accomplishment achieved through an individual or group effort in the form of a

suggestion or a special act or service in the public interest connected with or related

to their official employment.

• Time-off Incentive Awards recognize a superior accomplishment or an exceptional

personal effort that contributes to the quality, efficiency or economy of agency

operations. Individual employees or entire teams can be grantedtime off in onehour increments with a maximum of eight hours per nomination. An employee may

only receive a maximum of 16 hours in a calendar year.

• The RRB Award for Excellence Program is designed to recognize outstanding

employees for their accomplishments and contributions to the office and service to

the railroad public. All OIG employees, supervisors, and work teams have the

opportunity to berecognized for their contributions to the office and agency. The

nominees, finalists and winners are all honored at an annual ceremony where they

receive an award for their achievements.

Office employees are also recognized for their career longevity. Employees with 15+ years of 

service are eligible to receive a Career Service Recognition Award. The awards are 

commensurate with the number of years that the employee has served in federal service.