FY 2020 BUDGET SUBMISSION

Office of Inspector General

Railroad Retirement Board
UNITED ST ATES RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 

The Honorable Mick Mulvaney 

Director 

Office of Management and Budget 

Eisenhower Executive Office Building 

1650 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20503 

Dear Director Mulvaney: 

September 6, 2018 

We are respectfully submitting the fiscal year 2020 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 $11,525,000 in fiscal year 2020 to continue our oversight of 

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

staff level of 56 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 22, 2018, our budget 

submission also includes a fiscal year 2020 budget level of $8,015,000 (the fiscal 

fiscal year 2019 level for the RRB OIG in the President's fiscal year 2018 budget 

with a 5% reduction per 0MB guidance). 

Our current fiscal year 2018 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 
2 

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 $11,525,000 in 

fiscal year 2020, we would be able to fund a staffing level of 56 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 $8,015,000 in fiscal year 2020 would significantly 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 

2020, which provides actual performance data for fiscal years 2015 through 2017 

and projected performance for fiscal years 2018 through 2020. 

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

authority: 

• The RRB OIG has identified the RRB's oversight of the National Railroad

Retirement Investment Trust (NRRIT) as a serious management challenge

for the agency. Effective in fiscal year 2013, federal agencies must comply

with audit standard AU-C Section 600, which requires open

communication and cooperation between the OIG and NRRIT's auditor,

and reasonable access to audit evidence supporting the NRRIT auditor's

work. We have been unable to comply with AU-C Section 600 since the

NRRIT and its auditor have failed to communicate, cooperate, or release

audit documentation to the OIG. We respectfully request oversight and

enforcement authority be granted to the OIG to conduct audits and 

investigations of the NRRIT, which held approximately $25 billion of RRB 

investments as of September 30, 2016.

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

accounting (IPA) firm or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to 
3 

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 office 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 

original signed
UNITED STATES RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 

The Honorable Michael R. Pence 

President of the Senate 

Eisenhower Executive Office Building 

1650 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20501 

Dear Mr. President: 

September 6, 2018 

We are respectfully submitting the fiscal year 2020 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 $11,525,000 in fiscal year 2020 to continue our oversight of 

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

staff level of 56 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 22, 2018, our budget 

submission also includes a fiscal year 2020 budget level of $8,015,000 (the fiscal 

fiscal year 2019 level for the RRB OIG in the President's fiscal year 2018 budget 

with a 5% reduction per 0MB guidance). 

Our current fiscal year 2018 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 
2 

with our hiring plans. If we were to receive our request level of $11,525,000 in 

fiscal year 2020, we would be able to fund a staffing level of 56 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 $8,015,000 in fiscal year 2020 would significantly 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 

2020, which provides actual performance data for fiscal years 2015 through 2017 

and projected performance for fiscal years 2018 through 2020. 

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

authority: 

• The RRB OIG has identified the RRB's oversight of the National Railroad

Retirement Investment Trust (NRRIT} as a serious management challenge

for the agency. Effective in fiscal year 2013, federal agencies must comply

with audit standard AU-C Section 600, which requires open

communication and cooperation between the OIG and NRRIT's auditor,

and reasonable access to audit evidence supporting the NRRIT auditor's

work. We have been unable to comply with AU-C Section 600 since the

NRRIT and its auditor have failed to communicate, cooperate, or release

audit documentation to the OIG. We respectfully request oversight and 

enforcement authority be granted to the OIG to conduct audits and 

investigations of the NRRIT, which held approximately $25 billion of RRB 

investments as of September 30, 2016.

• The RRB OIG also 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
3 

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 office 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, 

original signed

Martin J. Dickman, Inspector General 
UNITED STATES RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 

The Honorable Paul D. Ryan 

Speaker of the House of Representatives 

Office of the Speaker 

United States Capitol 

Washington, DC 20515-6501 

Dear Mr. Speaker: 

September 6, 2018 

We are respectfully submitting the fiscal year 2020 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 $11,525,000 in fiscal year 2020 to continue our oversight of 

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

staff level of 56 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 22, 2018, our budget 

submission also includes a fiscal year 2020 budget level of $8,015,000 (the fiscal 

fiscal year 2019 level for the RRB OIG in the President's fiscal year 2018 budget 

with a 5% reduction per 0MB guidance). 

Our current fiscal year 2018 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 
2 

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 $11,525,000 in 

fiscal year 2020, we would be able to fund a staffing level of 56 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 $8,015,000 in fiscal year 2020 would significantly 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 

2020, which provides actual performance data for fiscal years 2015 through 2017 

and projected performance for fiscal years 2018 through 2020. 

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

authority: 

• The RRB OIG has identified the RRB's oversight of the National Railroad

Retirement Investment Trust (NRRIT) as a serious management challenge

for the agency. Effective in fiscal year 2013, federal agencies must comply

with audit standard AU-C Section 600, which requires open

communication and cooperation between the OIG and NRRIT's auditor,

and reasonable access to audit evidence supporting the NRRIT auditor's

work. We have been unable to comply with AU-C Section 600 since the

NRRIT and its auditor have failed to communicate, cooperate, or release

audit documentation to the OIG. We respectfully request oversight and 

enforcement authority be granted to the OIG to conduct audits and 

investigations of the NRRIT, which held approximately $25 billion of RRB 

investments as of September 30, 2016.

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

accounting (IPA) firm or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to
3 

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 office 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, 

original signed

Martin J. Dickman, Inspector General 
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ‐ RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

2

Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Submission

Table of Contents

Limitation on the Office of Inspector General Fiscal Year 2020 Budget ........................................ 3

Administrative Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2020 .......................................................... 4

Analysis of Resources...................................................................................................................... 6

Full Time Equivalent Staff by Grade................................................................................................ 7

Office of Audit................................................................................................................................. 8

Office of Investigations................................................................................................................. 10

Requested Change in Operational Authority................................................................................ 13

Fiscal Year 2020 Performance Budget.......................................................................................... 15

Performance Budget..................................................................................................................... 18
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ‐ RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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Limitation on the Office of Inspector General

Fiscal Year 2020 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

2017, the agency paid approximately $12.6 billion in retirement and survivor benefits to about

548,000 beneficiaries. The RRB also paid $104.6 million in net unemployment and sickness

insurance benefits. Approximately 12,000 railroad workers received unemployment benefits

and 16,000 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, 2017, there were

about 455,568 railroad retirement beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare Part B

program. During fiscal year 2017, the RRB’s separate Part B carrier paid nearly $850 million in

benefits.

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 $11,525,000 in fiscal year 2020 to conduct its independent oversight of

agency operations. At this level of funding, the OIG will have the resources it needs 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 2020 budget submission also includes a budget level of $8,015,000 (equal to a

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

2020 column of the fiscal year 2019 Budget), in compliance with the Office of Management and

Budget memorandum of June 22, 2018.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ‐ RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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The Fiscal Year 2020 Performance Budget, including performance statistics at the Fiscal Year

2020 budget levels, projected performance statistics for Fiscal Years 2018 – 2019, and actual

results for Fiscal Years 2015 – 2017, 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 2020

(in thousands of dollars)

Fiscal Year 2020

Fiscal Year

2019 RRB

Administration

OMB

Level*

OIG

Proposed

Level

Request

Level

Limitation on the Office of Inspector General 10,000 8,015 11,525

Full‐time equivalent staff years (FTEs) 52 36 56

*OMB level includes the 5% reduction pursuant to OMB’s June 22, 2018 memorandum and

guidance; at that level FTEs are an estimate based on average 2018 salaries.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ‐ RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

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Fiscal Year 2020

Fiscal Year 2018 Fiscal Year 2019     RRB OIG

Current   President’s OMB     Request

Appropriation Budget Level Change Level

OMB Object Class

Personnel Compensation:

11.1  Full‐Time Permanent 5,255 4,407 3,829 1,677 5,506

11.3  Other Than Full‐Time

Permanent 72 65 52 23 75

11.5  Other Personnel

Compensation 133 121 97 42 139

11.9  Total Personnel

Compensation 5,460 4,593 3,978 1,742 5,720

12.0  Personnel Benefits:

Civilian 2,492 2,077 1,816 795 2,611 a/

13.0  Benefits for Former

Personnel 0 0 0 0 0

21.0  Travel and

Transportation 350 153 255 112 367

23.0  Communications,

Utilities, and Rent 389 170 284 124 408

25.0  Other Services 1,322 574 963 b/ 422 1,385 b/

26.0  Supplies and Materials 59 28 43 19 62

31.0  Equipment 928 405 676 296 972

Total OIG Direct Obligations 11,000 8,000 8,015 3,510 11,525 c/

Reimbursable Obligations 1,330 1,330 1,330 0 1,330

Total OIG Obligations 12,330 9,330 9,345 3,510 12,855

OIG Funded FTE Allocation 47 d/ 52 36 20 56

a/ Includes $30,000 to provide full funding for the transit benefit program for RRB OIG employees in Fiscal Year 2020.

b/ The RRB OIG request level includes $350,000 for a contract with a private accounting firm to evaluate information

security pursuant to the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2014. Includes $70,000 for RRB OIG training

at the OMB level and at the RRB OIG request level. Finally, includes 0.26 percent of the appropriation amount for

support of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency in Fiscal Year 2020.

c/ The RRB OIG request level of $11,525,000 for Fiscal Year 2020 would allow the RRB OIG to fund a staff level of 56

FTEs and provide additional funding for miscellaneous expenses.

d/ The RRB OIG funded 47 FTEs in Fiscal Year 2018.
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 2020

FY 2018 FY 2019 RRB OIG

Request

Level

    Current

Appropriation

President’s

Budget

OMB  

Level**         

Budget Authority........................ 11,000   9,000   8,015   11,525  

Outlays....................................... 11,000   9,000   8,015 11,525  

Full‐time Equivalent Employment

(Work Years):

  Total Funded..........................    47 45 36   56      

FY 2021 FY 2022 FY  2023 FY 2024 FY 2025             

Budget Authority:

  OMB Level..................................... 10,000 10,000   10,000   10,000   10,000  

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

Outlays:

  OMB level.......................................... 10,000   10,000   10,000   10,000   10,000  

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

*Amounts for these years to be determined.

** OMB level includes the 5% reduction pursuant to

OMB’s June 22, 2018 memorandum and guidance; at

that level FTEs are an estimate based on average 2018

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 2020

FY 2018 FY 2019     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 3 3 3 3

General Schedule GS‐15 2 2 0 2     GS‐14 8 8 6 8     GS‐13 17 19 7 20           

GS‐12 12 14 14 14     GS‐11 2 3 3 3     GS‐10 0 0 0 0           

GS‐09 2 2 2 5     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 52 36 56         

* The FTE total for Fiscal Year 2018 reflects projected FTE usage.

** OMB level includes the 5% reduction pursuant to OMB’s June 22, 2018

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

average 2018 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 FY 2020 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 2020, 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 2020, 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 2020, 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 Management

Act of 2002 (FISMA);

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

Act of 2010;
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ‐ RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

9

 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 2020, unless authority and funding is provided for a contract to perform the

financial audit (see page 14), 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.

In fiscal year 2018, OA expects to complete eleven reports, eight of which address mandated

requirements and most of which are completed under Generally Accepted Government

Auditing Standards. To date in fiscal year 2018, OA has issued 50 recommendations for

improvement to the agency and reviewed and accepted agency requests to close 29 prior audit

recommendations. In addition, in fiscal year 2018, OA reported that the RRB is noncompliant

with recent requirements that agencies implement an enterprise risk management system and

did not comply with Data Act requirements. OA also reported on continuing, systemic

weaknesses in RRB’s information technology security program. Finally, OA will begin its

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

its functions.  

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 reduced over the last several fiscal years. The Inspector

General Empowerment Act (IGEA) of 2016 strengthened an OIG’s ability to identify fraudulent

or improper government payments through data analytics. 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.   

Ol Investigative Results for FY 2018

Civil Judgments     Indictments/Informations     Convictions   Financial Accomplishments

         16               22                 34 $150,703,721a

OI anticipates an ongoing caseload of approximately 250 investigations in fiscal year 2020.

During fiscal year 2018, OI opened 121 new cases and closed 130. As of late July 2018, 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

11

cases open in 42 states and the District of Columbia, with estimated fraud losses totaling more

than $558 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 39% 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 nationwide

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 and, in some

instances, may include conspiratorial involvement by attorneys. 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 24% of OI’s total caseload and more than

$340 million in 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 18% 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 2020, 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 2020, 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

Oversight of the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust

The National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust (NRRIT) was established by the Railroad

Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2001 (RRSIA) to manage and invest RRB assets.

The value of the RRB's assets, held by the NRRIT increased from approximately $24.5 billion as

of September 30, 2015 to about $25.1 billion as of September 30, 2016, including $1.4 billion

that the NRRIT transferred to the Treasury for payments of railroad retirement benefits.  

In 2008, the RRB OIG published a statement expressing concern that the legislation that created

the NRRIT as a nongovernmental entity only provided for an annual audit of entity financial

statements. The specific requirement for an annual financial audit lacked a provision for any

other type of audit or oversight activity, which has been used as a mechanism to exclude the

RRB OIG from conducting its audit and investigative responsibilities of the NRRIT. No other

organization, public or private, has assumed what would otherwise be the OIG’s oversight role.

This lack of oversight of approximately $25 billion dollars of federal assets leaves these funds at

increased risk and the federal government potentially liable for future shortfalls without

asserting the proper oversight to reduce such a risk.  

Since fiscal year 2013, auditors must comply with audit standard, AU‐C 600, Special

Considerations ‐ Audits of Group Financial Statements Including the Work of Component

Auditors. The standard, which established additional requirements applicable to the RRB OIG

and its component auditor (NRRIT’s auditor), requires open communication and cooperation

between the RRB OIG and NRRIT’s auditor and reasonable access to audit evidence supporting

the NRRIT auditor’s work. Due to the lack of oversight provisions within RRSIA, the NRRIT and

its auditor are unwilling to comply with the requirements to communicate, cooperate, or

release audit documentation to the RRB OIG, preventing the RRB OIG from complying with

AU‐C 600 and limiting audit and investigative oversight.

The OIG respectfully requests oversight and enforcement authority to conduct audits and

investigations of the NRRIT and the legal authority necessary to collaborate with and access the

financial statement audit work of the NRRIT’s auditor.
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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, Consolidated 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

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.  
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Fiscal Year 2020 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 2020 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.
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 Promoting actions on the OIG’s recommendations.

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 2020 provides performance indicators consistent with

our strategic goals. Actual performance is provided in the following exhibit for fiscal years 2015

through 2017. Performance for fiscal year 2018 reflects the level of resources provided by the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, and fiscal year 2019 performance reflects the

President’s proposed budget level of $9,000,000.   

Performance data for fiscal year 2020 reflects funding at the fiscal year 2020 OMB guidance

level of $8,015,000 (reflecting the reduction in OMB’s June 22, 2018 memorandum and

guidance and at the RRB OIG budget request level of $11,525,000.
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Railroad Retirement Board

Office of Inspector General

FY 2020 Performance Budget

FY 2015

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2016

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2017

Actual

$10.000M

FY 2018

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2019

President’s

Budget

$8.437M

FY 2020

OMB

Level

$8.015M

FY 2020

RRB OIG

Request

Level

$11.525M

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. 65% 67% 80% 81% 65% 80% 85%

Agency management agrees with

80 percent of recommendations

made in audit, evaluation, and

inspection reports. 80% 75% 72% 92% 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% 100% 100% 100% 100%
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Railroad Retirement Board

Office of Inspector General

FY 2020 Performance Budget

FY 2015

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2016

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2017

Actual

$10.000M

FY 2018

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2019

President’s

Budget

$8.437M

FY 2020

OMB

Level

$8.015M

FY 2020

RRB OIG

Request

Level

$11.525M

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. 90% 93% 99% 98% 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% 36% 27% 26%

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 n/a

20% 20% 20%

The OIG will complete four

projects to identify fraud cases

that are not detected through

agency policing procedures. 7 10 8 7 7 7 7
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Railroad Retirement Board

Office of Inspector General

FY 2020 Performance Budget

FY 2015

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2016

Actual

$8.437M

FY 2017

Actual

$10.000M

FY 2018

Actual

$11.000M

FY 2019

President’s

Budget

$8.437M

FY 2020

OMB

Level

$8.015M

FY 2020

RRB OIG

Request

Level

$11.525M

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

Percentage of employees

meeting the training

requirements of their

profession. 90% 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% 100% 100% 80% 90% 100%
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As described in OMB’s Memorandum on Fiscal Year 2020 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; and

• Shifting From Low‐Value to High‐Value Work.

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 recently funded $10 million for

RRB large scale system modernization

Annual FISMA audit to assess agency wide

IT security

Human Capital

Management

People: Developing a

Workforce for the

21st Century

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

See p. 13 for further information on this
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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

RRB’s 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.