Product/Service 

Information

Office of Inspector General 

Semiannual Report to Congress 

Covering the Period 

 

April 1, 2018 – September 30, 2018 

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION 
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20573

October 30, 2018

Office of Inspector General

Dear Acting Chairman Khouri and Commissioner Dye:

The following report is submitted in accordance with Section 5 of the Inspector General 

Act of 1978, as amended. This report summarizes the activities of the Federal Maritime 

Commission (FMC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the period April 1, 2018 to September

30, 2018. 

During this reporting period, the OIG completed one evaluation, and initiated another 

evaluation and audit. Specifically, the OIG completed the Evaluation of the FMC’s Information 

Technology (IT) Inventory and identified several improvements for the management of the 

agency’s IT equipment. The OIG also initiated the annual financial statement audit and evaluation 

of the FMC’s compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act during this 

semiannual period. 

The OIG continues to appreciate the cooperation and courtesies provided by the FMC’s 

leadership and staff.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Jon Hatfield

 Inspector General

Enclosure
Table of Contents

Transmittal Letter

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................1

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION .........................................................................................................1

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL .............................................................................................................2

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................4

Completed Evaluation ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Open Audit and Evaluation......................................................................................................................................... 5

Hotline and Investigations.......................................................................................................................................... 6

Memorandum of Understanding ............................................................................................................................... 6

Review of Legislation.................................................................................................................................................. 6

Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Activities....................................................... 6

SUMMARY OF INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ...........................................................9

TABLE I - Summary of Reports with Corrective Actions Outstanding for More than 6 Months................ 10

TABLE II - Listing of Reports Issued ...................................................................................................... 10

TABLE III - Reports with Questioned Costs ........................................................................................... 11

TABLE IV - Recommendations that Funds be Put to Better Use............................................................. 12

Appendix A - Peer Review Activity....................................................................................................... 13

Pictured: Atlantic Sky at the Port of Baltimore.

Picture 1: The Atlantic Sky is multipurpose roll-on/roll-off containership, designed to carry 

wheeled cargo, such as cars and trucks.
1

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This semiannual report summarizes the activities and accomplishments of the Federal 

Maritime Commission (FMC), Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the six month reporting 

period April 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018. The most significant activities of the OIG 

during the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2018 are summarized below and additional details can 

be found in subsequent sections of this report.

During this reporting period, the OIG completed one evaluation; and initiated an audit and 

evaluation. Specifically, the OIG completed the Evaluation of the FMC’s Information Technology 

Inventory. The completed evaluation is discussed in more detail later in this report. The OIG 

initiated the annual financial statement audit and the annual information technology security 

evaluation; these assignments will be completed in the next reporting period. 

During the period, the OIG received four hotline complaints. Further, four hotline 

complaints were closed during the period. There were no new investigations or matters referred 

to prosecutorial authorities during this period. At the end of this reporting period, one hotline 

complaint was open and there were no investigations open.

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

The FMC is an independent federal agency responsible for ensuring a competitive and 

reliable ocean transportation supply system that supports the U.S. economy and protects the public 

from unfair and deceptive practices. The principal statutes or statutory provisions administered by 

the Commission are: the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 

1998; the Foreign Shipping Practices Act of 1988; and Section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act of 

1920. 

The FMC is headed by five Commissioners nominated by the President and confirmed by 

the U.S. Senate, each serving five-year terms. Currently three of the Commissioner positions are 

vacant. Although the majority of FMC personnel are located in Washington, D.C., the FMC also 

maintains a presence in Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, New Orleans, Houston, and South Florida 

through Area Representatives. These Area Representatives serve the major ports and 

transportation centers within their respective geographic areas, and provide information, liaison 

and investigatory services on behalf of the FMC. 
2

In September 2018, the Inspector General (IG) visited the FMC’s South Florida Area 

Representatives (ARs), Andrew Margolis and Eric Mintz, in Miami, Florida. The purpose of the 

IG’s visit was to obtain a better understanding of the role of the FMC’s ARs to enable the FMC to 

regulate the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, 

importers, and the U.S. consumer. The IG had the opportunity to accompany ARs Margolis and 

Mintz during visits to several ocean freight forwarders in the Miami area to assess compliance 

with FMC regulations. In 

addition, ARs Margolis and 

Mintz coordinated for the IG to 

receive a tour of PortMiami. 

Located in Miami-Dade County, 

PortMiami is among America’s 

busiest ports and is known as the 

“Cruise Capital of the World,” 

with millions of passengers 

traveling through PortMiami 

every year with 22 cruise lines. 

PortMiami officials Gerard 

Philippeaux, Richard R. de 

Villiers, and Don Wrinkle 

provided the IG the tour, explaining the 

workings of the container and cruise 

terminals; capital improvements; and other important information about PortMiami. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The OIG was established in 1989 by the Inspector General (IG) Act of 1978, as amended 

(5 U.S.C. app.). The OIG is an independent audit and investigative unit headed by an IG who 

reports to the FMC Commissioners and Congress. The OIG is responsible for conducting audits 

and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the FMC. Audits are conducted for 

the purpose of finding and preventing fraud, waste and abuse, and promoting economy, efficiency 

and effectiveness within the agency. The OIG investigations seek out facts related to allegations 

Picture 2: From left to right - Gerard Philippeaux, IG 

Hatfield, Don Wrinkle, and Richard R. de Villiers.
3

of wrongdoing on the part of FMC employees and individuals, or entities contracting with, or 

obtaining benefits from, the agency. The IG Act provides that the OIG shall have access to all 

agency records and may subpoena records from entities outside of the agency in connection with 

an audit or investigation.

The IG is required by law to prepare this report summarizing OIG audits and investigations 

during the immediately preceding six-month period. The report is sent to the FMC 

Commissioners, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House and FMC’s Congressional

appropriating and authorizing committees. This dual reporting requirement helps to ensure the 

independence of the OIG.

To aid the FMC in accomplishing its mission, the OIG is provided two full-time positions, 

the IG and an auditor. During 

this reporting period, the OIG 

was pleased to welcome Mr. 

Parker Skaats, an auditor 

intern under the Pathways 

Internship Program. The 

federal government’s 

Internship Program provides 

students who are enrolled in 

or accepted for enrollment in 

a wide variety of qualifying 

educational institutions with 

paid opportunities to work either part- or full-time in agencies and explore career paths related to 

their academic fields of study or career interests. Students who successfully complete Program 

requirements may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position in 

the civil service. 

Mr. Skaats is a senior at American University where he is studying to be an accountant and 

plans to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Mr. Skaats previously worked in the 

finance department of an international study abroad organization. During this semiannual period,

Picture 3: Parker Skaats
4

Mr. Skaats assisted the OIG with audit oversight of the annual financial statement audit, and he 

also supported the OIG with the FISMA evaluation and other special projects. 

In addition to his work assignments, Mr. Skaats attended several training events, including an

introductory auditor program. Mr. Skaats also had the opportunity to participate in several 

professional development events arranged by the Summer Law Clerk Committee of the Council 

of Counsels to the Inspectors General. Among the events were a welcome event hosted by the 

Environmental Protection Agency OIG, a tour of the Library of Congress, and a visit to the Central 

Intelligence Agency.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ACTIVITIES

Completed Evaluation

Evaluation of the FMC’s Information Technology Inventory, A18-04. The evaluation

objectives were to assess the quality, completeness, and accuracy of the FMC’s information 

technology (IT) inventory. The scope of the evaluation focused on all IT inventory, such as 

desktops, laptops, servers, printers, monitors, routers, switches, and firewalls. This engagement 

also included a review of all inventory related policies and procedures, and an inspection of a 

sample of IT assets to assess the effectiveness of the agency’s IT inventory. Furthermore, the 

evaluation encompassed a review of the position description for the Office of Information 

Technology (OIT) staff person responsible for the IT inventory. Lastly, the evaluation included a 

review of the inventory software settings such as password controls and audit settings.

The OIG contracted with Your Internal Controls, LLC to perform the evaluation and the 

OIG actively monitored and reviewed the work and results of the contractor. The inspection was 

performed in accordance with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency 

Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation, January 2012. 

The OIG identified several opportunities for improvement in the FMC’s IT equipment 

inventory management; and management concurred with the recommendations. Although OIT 

has several policies and procedures for managing IT equipment inventory, we recommended OIT 

enhance written procedures for maintaining an accurate and up-to-date IT inventory list. These 
5

procedures should include specific requirements for OIT staff responsible for maintaining the IT 

inventory list, as well as supervisory responsibilities for periodic verification and reconciliation of 

the respective list. 

We also identified a lack of segregation of duties without compensating controls in the 

FMC’s IT inventory system. Specifically, there is one (1) OIT staff person that manages the IT 

inventory list, who is also one of two OIT staff responsible for IT purchasing. As a result, this 

OIT staff person is responsible for IT purchasing, and then is the only individual with access to 

add, remove, and update inventory in the IT inventory list. A lack of segregation of duties could 

create opportunities for the misappropriation of IT equipment without management’s knowledge. 

Also, all inventory items should have a barcode that contains the serial number. OIT indicated the 

possibility of purchasing a new inventory software application that can improve IT inventory 

management. Management has reported actions taken to address the recommendations; the OIG 

plans to follow-up to ensure the issues have been addressed. 

Open Audit and Evaluation

Independent Auditors’ Report of FMC’s FY 2018 Financial Statements, A19-01. The 

audit objectives are to opine on whether the FMC’s FY 2018 financial statements follow U.S. 

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and present fairly the financial position of the agency. 

The audit will also review internal controls over financial reporting, and agency compliance with 

financial related laws and regulations. The statements to be audited are the Balance Sheet as of 

September 30, 2018, and the related Statement of Net Cost, Statement of Changes in Net Position, 

Statement of Budgetary Resources, and Statement of Custodial Activity. 

Evaluation of FMC’s Compliance with the Federal Information Security Management 

Act (FISMA) FY 2018, A19-02. The objectives of the independent evaluation of the FMC’s 

information security program are to evaluate its security posture by assessing compliance with 

FISMA and related information security policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines. The scope 

of this evaluation includes general controls of the FMC network and applications housing service 

contracts, tariff location filings, and FMC license applications. The OIG will evaluate potential 

system vulnerabilities and assess management actions to implement prior-year recommendations. 
6

Hotline and Investigations

The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, provides that the IG may receive and 

investigate complaints or information concerning possible allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse 

occurring within FMC programs and operations by employees or contractors. Matters of possible 

wrongdoing are referred to the OIG in the form of allegations or complaints from a variety of 

sources, including FMC employees, other government agencies and the general public. 

During the period, the OIG received four hotline complaints. Further, four hotline 

complaints were closed. There were no new investigations or matters referred to prosecutorial 

authorities during this period. At the end of this reporting period, one hotline complaint was open

and there were no investigations open.

Memorandum of Understanding

In accordance with Section 6 of the Inspector General Reform Act of 2008, each Inspector 

General shall have his or her own legal counsel, or obtain the services of a counsel appointed by 

and directly reporting to another Inspector General or the Council of the Inspectors General on 

Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) on a reimbursable basis. The OIG has a memorandum of 

understanding (MOU) with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) OIG under which the FEC

IG’s Counsel also serves as the FMC IG’s Counsel on a reimbursable basis. 

Review of Legislation

As required by the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the OIG routinely reviews 

proposed legislation and regulations. The purpose of these reviews is to assess whether the 

proposed legislation or regulation: (1) impacts the economy and efficiency of FMC programs and 

operations; and (2) contains adequate internal controls to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and 

abuse. 

Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Activities 

The CIGIE was established by law as an independent entity by the Inspector General 

Reform Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-409) to: 
7

• address integrity, economy and effectiveness issues that transcend individual government 

agencies; and 

• increase the professionalism and effectiveness of personnel by developing policies, 

standards, and approaches to aid in the establishment of a well-trained and highly skilled 

workforce in the Offices of Inspectors General.

During this reporting period, the IG served on the CIGIE’s Audit Committee. The Audit 

Committee is responsible for coordinating government-wide activities that promote economy and 

efficiency in federal programs and operations, and to address areas of weakness and vulnerability 

with respect to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. The Audit Committee serves as a 

resource for the federal audit community, maintains professional audit standards, and develops 

auditor training requirements. 

The CIGIE is comprised of all inspectors general that are Presidentially-appointed / Senate 

confirmed and those that are appointed by agency heads. The FMC OIG remains active in CIGIE 

operations. Specifically, the OIG is a member of CIGIE, participates in the monthly CIGIE 

meetings, and periodically assists CIGIE on special projects. 

This year we mark the 40th anniversary of the Inspector General Act and the creation of the 

original 12 Offices of Inspectors General. The Inspector General Act Amendments of 1988 created 

a new set of IGs in “designated federal entities” (DFEs), to include the FMC OIG. Since the 

inception of the FMC OIG over 29 

years ago, there have been three 

permanent IGs. Mr. Tony Kominoth

was the first statutory IG of the FMC 

and was appointed in February 1989. 

Prior to Mr. Kominoth’s IG 

appointment, he served in various 

positions at the FMC dating back to 1968, to include Attorney/Advisor and Transportation Analyst. 

After Mr. Kominoth’s separation from the FMC OIG, Mr. Adam Trzeciak was appointed to the 

IG position by the Commission in 2006 and served as IG until January 2013, when he left the FMC 
8

to become the second statutory IG for the Government Accountability Office. Interim IGs held 

the IG position until the appointment of the current IG, Mr. Jon Hatfield, in May 2014.

Over the 29 year history of the FMC OIG, the office has conducted audits and 

investigations of agency programs, and provided recommendations to help improve the operations 

and functions of the agency. The FMC OIG has been part of a community that has grown to 

include 73 statutory Inspectors General who collectively oversee the operations of nearly every 

aspect of the federal government. In the years to come, we look forward to continuing our efforts 

to provide independent and effective oversight of the FMC and working with the Council of 

Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency on important issues that cut across our government. 
9

SUMMARY OF INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

IG Act Reference Reporting Requirement Pages

Section 5(a)(1) Significant problems, abuses and deficiencies None

Section 5(a)(2) Recommendations with respect to significant problems, 

abuses, or deficiencies

None

Section 5(a)(3) Prior significant recommendations on which corrective 

actions have not been completed

None

Section 5(a)(4) Matters referred to prosecutorial authorities and results None

Section 5(a)(5) Summary of instances where information was refused None

Section 5(a)(6) List of audit, inspection, and evaluation reports by subject 

matter, and where applicable, the value of questioned costs, 

unsupported costs, and funds put to better use

10

Section 5(a)(7) Summary of each report 4-5

Section 5(a)(8) Audit, inspection, and evaluation reports with questioned 

and unsupported costs

None

Section 5(a)(9) Audit, inspection, and evaluation report recommendations 

that funds be put to better use

None

Section 5(a)(10) Summary of each audit, inspection, and evaluation report

issued before the commencement of this reporting period for 

which no management decision was made by the end of the 

reporting period; for which comments were not returned 

within 60 days of report issuance; and for which there are 

any outstanding unimplemented recommendations

None

Section 5(a)(11) Description and explanation of significant revised 

management decisions

None

Section 5(a)(12) Significant management decisions with which the inspector 

general disagrees

None

Section 5(a)(13) Information under Section 804(b) of the Federal Financial 

Management Improvement Act (FFMIA) of 1996

None

Section 5(a)(14)(15) Peer review activity on FMC OIG 13, App. A

Section 5(a)(16) Peer review activity by FMC OIG on another OIG 13, App. A

Section 5(a)(17) Statistical tables on investigative activities None

Section 5(a)(18) Description of metrics used for developing the data for the 

statistical table under Section 5(a)(17)

None

Section 5(a)(19) Report on each investigation involving a senior Government 

employee where allegations of misconduct were 

substantiated

None

Section 5(a)(20) Description of whistleblower retaliation None

Section 5(a)(21) Description of any attempt by the establishment to interfere 

with the independence of the OIG

None

Section 5(a)(22) Description of particular circumstances of each inspection, 

evaluation, and audit conducted that is closed and was not 

disclosed to the public; and investigation conducted by the 

OIG involving a senior Government employee that is closed 

and was not disclosed to the public

None
10

TABLE I - Summary of Reports with Corrective Actions Outstanding for More 

than 6 Months

Recommendations

Report Title Report 

Number

Issue 

Date Number Open Closed

DATA Act Audit, 2017 A18-03 11/08/17 1 1* 0

*In a memorandum dated April 19, 2018, the Managing Director informed the Inspector 

General that the agency considers this recommendation closed. Specifically, management 

developed and implemented a standard operating procedure to ensure accurate DATA Act 

reporting. The OIG plans to follow-up to ensure the issue has been resolved; this will enable 

the OIG to close this recommendation.

TABLE II - Listing of Reports Issued

Report Title Assignment 

Number

Issue 

Date 

Questioned 

Costs

Unsupported 

Costs

Funds 

Put to 

Better 

Use

Evaluation of the FMC’s 

Information Technology 

Inventory

A18-04 05/31/18 $0 $0 $0
11

TABLE III - Reports with Questioned Costs

Number

of 

Reports

Questioned 

Costs

Unsupported 

Costs

A. For which no management decision has been 

made by the commencement of the reporting 

period.

0 $0 $0

B. Which were issued during the reporting period. 0 $0 $0

Subtotal (A + B) 0 $0 $0

C. For which a management decision was made 

during the reporting period.

0 $0 $0

(i) dollar value of disallowed costs; and 0 $0 $0

(ii) dollar value of costs not disallowed. 0 $0 $0

D. For which no management decision has been 

made by the end of the reporting period.

0 $0 $0

E. Reports for which no management decision 

was made within six months of issuance.

0 $0 $0
12

TABLE IV - Recommendations that Funds be Put to Better Use

Number

of 

Reports Dollar Value

A. For which no management decision has been made 

by the commencement of the reporting period.

0 $0

B. Which were issued during the reporting period. 0 $0

Subtotal (A + B) 0 $0

C. For which a management decision was made during 

the reporting period.

0 $0

(i) dollar value of recommendations that were 

agreed to by management; and

0 $0

(ii) dollar value of recommendations that were not 

agreed to by management.

0 $0

D. For which no management decision has been made 

by the end of the reporting period. 0 $0

E. Reports for which no management decision was 

made within six months of issuance.

0 $0
13

Appendix A - Peer Review Activity

In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 

2010 (Section 989C of P.L. 111-203), which amended Section 5 of the Inspector General Act of 

1978, OIGs are required to include in their semiannual reports (SAR) to Congress the results of 

peer reviews of their offices, as well as outstanding and not fully implemented recommendations 

from peer reviews the OIG received from another OIG, and outstanding and not fully implemented 

recommendations the OIG made in any peer review it performed for another OIG.

An external peer review of the FMC OIG audit office was completed on March 24, 2016, 

during a prior semiannual period, by the U.S. International Trade Commission OIG. A pass rating 

was issued and there were no recommendations contained in the peer review report. The OIG is 

scheduled to receive an audit peer review during the next reporting period.

During a prior reporting period ending September 30, 2016, the OIG conducted an audit 

peer review of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) OIG and issued a peer review report 

on July 20, 2016. The FMC OIG issued a modified peer review report to the EAC OIG, and the 

peer review report contained no recommendations. 
14

HOTLINE COMPLAINTS

The success of the OIG mission to prevent fraud, waste and abuse 

depends on the cooperation of FMC employees and the public. 

Employees and the public are encouraged to contact the OIG regarding 

any incidents of possible waste, fraud or abuse occurring within FMC 

programs and operations.

A COMPLAINT CAN BE REPORTED BY CALLING OUR 24-HR DIRECT LINE:

(202) 523-5865

ONLINE COMPLAINT FORM:

https://www2.fmc.gov/oigcomplaints/ 

TO PLACE A COMPLAINT IN WRITING PLEASE MAIL TO: 

Federal Maritime Commission 

Office of Inspector General 

Suite 1054 

800 North Capitol Street, NW 

Washington, DC 20573 

To Be Opened By the IG Only 

THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE IS CONFIDENTIAL. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO REMAIN 

ANONYMOUS; HOWEVER, INDIVIDUALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ASSIST THE INSPECTOR 

GENERAL BY SUPPLYING INFORMATION AS TO HOW THEY MAY BE CONTACTED FOR 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.