Semiannual Reports

This evaluation assessed Peace Corps/Panama operations in the following areas: programming, training, site management, Volunteer health, Volunteer safety, administration, communication and collaboration, and staffing. The report made 14 recommendations, which, if implemented, should strengthen post operations and correct the deficiencies detailed in the report.

This semiannual report informs Congress of the Peace Corps Office of Inspector General's work for April 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019

The objectives of this performance audit were to assess the completeness, timeliness, quality, and accuracy of Fiscal Year 2019, First Quarter financial and award data submitted for publication on USAspending.gov in accordance with the DATA Act and to assess the Peace Corps’ compliance with use of the Government-wide financial data standards established by the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of the Treasury. While the Peace Corps’ FY 2019, Q1 DATA Act submission was of high quality, the agency lacks a comprehensive data quality plan outlining the risks and what mitigating controls it has in place to demonstrate that data submitted is of high quality.

These challenges illustrate the most significant areas the Office of Inspector General (OIG) believes need improvement for the Peace Corps to effectively manage its resources and minimize the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse occurring in its operations. Addressing the issues related to these challenge areas will enable the agency to increase operational efficiencies and improve mission effectiveness.

The Fiscal Years 2020 to 2022 OIG Strategic Plan includes the long-range goals and objectives designed to enhance OIG oversight in support of the Peace Corps and its three goals.

Our report contains 12 recommendations directed to the post and headquarters. We recommend that the post reassess the country agreement. We also recommend that the post monitor and document the accountability-of-funds transfer to the alternate cashier, as well as liquidate interim advances and issue BOCs in a timely manner. In addition, we recommend that the post ensure the Volunteers’ pro-rated living allowance calculations are accurate and that lease agreements contain necessary information.

Our report contains 20 recommendations directed to the post and headquarters. We recommend that the post improve processes related to bills of collection and Volunteer payments and improve controls over property management, PSC contracts, purchase of medical supplies, and fuel and toll costs. Additionally, we recommend that the post comply with policies and guidance related to sub-cashier advances and system access roles.

This evaluation issued nine recommendations to address findings in the areas of leadership, Volunteer health support, Volunteer safety and security support, training, and site management. Recommendations were directed to staff at the post with the exception of one recommendation that was directed to the regional director. We did not have any findings in the areas of Volunteer administrative support and programming.