REAC Could Improve Its Inspections Processes and Controls
We recommend that the Deputy Assistant Secretary for REAC require REAC to execute administrative action related to outside standards determinations for five inspectors.
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We recommend that the Deputy Assistant Secretary for REAC require REAC to execute administrative action related to outside standards determinations for five inspectors.
We recommend that the Deputy Assistant Secretary for REAC require REAC to develop, use, and document an electronic checklist for each contract inspector’s file to ensure that inspectors (1) obtain and maintain the required insurance, and (2) have approved background checks before conducting inspections. In addition, support that the three sampled inspectors meet the minimum insurance limits for the current effective periods.
We recommend that the Deputy Assistant Secretary for REAC require REAC to ensure that the nine contract inspectors, who did not meet the minimum requirements to begin the training, receive specialized training in residential or commercial building for electrical; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; masonry; plumbing; and carpentry, as applicable.
We recommend that the Deputy Assistant Secretary for REAC require REAC to develop and implement written policies and procedures requiring REAC to (1) select a sample of inspector candidates, (2) require the sampled inspector candidates to provide written documentation supporting their minimum qualifications, (3) verify the written documentation provided by the inspector candidates, and (4) document the completion of the verification and method(s) used to verify the documentation.
Consider adding additional OLG staff, including a full time director to provide additional leadership and management oversight.
Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to use unobligated administrative contract expense funds.
Develop and implement policies and procedures, coordinating with other program offices as needed, to track and make administrative contract expense fund expenditures readily available for review.
Support line item expenditures for the administrative contract expense fund for fiscal years 2015 to 2018. OLG should repay the U.S. Department of the Treasury for any expenditures that cannot be supported.
Develop and implement internal ONAP and OLG policies and procedures for the audit resolution process, complementing HUD Handbook 2000.06, to include management oversight and review of documents prepared and submitted to evidence that corrective actions have been adequately developed and fully implemented.
Develop a comprehensive plan to continue to seek indemnification statutory authority, including consideration to include indemnification authority language in draft regulations currently being considered. Until statutory authority is obtained, develop and implement internal policies and procedures for the voluntary indemnification process, to include a voluntary indemnification agreement, followup procedures, and resolution procedures. Procedures should be revised once statutory authority is obtained.