Many improvements to Commerce operations and programs come through recommendations made in various OIG work products. A measure of OIG’s effectiveness is the extent to which it offers useful, practical recommendations for improvements. A measure of the usefulness and practicality of OIG’s recommendations is the extent to which they are accepted by Commerce management.

A key measure of the value of OIG’s work is its dollar return on investment. Financial benefits include: (1) questioned costs agreed to by management, (2) funds put to better use, and (3) administrative, civil, and criminal recoveries.

Many improvements to Commerce operations and programs come through recommendations made in various OIG work products. A measure of OIG’s effectiveness is the extent to which it offers useful, practical recommendations for improvements. A measure of the usefulness and practicality of OIG’s recommendations is the extent to which they are accepted by Commerce management.

The indicator measures the timeliness of actions taken to address Hotline compaints. It is computed by dividing the number of DOC-related complaints that are evaluated and referred within 30 days by the total number of DOC-related complaints received. Hotline complaints are submissions to the OIG Hotline that present allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement affecting DOC programs, operations, or personnel. They can be received via online web submissions, phone calls, emails, faxes, or in person visits. Appropriate action includes investigations, requests for assistance or proactive monitoring, audits, referrals to DOC operating units, and referrals to external entities. This data is maintained in OIG's Case Management System.

The indicator measures the extent to which OIG investigations result in credible information for prosecutors or Department management to consider remedies related to the investigations. It is computed by dividing the number of investigative cases completed in the fiscal year that were referred for criminal, civil, or administrative action, or where allegations were unfounded by the total number of investigative cases that were completed. Investigative cases are case files opened to investigate an alleged violation of a federal criminal or civil statute or regulation/policy. Referred for criminal, civil, or administrative action means that the investigation developed enough evidence of a violation and was taken to a criminal or civil prosecutor (typically an Assistant United States Attorney) for prosecutorial consideration or referred to Department management for consideration of administrative action. This data is maintained in OIG's Case Management System.

The indicator measures the extent to which OIG prioritizes its audit resources to address the most serious management and performance challenges facing the Department. It is computed by dividing the number of audits and evaluations initiated during the fiscal year that address the issues published each October in OIG's Top Management Challenges report by the total number initiated.

During FY 2018, OIG continued its effort to close old cases and address investigations in a more timely manner. Investigators were diverted from working lower priority cases to address older cases. To improve operations, OIG is hiring additional investigative staff, and will continue to work to meet this metric in FY 2019.

During FY 2018, OIG continued its effort to close old cases and address investigations in a more timely manner. Investigators were diverted from working lower priority cases to address older cases. To improve operations, OIG is hiring additional investigative staff, and will continue to work to meet this metric in FY 2019.