Mandatory Disclosures

Peer Reviews

The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) maintains a quality assurance program to ensure that work performed adheres to established professional standards, VA OIG policies and procedures, and is carried out economically, efficiently, and effectively. Also, in accordance with the IG Act and other professional standards, VA OIG's functions are subject to external peer reviews. These peer reviews provide an additional external level of assurance of VA OIG's adherence to prescribed standards, regulations, and legislation through a formal objective assessment of its operations.

The Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) prescribes the methodology for performing peer reviews of the various OIG functions. Below are the latest external peer reviews of VA OIG's Audit, Inspection, and Evaluation functions.

Cancelled Programs and Contracts

Pursuant to EO Radical Transparency About Wasteful Spending, below is a list of cancelled programs and contracts:

  • Cancelled an internal OIG DEIA program, eliminating three positions for annual savings of $498,744.
  • Cancelled an OIG directorate’s all-hands training and development meeting, saving $455,064.
  • Cancelled two management training contracts focused on employee leadership development, saving $192,935.
  • Cancelled one data analytics consulting contract and one policy development consulting contract, for a combined monthly savings of about $72,000.
  • Cancelled ASL Interpreter Services contract no longer needed for a savings of $37,021 in FY25.
  • Cancelled a digital news subscription for a savings of $9,800 in FY25.
  • Cancelled a site visit to Denver for a savings of $10,450 in FY25.
  • Cancelled an OPM SES orientation for a savings of $2,030 in FY25.
  • Cancelled a management software program training for a savings of $2,495 in FY25.
  • Cancelled a CFE exam review course for a savings of $2,449 in FY25.
  • Cancelled training course for report editors for a savings of $2,900 in FY25.

FY 2024 Conference Spending Statement

During FY 2024, the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted five events in which expenses exceeded $100,000. Below are conference details to include cost, date, location of conference, and other pertinent data.

Office of Healthcare Inspections (OHI) Healthcare Facility Inspections (HFI) Training

Expenses: $117,233.92
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin Date: October 23–27, 2023
Explanation: This meeting was for all OHI HFI staff to train in-person with HFI leadership for the kickoff of a new methodology to conduct cyclical inspections of medical facilities. The meeting gathered teams to collaborate, discuss, and learn about new OHI issues and recently launched software. Attendees received training on specific inspection methods, clinical review areas, writing reports, and the quality assurance/internal referencing review process. The meeting provided a forum for peer-learning, team building, and collaborative discussion on the Inspector General mission.

While teleconferencing was considered, it was not a viable option because the meeting required in-person discussions, small group meetings, and participation of employees across multiple time zones. Having participants convene to learn from each other, network, share ideas, and participate in exercises would not have been possible with teleconferencing.

Number of Participants Whose Travel Expenses Were Paid by Agency: 73

Office of Audits and Evaluations (OAE) Cohort A/B Meeting

Conference Expenses: $342,306.61
Location: St. Louis, Missouri Date: February 25–March 1, 2024
Explanation: This meeting was for OAE senior executives, directors, managers, and staff in each cohort to meet in-person to discuss current audit issues, share information, identify best practices, and review OAE initiatives. This training positioned staff to effectively work together to address and solve organizational issues, and to earn training hours that satisfied mandatory continuing professional education requirements. This meeting included training from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on internal controls. It helped to build OAE cohorts and provided a forum for team members to discuss tools, technologies, processes, and how to apply them in the organization to improve OAE products, workflow, and processes.

Teleconferencing was considered but determined not to be a viable alternative as it does not allow for needed networking and exercises. The meeting required input from all participants, small group discussions and open information-sharing. Having participants convene from different time zones, provide input on a wide range of issues and ideas, and participate in small group breakout sessions was not feasible with teleconferencing.

Number of Participants Whose Travel Expenses Were Paid by Agency: 165

Office of Audit and Evaluations (OAE) Leadership Meeting 2024

Expenses: $234,733.68 
Location: Omaha, Nebraska Date: April 14–19, 2024
Explanation: This meeting convened OAE senior executives, directors, and managers to meet in-person to discuss current audit issues, share information, and review OAE and OIG initiatives. This included leadership training that encouraged OAE managers to effectively work together to address and solve organizational issues, and technical training that satisfied mandatory continuing professional education requirements. This meeting helped to build the OAE team, and provided a forum for team members to discuss tools, technologies, and how to apply them to improve OAE information products, workflow, and processes.

It is imperative for OAE senior executives, directors, and managers to work cooperatively, communicate regularly, and share important information. Teleconferencing was considered for this event, but determined not to be a viable alternative. The meeting required input from all participants and small group discussions. Having all participants convene to provide input on a wide range of issues and ideas, and participate in small group breakout sessions, was not logistically feasible with teleconferencing.

Number of Participants Whose Travel Expenses Were Paid by Agency: 111

Office of Investigations Supervisory Event

Expenses: $105,633.01
Location: San Antonio, Texas Date: September 23–27, 2024
Explanation: The Office of Investigations (OI) held an event to bring together their geographically dispersed supervisors to collaborate, share best practices, build teams, and learn together to advance uniformity. The event included three days of dedicated training and in-depth meetings with OIG leadership, OI leadership, other VA OIG components, and outside entities. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss OI’s goals and receive training on law enforcement issues, including investigative strategies. By providing one centralized training venue, it encouraged consistency, fostered the sharing of ideas, and ensured compliance with CIGIE standards.

OI is staffed with employees located throughout the country. This event featured training and other presentations from various internal divisions in OI and VA OIG leaders, including the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General. Participants benefited from the opportunity to build stronger working relationships with individuals whom they do not regularly see or interact with in person. While teleconferencing was considered, it was not a viable option because the event required input from all participants, face-to-face group discussions, and interactive engagement. Having all participants convene to provide input, share ideas, ask detailed questions, and conduct group break-out sessions in this manner was not possible with teleconferencing.

Number of Participants Whose Travel Expenses Were Paid by Agency: 67