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How do investigations work?

Member for

9 months
Submitted by bberran on

The Office of Investigations conducts criminal, civil, and administrative investigations affecting AbilityOne and its programs and operations.  Investigations may include procurement fraud schemes, employee integrity violations, and other matters. The Office of Investigations also investigates whistleblower complaints, including those referred by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.

Allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse concerning AbilityOne programs and operations are received from various sources, including:

  • Hotline complaints from AbilityOne employees, grantees, contractors and members of the public via our hotline portal

  • Referrals from Government entities, including other law enforcement agencies, Congress, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, the Government Accountability Office, and AbilityOne officials

  • Internal OIG audit referrals, investigative analyses, and other compelling sources

  • Qui Tam lawsuits referred for investigation by the Department of Justice

Allegations are not automatically converted to investigations; they are first reviewed to determine if OIG investigative attention is warranted.  Review includes determining:

  • Is the matter within OIG's jurisdiction

  • Is the allegation credible (for example, reasonably detailed)

  • Would the allegation constitute a violation of a Statute, Regulation, or Policy

  • What is the best way to address it - through OIG criminal, civil, or administrative investigation, or referral to another Government agency

Investigations are conducted through a variety of activities, including record reviews and document analysis; witness and subject interviews; IG and grand jury subpoenas; search warrants; special techniques, such as consensual monitoring and undercover operations; and coordination with other law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, as appropriate.

Upon completing an investigation, reports and other documents may be written for use by senior decision makers and other stakeholders, including prosecuting attorneys and AbilityOne management.

  • Results of OIG’s administrative investigations, such as employee and program integrity cases, are transmitted to the AbilityOne Commission for appropriate action

  • OIG’s criminal and civil cases are pursued by U.S. Attorney Offices nationwide. Criminal cases can also be prosecuted by State and other local jurisdictions

  • Matters involving non profit agencies within the AbiltyOne program may be referred to the Commission for suspension or debarment decisions