During this reporting cycle, OIG had one training conference with expenses exceeding $100,000. OIG has in place policy which states, “OIG –planned conferences with anticipated expenses exceeding $100,000, including travel expenses, must be approved by the Deputy Inspector General.” In addition, all other OIG-planned conferences must be approved by the Assistant Inspector General for Management. To reduce conference spending, OIG has continued using teleconferencing and videoconferencing in lieu of face-to face meetings whenever practical.
The following information is provided for the training conference with expenses exceeding $100,000:
- Total expenses incurred by the agency for the conference: $151K
- The location of the conference: Washington DC Metro Area
- The date of the Conference: May 12-23, 2014
- A brief explanation how the conference advanced the mission of the agency: This training provided instruction for improved technical skills in furtherance of OIG strategic goal 2. The training enabled OIG to remain compliant with Attorney General guidelines and guidance from the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency regarding the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG took steps to reduce event costs, used a government facility for classroom instruction at no charge, and relied on local government employee instructors to reduce travel fees and daily rates.
The total number of individuals whose travel expenses or other conference expenses were paid by the agency: 19