Investigative Process

The investigations process begins when OIG receives through its Hotline or other communication a complaint or allegation of fraud, waste, abuse, or other gross misconduct that affects the programs or operations of USAID, MCC, USADF, IAF, or DFC. We review each allegation and, if warranted, conduct investigative follow-up with the organization against which the allegation is made, the complainant, or both. If warranted, we initiate an investigation to evaluate and pursue possible criminal, civil, or administrative remedies. At the conclusion of our investigation, we prepare and refer to the appropriate agency or law enforcement entity a comprehensive report summarizing the facts of our investigation. We may also report our findings on cases involving a false or unsubstantiated allegation to the affected agency and other parties, as appropriate.

To protect U.S. foreign aid and development funds as well as beneficiaries of those funds, the Office of Investigations aligns its investigative priorities with our annual Top Management Challenges (TMC) reports, which identify the most daunting challenges facing USAID and the other agencies we oversee, and the attendant risks.

In conducting investigations, OIG relies on all authorities afforded by law, including the authority to request documents and access employees under the terms of the contract or grant, or via subpoena authority granted under the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended.