OFFICE
OF
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
SINGLE
AUDIT OF THE
STATE OF WISCONSIN
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, 2006
November
2007
A-77-08-00004
MANAGEMENT ADVISORY REPORT
Mission
By conducting independent and objective audits, evaluations and investigations, we inspire public confidence in the integrity and security of SSA's programs and operations and protect them against fraud, waste and abuse. We provide timely, useful and reliable information and advice to Administration officials, Congress and the public.
Authority
The Inspector General Act created independent audit and investigative units, called the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The mission of the OIG, as spelled out in the Act, is to:
Conduct and supervise independent and objective audits and investigations
relating to agency programs and operations.
Promote economy, effectiveness, and efficiency within the agency.
Prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in agency programs and operations.
Review and make recommendations regarding existing and proposed legislation
and regulations relating to agency programs and operations.
Keep the agency head and the Congress fully and currently informed of problems
in agency programs and operations.
To ensure objectivity, the IG Act empowers the IG with:
Independence to determine what reviews to perform.
Access to all information necessary for the reviews.
Authority to publish findings and recommendations based on the reviews.
Vision
We strive for continual improvement in SSA's programs, operations and management
by proactively seeking new ways to prevent and deter fraud, waste and abuse.
We commit to integrity and excellence by supporting an environment that provides
a valuable public service while encouraging employee development and retention
and fostering diversity and innovation.
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 28, 2007
To: Candace Skurnik
Director Audit Management and Liaison Staff
From: Inspector General
Subject: Management Advisory Report: Single Audit of the State of Wisconsin
for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2006 (A-77-08-00004)
This report presents the Social Security Administration's (SSA) portion of the single audit of the State of Wisconsin for the Fiscal Year (FY) ended June 30, 2006. Our objective was to report internal control weaknesses, noncompliance issues, and unallowable costs identified in the single audit to SSA for resolution action.
The Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau performed the audit. The Department
of
Health and Human Services' (HHS) desk review concluded that the audit met Federal
requirements. In reporting the results of the single audit, we relied entirely
on the internal control and compliance work performed by the Wisconsin Legislative
Audit Bureau and the reviews performed by HHS. We conducted our review in accordance
with the Quality Standards for Inspections issued by the President's Council
on Integrity and Efficiency.
For single audit purposes, the Office of Management and Budget assigns Federal programs a Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number. SSA's Disability Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are identified by CFDA number 96. SSA is responsible for resolving single audit findings reported under this CFDA number.
The Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) within the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals receiving DI and SSI. SSA reimburses DVR for the direct costs of certain vocational rehabilitation services, provided that all eligible cases are submitted within 12 months after the clients fulfill their gainful activity requirements.
The single audit reported DWD did not have sufficient internal controls over
its vocational rehabilitation reimbursement program. Specifically, DWD did not
claim SSA reimbursement for all eligible claims timely. The corrective action
plan indicated that DWD staff will use an electronic calendar as a tickler system
to set up reminder dates to review cases so that SSA reimbursements are claimed
timely (Attachment,
pages 2 and 3). Since DWD is responsible for establishing a system to submit
claims to SSA for timely reimbursement, we are not making a formal recommendation.
If you have questions contact Ken Bennett at (816) 936 5593.
S
Patrick P. O'Carroll, Jr.
Overview of the Office of the Inspector General
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is comprised of our Office of Investigations
(OI), Office of Audit (OA), Office of the Chief Counsel to the Inspector General
(OCCIG), and Office of Resource Management (ORM). To ensure compliance with
policies and procedures, internal controls, and professional standards, we also
have a comprehensive Professional Responsibility and Quality Assurance program.
Office of Audit
OA conducts and/or supervises financial and performance audits of the Social
Security Administration's (SSA) programs and operations and makes recommendations
to ensure program objectives are achieved effectively and efficiently. Financial
audits assess whether SSA's financial statements fairly present SSA's financial
position, results of operations, and cash flow. Performance audits review the
economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of SSA's programs and operations. OA
also conducts short-term management and program evaluations and projects on
issues of concern to SSA, Congress, and the general public.
Office of Investigations
OI conducts and coordinates investigative activity related to fraud, waste,
abuse, and mismanagement in SSA programs and operations. This includes wrongdoing
by applicants, beneficiaries, contractors, third parties, or SSA employees performing
their official duties. This office serves as OIG liaison to the Department of
Justice on all matters relating to the investigations of SSA programs and personnel.
OI also conducts joint investigations with other Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies.
Office of the Chief Counsel to the Inspector General
OCCIG provides independent legal advice and counsel to the IG on various matters,
including statutes, regulations, legislation, and policy directives. OCCIG also
advises the IG on investigative procedures and techniques, as well as on legal
implications and conclusions to be drawn from audit and investigative material.
Finally, OCCIG administers the Civil Monetary Penalty program.
Office of Resource Management
ORM supports OIG by providing information resource management and systems security.
ORM also coordinates OIG's budget, procurement, telecommunications, facilities,
and human resources. In addition, ORM is the focal point for OIG's strategic
planning function and the development and implementation of performance measures
required by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993.