Office of the Inspector General staff, 2019.
Office of the Inspector General staff, 2019.

The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), promotes efficiency and effectiveness to deter and prevent fraud, waste and abuse in AOC operations and programs. We do this through value-added, transparent and independent audits, evaluations and investigations. We strive to positively impact the Agency and the tax payer while keeping Congress informed.

Need Assistance?

Contact the Office of Inspector General at 202.593.1948, or via one of the methods below.

  • Hotline Report — Hotline Report Form or 877.489.8583 (Toll Free)
  • Confidential Hotline Email — hotline@aoc-oig.org
  • Fax — 202.593.0055
  • Mailing address:

    Architect of the Capitol
    Office of Inspector General
    499 South Capitol Street, SW, Suite 518
    Washington, DC 20515

To view AOC OIG reports, please visit oversight.gov.

To request a copy of the semiannual report to Congress, contact webfeedback@aoc.gov.

Mission

The Architect of the Capitol Inspector General Act of 2007, codified at 2 U.S.C. § 1808, established the Office of Inspector General (OIG). This legislation applies some sections of the Inspector General Act of 1978 as amended, specifically Sections 4, 5 (other than Subsections (a)(13) and (3) and (e)(1)(B) thereof), 6 (other than Subsection (a)(7) and (8) thereof), and 7. The Inspector General is under the general supervision of the Architect of the Capitol. The mission of this independent office is to:

  1. Conduct, supervise and coordinate audits and investigations relating to AOC programs and operations.
  2. Review existing and proposed legislation and regulations that impact AOC programs and operations and comment in the semiannual report regarding the impact on the economy, efficiency, or the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse of such legislation and regulations.
  3. Recommend policies for AOC activities to promote economy and efficiency or prevent and detect fraud and abuse in its programs and operations.
  4. Provide a means of keeping the Architect of the Capitol and the Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of Agency programs and operations and the need for and progress of corrective action. This is generally done by issuing the Semiannual Report to Congress.

Legislative Branch agencies including the Architect of the Capitol are not subject to the Whistleblower Protection Act or the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act; however, AOC employees are covered under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, as amended.

Inspector General

Christopher P. Failla
202.593.0260
christopher.failla@aoc.gov

Deputy Inspector General

Michael Rich
202.593.2976
michael.rich@aoc.gov

Audits

An OIG audit examines an AOC program or activity and makes recommendations, if warranted, to enhance agency operations and promote economy and efficiency.

The audits issued by the OIG must be performed in accordance with the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards issued by the Government Accountability Office. This is often referred to as GAGAS or the Yellow Book. Each year the OIG transmits reports on the AOC's financial statements which are conducted by an independent public accountant (IPA). The OIG is the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative on the contract between AOC and the IPA. These reports include an opinion on whether the financial statements are fairly presented, a report on internal control and a report on AOC compliance with laws and regulations.

The OIG prepares an Audit Plan at the beginning of each fiscal year. The plan includes legislatively mandated audits and other work selected for audit based on risk and materiality, or requests from Congress, the AOC or the AOC Audit Committee.

OIG audit staff must meet the requirements for the GS-511 Auditing Series and must also meet the continuing professional education requirements of Government Auditing Standards. The OIG also issues contracts with Certified Public Accounting firms or other firms that work under contract with the OIG and AOC.

OIG Audits Contact

Erica Wardley
202.593.0081
erica.wardley@aoc.gov

Inspections and Evaluations

An OIG inspection or evaluation is a systematic and independent assessment of the design, implementation and/or results of AOC operations, programs or policies. They provide information that is timely, credible and useful for AOC managers, policymakers and others.

Inspections or evaluations can be used to determine efficiency, effectiveness, impact and/or sustainability of AOC operations, programs or polices. They often recommend improvements and identify where administrative action is necessary.

The inspections or evaluations issued by the OIG must be performed in accordance with the Inspector General Community's Quality Standards for Inspections and Evaluations, often referred to as the Blue Book.

The OIG prepares an Inspection and Evaluation plan every three years. The plan includes legislatively mandated inspection or evaluation, and other work selected based on risk and materiality, or requests from Congress and the AOC.

OIG Inspections and Evaluations Contact

Joshua Rowell
202.593.1949
joshua.rowell@aoc.gov

Investigations

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is authorized to receive allegations of violations of law or misconduct by employees and contractors as well as allegations of irregularities or abuse in AOC operations. Findings of criminal violation are reported to the Department of Justice and AOC Management.Violations of an administrative nature, such as violation of AOC policy, are reported to AOC Management for appropriate action.

The OIG receives complaints and concerns directly from the public, from Congress, and from AOC employees and contractors. Examples of what the OIG may investigate include:

  • Theft of Government Property
  • Improper use of AOC Resources or Property
  • Violations of Federal Law or AOC Orders or Policy
  • Reprisal for Contacting or Reporting Information to the OIG
  • Falsification of Time Cards
  • Abuse of Supervisor's Authority
  • False Workers' Comp (FECA) Claims
  • Gross Waste of Government Funds or Property
  • Contractor Product Substitution
  • Contractor False Claims
  • Bribes, Kickbacks, Bid-rigging
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • Travel or Purchase Card Fraud

The OIG may receive all initial complaints and concerns. However, we will assist in referring the following individual issues (that do not constitute fraud, waste and/or abuse) to another AOC Avenue of Assistance, or agency, for resolution:

  • Individual discrimination or management retaliation complaints, including alleged violations of the Congressional Accountability Act, 2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.
  • Individual employee benefits and compensation issues
  • Individual workplace grievances or collective bargaining agreement concerns
  • Individual workplace conflicts with a supervisor or management
  • Safety violations

OIG Investigations Contact

James L. Wilson III
202.593.1942
jamwilso@aoc.gov