Message from the Acting Inspector General

I am pleased to present this Semiannual Report to the Congress, covering the oversight activities of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of State (Department) and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. OIG is responsible for the oversight of more than $89 billion in Department and USAGM programs and operations. We also provide oversight for the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, U.S. Section (USIBWC), a federal agency operating under the foreign policy guidance of the Department.  

OIG continues to promote economy and efficiency in Department programs and operations. During this reporting period, OIG identified $26.5 million in monetary benefits, including $4.3 million in questioned costs, $4.6 million in funds put to better use, and $17.6 million in investigative monetary results. OIG's investigative work led to six debarments and two convictions. During this reporting period, the Department made a management decision on $9.8 million in potential monetary benefits identified by OIG during the current and prior reporting periods.  

During the reporting period, OIG issued 32 reports to improve the programs and operations of the agencies we oversee. Regarding compliance, we closed 245 recommendations associated with 92 reports. Of the 245 recommendations, 11 were significant and demonstrated implementation of crucial corrective actions by the Department and USAGM. 

OIG’s Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025 outlines audits, inspections, evaluations, and other activities planned to advance our oversight mission during the ongoing fiscal year. We continue to prioritize top management and performance challenges facing the Department and USAGM, outlined in the annual Inspector General Statement on the Department of State’s Major Management and Performance Challenges and the Inspector General Statement on the U.S. Agency for Global Media’s Major Management and Performance Challenges.   

It is my honor to lead a mission-driven workforce dedicated to delivering meaningful results to the American people. I am grateful to the Department, USAGM, USIBWC, and Congress for their support of our efforts.  

Sandra J. Lewis, Acting Inspector General

March 31, 2025