Office of Inspector General U.S. House of Representatives Volunteer Educational Program

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1 Office of Inspector General Volunteer Educational Program Purpose of the Office of Inspector General s Volunteer Educational Program The Volunteer Educational Program is aimed at providing undergraduate and graduate university students who have a desire to enter public service, the opportunity to apply the theoretical understanding of public service from their academic environment in real world situations. Students will gain hands-on experience through working side-by-side with professionals in a government oversight organization. Students in a chosen career path in the areas of audit or advisory services, fraud prevention, and information assurance may reap the maximum benefits of the program. This program also aims to prepare students for working in a professional environment where behavior, conformance to standards, and soft skills are often viewed as valuable as technical skills. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) believes this program will enrich our organization and corresponds with goals of our diversity plan. The OIG s Volunteer Educational Program consists of defined projects with measureable outcomes. Each participant will be provided a Program Experience Plan, and Performance Metrics, and will be mentored and paired with a peer buddy throughout the program. In addition to defined projects, participants will be required to complete a Capstone Project. Each participant will be evaluated by a mid- to senior-level auditor or manager using the same basic areas of competency and evaluation criteria used for our staff. For instance, throughout their projects, participants will be evaluated in such areas as Work Performance (work management, flexibility, objectivity), Communication (written, listening, verbal), Critical Thinking, Professional Relationships (integrity, teamwork, customer focus), and Technical Excellence (use of tools/methods, following and executing standards and processes). Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a final evaluation and certificate of completion. Overview of the Office of Inspector General The Office of Inspector General (OIG) plays a significant role in the oversight of the administrative activities of the United States House of Representatives (House). The OIG s mission is to provide value-added recommendations for improving the performance, accountability, and integrity of House financial, administrative, and technology-based operations by performing independent audit, advisory, and investigative services in a non-partisan manner. Through its services, the OIG contributes to a more effective and efficient House support structure by identifying and helping mitigate significant risks to the House; highlighting opportunities for improving the efficiency of House operations; and serving as a constructive critic, helpful advisor, and positive change agent.

2 Mission and Functions The Office of Inspector General (OIG) was established by the in the 103 rd Congress, pursuant to the House Administrative Reform Resolution of 1992 (H. Res. 423, 102 nd Congress) to conduct periodic audits of the financial and administrative functions of the House and of joint entities. As a result of changing customer demands, the OIG positioned itself to provide more value-added services, thereby allowing our customers to leverage our work to reduce inefficiencies and realize cost savings. In addition to conducting audits, the OIG provides advisory and investigative services to the House and joint entities in a manner consistent with government-wide standards. Recognizing this broader mission, changes to the Standing Rules of the House were approved at the beginning of the 111 th Congress. Under the general supervision of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, the Inspector General will: 1. Provide audit, advisory, and investigative services to the House and joint entities in a manner consistent with government-wide standards. 2. Recommend policies for activities that promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of programs; help prevent and detect fraud and abuse in such programs and operations; and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. 3. Inform the Speaker, the Majority Leader, the Minority Leader, and the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on House Administration, by means of the reports required by House Rule II, concerning the results of audits, advisories, and investigations. 4. Provide the Committee on Ethics information involving possible violations by a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House of any rule of the House or of any law applicable to the performance of official duties or the discharge of official responsibilities that may require referral to the appropriate Federal or State authorities under clause 3(a) (3) of Rule XI. OIG Organization and its Relation to Governance The OIG provides support to House governance activities by performing audits, advisory, and investigative services in coordination with the Committee on House Administration. The OIG executes these activities through deliberate processes using highly-skilled, professional staff. The OIG staff consists of twenty-four experienced and dedicated professionals who have extensive public and private sector work experience. All audit, advisory, and quality assurance staff hold advanced degrees, or one or more professional certifications. The staff is divided among executive management, three divisions (audit, advisory, investigation) and a support services division.

3 Executive Management The Inspector General (IG) and two Deputy Inspectors General (Deputies) are responsible for ascertaining, formulating, and recommending policies, plans, and programs for audits and advisory services. They provide policy direction to, supervision of, and coordination for audits, advisories, and investigative reviews of the financial and administrative functions of the House. The IG and Deputies work with House management to provide value-added audit and advisory services, and through practical and actionable recommendations, strive to improve the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of House operations. Information Systems Audit Division The Information Systems (IS) Audit Division is responsible for performing audits of computer security, operating systems, information systems, network hardware and software, and the information resources management function in the House. The audits performed by the IS Division generally fall into the area of information assurance. Performance and Financial Audits, and Investigative Services Division The Performance and Financial Audits, and Investigative Services Division (PF&I) is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, the economy and efficiency of operations, and the detection and prevention of fraud and abuse in these operations. The audits performed by PF&I generally fall into one of three areas: 1) Financial Management; 2) House Operations; and 3) Health, Safety, and Security. With the coordination of the Committee on House Administration, this division also executes investigations into sensitive allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in the operations of the House. Management Advisory Services (MAS) Division The Management Advisory Services (MAS) Division provides advisory services to the House community. In general, MAS conducts advisories designed to evaluate the effectiveness of system development and project management practices and to identify and recommend business process improvements. The MAS Division also applies and assists in the application of Lean Six Sigma concepts and other process improvement methodologies. Support Services Division The Support Services Division provides administrative support to the OIG. The division is responsible for operational functions in the areas of administrative support, human resources, budget and finance, procurement, contracting, information systems and technology support activities, audit quality assurance, audit report tracking and distribution, and internal process improvement. The Support Services Division spearheads balanced scorecard initiatives, and develops dashboards, quality performance metrics, and evaluation criteria for OIG management. Attachment: Program Requirements & Application Process

4 Office of Inspector General Volunteer Educational Program PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 1) Undergraduate or graduate university student 2) Minimum commitment of 240 hours a. Hours can be completed on a full time or part-time basis 3) Student should desire to enter public service; and preferably work in the audit, advisory, or information assurance career fields APPLICATION PROCESS Applications are currently only being accepted on a referral basis. Referrals must come from an Office of Inspector General staff member. 1) Apply 90 days prior to desired start date a. The application should consist of the candidate s resume and a signed letter from their college/university on letterhead i. The school s letter should state that participation in the program will provide educational benefits to the student (Sample University Letter, Attachment 1) b. Provide the application (resume & letter from school) to the referring Office of Inspector General staff member c. Sign and return acknowledgement letter sent by our office. The letter states your acceptance of the terms of the program and that your participation in this volunteer opportunity does not constitute employment, provide benefits, or constitute an offer of future employment (Sample Acknowledgement Letter, Attachment 2). The signed letter is due no later than two weeks prior to your start date. 2) Selection Process: Candidates applications will be reviewed by management. Attachments: Sample University Letter Sample Acknowledgement Letter

5 ATTACHMENT 1 UNIVERSITY/SCHOOL S LETTERHEAD NAME & ADDRESS Date Theresa M. Grafenstine, Inspector General 386 Ford HOB Washington, DC RE: Student s Name Dear Inspector General Grafenstine, I appreciate you providing the opportunity for (Student s Name) to volunteer in your organization. We believe this volunteer opportunity will further (Student s Name) development of skills in (list skills relevant to studies or career), which are essential to (academic success or a career path in (name career field)). In addition, we hope the exposure to the Inspector General's office and staff will provide additional professional education to (Student s Name). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (phone and/or ). Sincerely, OIG Sample University Letter

6 ATTACHMENT 2 Month Day, Year Student s Full Name Address 1 Address 2 Dear Ms/Mr. Student Last Name: To support your educational program, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has accepted your offer to serve as an unpaid volunteer. We hope that your experience with the Office of Inspector General will provide you with valuable insight into how our office operates and its role at the (House). Please note that this volunteer activity does not constitute employment, provide benefits, or constitute an offer of future employment at the House. Please sign and acknowledge your acceptance of this volunteer opportunity covering Month Day, Year through Month Day, Year. We are looking forward to your arrival. Sincerely, Theresa M. Grafenstine Inspector General 386 Ford House Office Building Washington, DC Acknowledgement Student s Full Name Date OIG Sample Acknowledgement Letter