U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, FY 2021 Management Challenges

N

52

Federal Programs; Educational Finance; Information Security; Audits (Verification); Administration; Data Collection; Data Use; Reports; Grants; Student Financial Aid; Student Loan Programs; Federal Aid; Federal Legislation; Educational Legislation; Higher Education; Distance Education; Eligibility; Elementary Secondary Education; Contracts; Expenditures; Deception; Barriers; Information Technology; Accountability; Pandemics; COVID-19; Homeless People; Crime

Pell Grant Program; Federal Direct Student Loan Program; Higher Education Act Title IV; Elementary and Secondary Education Act; Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act 2020; Stewart B McKinney Homeless Assistance Act 1987; Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act

In accordance with the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports annually on the most serious management and performance challenges the Department faces. OIG's reports include a brief assessment of the Department's progress in addressing the challenges. They also identify further actions that, if properly implemented, could enhance the effectiveness of the Department's programs and operations. For fiscal year (FY) 2021, OIG identified five management challenges the Department faces as it continues its efforts to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. These challenges are: (1) implementing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act); (2) oversight and monitoring; (3) data quality and reporting; (4) improper payments; and (5) information technology security. OIG included implementation of the CARES Act as a new challenge for FY 2021 because of its breadth, complexity, and overall impact on the Department's programs, operations, and responsibilities. The remaining four challenges were included in OIG's FY 2020 report. While the Department made progress in addressing these challenges, OIG's work continued to identify vulnerabilities within each area. [For the FY 2020 report, see ED621360.]

ERIC

2022

ED621361