U S Government Accountability Office

Disaster relief, agencies need to improve policies and procedures for estimating improper payments U S Government Accountability Office

" DRAA provided approximately $50 billion in supplemental appropriations, before sequestration, to 19 federal agencies for expenses related to Hurricane Sandy and other purposes. DRAA deemed all programs and activities receiving appropriations under the act as susceptible to significant improper payments, making such appropriations subject to improper payment estimation requirements established in law and through OMB guidance. GAO was asked to review agencies' efforts to estimate improper payments for expenses related to Hurricane Sandy. For DRAA funds, this report (1) describes how selected agencies estimated and reported improper payments and (2) determines the extent to which selected agencies developed policies and procedures for estimating improper payments. GAO reviewed the Departments of Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation; the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers; and the Small Business Administration, which collectively received most of the DRAA funds. GAO reviewed sampling plans, evaluated agencies' policies and procedures, and conducted interviews with officials at these agencies and OMB. "