Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, On the Important Role of Inspectors General. Please do not send questions to this address if they are not related to a technical aspect of the website. They could be calling you for anyone of several reasons. Take the inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security, for example. The inspector will test every window, check every outlet, test the appliances, walk the roof, go in the attic, go in the crawl space. WebOne of the first responsibilities of the Air Force inspector general is to operate a credible complaints program that investigates personnel complaints: Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) allegations; congressional inquiries; and issues involving the Air Force mission. DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent and objective audit, inspection, and investigative body. With Danny Kaye, Walter Slezak, Barbara Bates, Elsa Lanchester. Q: What professional standards apply to OIG investigations? I got a message on my phone from one asking me to call them back. Occasionally (and most commonly in a very competitive sellers market), buyers may waive their right to an inspection in order to make their deal more appealing to the seller. And remember the right to remain silent is yours to invoke. As a seller, its important to prepare yourself for the home inspection process, and to know how to negotiate after a home inspection if it comes back with some not-so-great news. Q: What are an employee's rights in connection with a criminalOIG investigation? It is critical to exercise this right at the earliest opportunity. However, experienced home inspectors have more of a background in determining potential flaws in the house and have less of a conflict of interest. And I hope that support continues well past the current administration. You can find information about the OIG on their website: http://www.oig.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/oig_home. Sometimes that gets misinterpreted and can cause some problems, Pretty states. It is not Zillow's intention to solicit or interfere with any established agency relationship you may have with a real estate professional. Section 7 of the Inspector General Act states that [t]he Inspector General shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from an employee, disclose the identity of the employee without the consent of the employee, unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. During the course of some investigations, it may be unavoidable that the identities of individuals involved will become known. WebThrough its investigative and audit findings and recommendations, OIG helps protect and strengthen Departmental programs and operations. If you're a home seller and the buyer wants a home inspection, you could negotiate that it be conducted by a certified home inspector only. Many contracts have specific requirements related to asbestos and lead paint, so be sure to disclose everything you know. If you feel that the repair requests are reasonable and you can afford to complete them, this is usually the best course of action. Reasonable buyers will understand that no home is perfect not even new construction. A: Employees may assert their Fifth Amendment right to refuse to provide information on the grounds that the information might be used against them in a criminal proceeding. Q: Will OIG reveal employee identities or the fact that they cooperated? And remember, they want to buy your house! For example, when a homebuyer and a seller agree on a sale, the purchase agreement may contain contingencies, such as the home passing an inspection. Webeaster egg, The Last of Us | 1.2K views, 27 likes, 0 loves, 1 comments, 1 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Nerdist: Every easter egg in The Last of Us episode 7! The home inspector is the only person who has to be present they are conducting the inspection, after all. 245 Murray Lane SW Washington, DC 20528-0305 Just last year I began pushing hard to get to the bottom of whistleblower complaints about another apparently ineffective Commerce IG, although the media doesnt seem to care about that, despite bipartisan concern and briefings from my staff. You need a real backbone to wring wrongdoing from the bowels of the bureaucracy. This set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) is intended to provide Department of Commerce employees and managers with helpful information regarding the nature and scope of OIG investigative activities, as well as their obligations and rights in connection with OIG investigations. After all, among sellers who had a sale fall through, 15 percent were due to the buyer backing out after the inspection report. WebSince its 1976 establishment, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has been at the forefront of the Nation's efforts to fight waste, fraud and abuse and to improving the The report will be reviewed within OIG to ensure that it is fact-based, objective, and clear. Whether youre able to sue the inspector depends on state laws. If an investigation shows evidence of administrative wrongdoing on the part of a DHS employee, the ROI is presented to the Department which will take whatever personnel action it deems appropriate. The home inspection reveals flaws in the home that could be considered a safety hazard, a significant problem, or a simple fix. As crucial as the inspection is, do you know who attends a home inspection? Investigators prepare a Report of Investigation (ROI) regarding the findings in each case. A: In addition to the Inspector General Act and the Departmental directives referenced above, OIG investigations are conducted in accordance with the Quality Standards for Investigations issued by the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), and the Attorney General Guidelines for Offices of Inspectors General with Statutory Law Enforcement Authority. Most inspectors have a policy where they wont release the report to the buyer until the inspection is paid for, Pretty mentions. HomeGauge: What Is a Buyer's Home Inspection? Note that buyers who are getting cold feet will sometimes use the inspection as an excuse to back out, even if the report only finds minor issues. Reputable home contractors are licensed to perform work and repairs on a home's structure and possibly certain of its critical components. or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. WebReport Fraud, Waste, or Abuse at GAO. But now, Biden has an opportunity to set a new standard for when it is actually appropriate to remove an inspector general. And, the law says that IGs are supposed to be objective and independent. In that case, I pushed for compliance with the statute, held up a nominees to obtain information, and disagreed with the stated reasons for Mr. Walpins removal. Theyre looking for flaws and ways to be a hero for their buyer friend. Other than a whole house and radon inspections, there are different types of home inspections your agent may recommend. Also, when youre ready to do repairs, you can use a general contractor for minor repairs, but Pretty recommends hiring licensed professionals who specialize in that area. However, instead of asking for a reduced price on the home, Pretty suggests buyers ask for credit toward closing costs. Consistent with current prevailing law, employees who are bargaining unit members may be permitted to have union representation present during interviews. Alternatively, when IGs come under fire for doing good work, Ive had their backs. These investigations can result in criminal prosecutions, fines, civil monetary penalties, administrative sanctions, and personnel actions. We work each day to ensure that the values of good government - ethics, integrity, and accountability come first in From one administration to the next, Democrat or Republican, it makes no difference to me. One final tip: read your purchase contract thoroughly so you know how long you have to complete the inspection. A: OIG investigators will respect the confidentiality of Department employees as provided by law. We cannot perform our constitutional mandate of oversight without them. Today, Ive introduced that legislation with my colleagues Senators Peters, Collins, Feinstein, Lankford, Carper, Romney, Tester, Portman and Hassan. We understand the unique nature of federal laws protecting employees, and will use this knowledge to protect you. A contractor who anticipates getting the work to make any repairs or renovations, for example, may be more likely to mention issues that are advantageous to his business. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them. This behavior goes against so many of the principles inspectors general are supposed to operate by. Similarly, it is not appropriate for management to question such employees about OIG interviews or requests, including specific questions asked or the content of interviews. In some cases, it may make sense to consult with your agent and weigh the pros and cons of the costs of repairs versus letting the buyer walk and. This of course was the intent of the law all along. DAO 207-10, Section 2, makes clear that the Inspector General Act authorizes OIG to have access to all records, communications (e.g., e-mail, voicemail, instant messaging), reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations and other material available to the Department that relate to Department programs and operations. OIG is authorized to access electronic records and data systems such as computers. Q: Can employees conduct their own audio/video recording of OIG interviews? In 2020 so far, IGs have identified more than $20 billion in potential savings through their audits, reports, and recommendations. This information does not create an attorney /client relationship and should not be use or relied upon to make any decision in your case. Review the leading sale options WebA home inspection contingency is an addendum to the offer contract that allows the buyer to conduct an inspection and then back out of the deal if they are unsatisfied with the findings. The results of OIG investigations may be used for administrative action by the Department and its bureaus, as well as for criminal and civil action by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). During the year, we adjust our plan to add reviews based on new issues and requests and remove items that cannot be started due to lack of resources. For example, if the electric needs to be re-wired, you should hire a licensed electrician. With that said, Pretty recommends using the contractor friend as a resource by having them go through the inspection report, then discuss the problems, and the costs to repair them. Q: Can an employee discuss an OIG investigation with non-OIG personnel? A: Any questions or issues may be addressed by email atOIGInvestigationsAdmin@oig.doc.gov. Inman News: General Contractor vs. Home Inspector: Whos Right for the Job? In the public domain for all to see. For example, they could make comments about how the walls look dingy or the knobs on the cabinets are dated. This requires that Presidents tell Congress and the people their reasons for removal. Luckily, the IG Independence and Empowerment Act would also require the Integrity Committee to report allegations to Congress quickly and keep members apprised of the status of investigations. If Ive learned anything about oversight in my time in Congress, its that this type of work is not for the faint-hearted, thin-skinned or thick-headed. I will assume the real underlying question is what you should do about the call. Should the OIG recommend employment discipline, we can represent you in a hearing before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Additionally, you should not post anything on a public site that might be used against you. Thus, an employees obligation to cooperate with OIGs investigation extends beyond the time during which the employee is interviewed. Biden needs to set aside any concerns that removing Wertheimer will appear retaliatory, as Trumps firings did. You might be surprised by what you learn! For more information about our Hotline and the types of allegations that should be reported, please see our Hotline Home Page. To prevent even the appearance that they are withholding pertinent information, employees should avoid narrowly construing interview questions or record requests, and promptly provide requested records. Congress first established offices of Inspectors General in 1978 to create independent and objective units in the federal government to do three things: promote efficiency and deter fraud and abuse; and. Real answers from licensed attorneys. Years licensed, work experience, education. WebAnswer (1 of 9): Absolutely not. Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas that can increase the risk of getting lung cancer. Whenever we have a seller insisting on being there, we always explain to them: you cant follow the inspector around, and you cant drop in on it you need to find somewhere to sit.. Auditors examine the methods employed by DHS, components, grantees, and contractors in carrying out essential programs and activities. Recording is to the benefit of all parties, because it ensures that a definitive record exists of both what was asked and the information provided in response. The OIG cannot force you to answer questions; however, your supervisor can discipline you for refusing to do so. OIG investigations can include both criminal, civil and administrative matters. Additionally, the Office of Investigations monitors the investigative activity of DHS various internal affairs offices. For the IG system to work, it is essential to balance independence with accountability of IGs. Sellers are often caught by surprise when a buyers inspection report comes back with a long list of repairs, even if the home isnt very old. Were not going to enact a clearly unconstitutional law that infringes on the Presidents authority to manage personnel and that would surely result in a lengthy court battle. Further, OIG undergoes a CIGIE peer review every three years to assess its compliance with applicable standards. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Its about the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the public trust. The Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) was established by the Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 to be an independent entity within the Executive Branch to: As a first-time homebuyer, its understandable that youd want to bring someone more knowledgeable along who could spot issues that you cant. Inspections can be very narrowly focused, looking at a single transaction within a large system or can look at overall system controls. In the end, Mr. Walpin was never reinstated. Q: Can an employee decline to be interviewed? When we finally got a response from the White House Counsel we were left without substantive reasons for the IG removals. Inspectors general provide independent, nonpartisan oversight of federal programs and spending, uncovering abuse of power and wasteful spending within federal agencies. The Office of Inspections and Evaluations is the lead OIG office for reporting on DHS intelligence, international affairs, civil rights and civil liberties, and science and technology. Our lawyers and staff will do everything possible within the law to protect your rights and your employment. It depends on what your buyer requests, the type of repair, and your own skill level. First, it is the Presidents constitutional prerogative to manage executive branch personnel. There are states where Realtors do not attend the inspection the only person who goes is the inspector, by him or herself. Of course, if the buyer isnt able to attend the inspection for one reason or another, their agent can go for them. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. You need a strong code of professionalism to withstand pressures to go-along-to-get-along. A: No. Occasionally (and most commonly in a very competitive sellers market), buyers may waive their right to an inspection in order to make their deal more appealing to the seller. The National Research Council published a report that supports the EPAs (Environmental Protection Agency) claims that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, claiming 15,000 lives each year. We need to be clearer and we need to better safeguard the independence of these IGs. As a buyer, you will be responsible for paying for the inspection out of pocket right then and there. In a 104-page document, the inspector general, Michael A. Bolton, criticized the way the Capitol Police prepared for and responded to the mob violence on Jan. 6. Do not send any confidential information to us until and unless a formal attorney-client relationship has been established. Not all states have laws regulating the home inspection industry, notes the American Society of Home Inspectors, and state laws can vary. The US Department of Energy has assessed that the Covid-19 pandemic most likely came from a laboratory leak in China, according to a newly updated classified intelligence report. A certified home inspector conducts a visual inspection of a home's structure as well as its critical components, such as plumbing, electrical and heating and air conditioning systems. In the interest of transparency, we are providing these FAQs to promote greater understanding of our processes. In July of 2009, less than a year after Congress passed the IG reform act, then President Obama removed the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Inspector General, Gerald Walpin from his post and placed him on administrative leave. Therefore, we promote stricteditorial integrity in each of our posts. In short, Congress designed Inspectors General to shine a bright light on waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the ever-expanding federal bureaucracy, with the hope that the Executive and Legislative Branches could work together and do something about it. You can read more about him here. WebThis occurs when an employee with authority takes or fails to take, or threatens to take, a personnel action against another employee because such employee made a protected disclosure. What Documents Will I Need for Taxes if I Bought a House Last Year? It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Post your question and get advice from multiple lawyers. DHS Office of Inspector General investigators have statutory law enforcement authority, including the power to make arrests, execute warrants, and carry firearms. Home sellers and their buyers are free to negotiate over home inspection results as well as who will pay for any repairs. And many end up requesting repairs or concessions after getting the inspection report back. The Office of Inspector General has nine divisions, or Program Offices, responsible for oversight of DHS: An audit is a methodical examination of a business, government program, or financial records. Steve Linick, State Department Inspector General, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 10, 2014, before a House Select Committee on Benghazi hearing. I can't speculate what it would be about. 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