Correspondence
Memorandum to the Secretary: Supporting DOT’s Efforts To Meet CARES Act Responsibilities
Responding to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is undoubtedly among the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) highest priorities in this time of national emergency. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) shares DOT’s commitment to swift and effective implementation of the Act’s provisions. We are ready to support these efforts and work together to expedite our Nation’s economic recovery while maximizing efficiencies, ensuring compliance, and promoting fraud awareness. To aid the Department in its efforts, we intend to provide an initial product in the coming months summarizing crosscutting oversight risks and suggestions for mitigating those risks. Subsequent to this initial effort, OIG will announce future work related to oversight of the CARES Act as needed. Additionally, as the Department is aware, the volume of CARES Act funds and the speed with which they must be disbursed puts them at a higher risk for fraud, waste, and abuse. Working together, the Department and OIG can examine early indicators of potential misuse to ensure good stewardship of these critical funds.