AMTRAK EMPLOYEE ABUSES VEHICLE PRIVILEGES AND TIME AND ATTENDANCE
Our investigation disclosed that an employee who worked in a prominent leadership position of significant trust was found to have abused his Amtrak vehicle privileges and engaged in substantial time and attendance abuse. We determined that this employee regularly worked as a high school football coach and trainer during claimed paid hours.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Opportunities Exist to Improve Services, Economies, and Contract Performance
Our audit objectives were to determine whether the IT Department (ITD) has (1) developed an adequate strategic plan and contract design for acquiring IT services, (2) established adequate processes and controls to accomplish contract administration and oversee performance of service providers, and (3) received services that meet the contract terms and conditions.
Evaluation of Amtrak's Acquisition of Concrete Tie Replacements
The Office of Inspector General is initiating an evaluation of Amtrak’s acquisition of concrete ties to replace defective ties installed on areas of track in New England, using funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Specifically, we will determine the extent of Amtrak’s oversight of the production of the replacement ties. To accomplish this objective, we plan to review Amtrak’s procurement policies, procedures, practices, and contract documents.
Evaluation of Amtrak’s Plans for Commissioning New Locomotive and Passenger Car Equipment
The Office of Inspector General is initiating an evaluation to determine the extent to which Amtrak is preparing to commission new locomotives and passenger cars into service and decommission existing equipment. To accomplish this, we will review existing plans, policies, procedures, and practices, and interview key Amtrak officials responsible for financial, operations, and maintenance processes associated with commissioning and decommissioning equipment. We plan to conduct our work in Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, Delaware, but may visit additional Amtrak offices as necessary.
Semiannual Report To Congress #47 (October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013)
Pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, I am pleased to provide the Amtrak Office of Inspector General Semiannual Report to the United States Congress for the six months ending March 31, 2013. This report highlights our significant audit, evaluation, and investigative accomplishments that help Amtrak accomplish its strategic goals and support congressional oversight. It also describes actions we have taken to continue improving our operational performance.
ASSET MANAGEMENT: Integrating Sound Business Practices into its Fleet Planning Process Could Save Amtrak Hundreds of Millions of Dollars on Equipment Procurements
We initiated this evaluation to determine whether the FY 2012 Fleet Strategy was based on detailed analyses and integrated planning in line with our previous recommendations (listed in Appendix II). Based on our initial discussions with the corporation, we expanded the scope of this evaluation to review Amtrak’s entire fleet planning process.
Amtrak Employee Dismissed for Theft and Failure to Take a Drug Test
OIG investigated allegations that an Amtrak machinist stole company property and smoked marijuana at work. A small amount of Amtrak property was recovered during a search of the employee’s home.