OMB Urges IG Cooperation in Memo to Agency Heads
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance on December 3 encouraging federal agencies to work together and support their inspector generals (IGs). As Congress works to strengthen independence and authority, OMB's memo sets the tone for cooperation and reflects input from the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE).
CIGIE Announces New Chairperson
In a press release from December 15, 2020, the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) announced their new chairperson, Allison C. Lerner. She began her term on January 1, 2021 and has previously served as the vice-chairperson of CIGIE and as co-chair of its Suspension and Debarment and Research Misconduct Working Groups.
OSC and CIGIE Reach Agreements for Investigation Referrals
On November 3, 2020, the United States Office of Special Counsel (OSC) announced that it had reached two agreements with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE). A statement by OSC claimed that the βcore goals of the agreements are to protect the independence of the respective Inspectors General and provide better outcomes to whistleblowers who report allegations of wrongdoing by OIGs.β The agreements are βthe result of a years-long effort to clarify standards of procedure for such disclosures.β