October 31, 2000

2000 Inspector General Semiannual Report to Congress

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) plays an important role in helping to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of all of the programs and operations of the Department of Energy, including those of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). During this reporting period, the OIG continued to provide special attention to the particular management challenges, vulnerabilities, and issues of concern to the NNSA. The challenges to the NNSA in its formative stages are many, and the OIG has sought to be of service to this crucial national security mission. Most notably, we issued a report on the state of the nuclear weapons infrastructure, discussed on pages 4 and 24 of this report. Our reviews addressed other important issues facing the NNSA and the Department, as well, including in the areas of safeguards and security, contract administration, and program management. The OIG will continue to serve as an independent voice to the Department, the NNSA, the Congress, and the taxpayer on important matters of national concern.