January 18, 2012

Lessons Learned/Best Practices during the Department of Energy's Implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law on February 17, 2009 as a way to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs, spur technological advances in science and health, and invest in the Nation's energy future.  As part of the Recovery Act, the Department of Energy (Department) received more than $35 billion to support a number of science, energy, and environmental initiatives.  In addition, the Department noted that its authority to make or guarantee energy-related loans increased to as much as $52 billion.  From an Inspector General perspective, the intensive ramp-up and execution of Recovery Act-funded efforts provided a number of Departmental lessons learned and insights as to best practices.  This report highlights a number of such issues identified as part of our body of work over nearly three years.  This includes more than 70 completed Recovery Act reviews and many more ongoing investigations and evaluations.  Our examinations in this area involved extensive discussions with Federal, state and local officials; contractors and grantees; funding and service recipients; and, other individuals.  These interactions proved to be invaluable in carrying out our mission.

Topic: Management & Administration