Who We Are
The Office of Audits provides all internal and contracted audit activities, inspections, evaluations and reviews that address the Department of Energy’s top priorities and management challenges, promote the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of Department programs and operations; and detect and defer fraud, waste and abuse. The Office of Audits conducts independent, unbiased reviews to continuously improve the Department’s management and program operations by providing reliable, credible, financial and performance information to senior Department management, Congress, and taxpayers. Our audit staff conduct performance audits/inspections/evaluations, financial audits, and incurred cost audits.
Audit Types
Performance Audits/Inspections/Evaluations
Performance audits/inspections/evaluations are independent assessments of an organization, program, or activity that provide useful information for improving operations, enhancing accountability, and identifying efficiencies. These reviews may be part of planned reviews of key issues, potential risk areas, or other identified priorities. Additionally, the Office of Audits conducts audits in response to allegations of potential fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement.
Financial Audits
Financial audits are independent, objective examinations and evaluations of an organization’s financial statements to ensure that its financial practices and records comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations. These audits may also be initiated as part of a planned review or in response to allegations.
Incurred Cost Audits
Incurred cost audits provide an independent assessment of the accuracy of contractors’ annual cost submissions. These audits evaluate whether costs claimed by Management and Operations (M&O) contractors are allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with applicable standards, contract terms, laws and regulations. The purpose is to ensure the Department identifies and recovers any overpayments prior to contract closeout.