Investigation Process

• What is an OIG investigation?
• What happens during an OIG investigation?
• Can your identity be kept confidential?
• What are your responsibilities?
• How do you report fraud, waste, or abuse?
• How can you learn what was done with your complaint?

WHAT IS AN OIG INVESTIGATION?
Congress established the OIG as an independent and objective unit within TVA to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.  The role of investigations is to receive and investigate complaints or information concerning the possible existence of any activity constituting a violation of law, rules, or regulations. Under the Inspector General Act, the OIG can access all TVA records and conduct any investigation which in the Inspector General's judgment is necessary or desirable.  Our investigations include alleged contract fraud, financial fraud, healthcare fraud, workers' compensation fraud, and any other matter which could potentially affect TVA.  OIG investigators -- special agents -- generally have law enforcement backgrounds and have worked in federal and state investigative units.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN OIG INVESTIGATION?
OIG investigators review relevant documents and interview complainants, witnesses, experts, and subjects.  They may take sworn statements and use administrative subpoenas to obtain documentary evidence.  The OIG, in cooperation with the United States Attorney, may also use federal grand jury subpoenas to obtain information, reports, answers, accounts, papers, and other data and documentary evidence.  During the course of an investigation, the OIG may request assistance from other state, federal, and local government agencies, including law enforcement agencies such as the FBI.  If the OIG contacts you, you can expect a courteous, thorough, professional interview intended to develop relevant facts.  At the end of an investigation, the OIG reports its findings to TVA management and, as appropriate, to prosecuting officials.  The decision of what action to take rests with management and the prosecutor, although the OIG monitors the adequacy of the corrective action taken by management.

CAN YOUR IDENTITY BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?
If you are concerned about disclosure of your identity, the OIG can grant confidentiality.  However, many allegations simply cannot be investigated if the identity of the complainant is kept secret, and there are limits to confidentiality.  To be sure you understand these limits, you may call Empowerline or any special agent to discuss them.  Reprisal against an individual for cooperating with the OIG is expressly prohibited. Reprisal can lead to disciplinary action, including termination.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?
The cooperation of all TVA employees is essential to accomplish the OIG's objectives. Employee responsibilities include:

• Answering any questions fully and accurately.
• Making available all requested materials.
• Reporting immediately -- to their supervisor or the OIG -- any known or suspected waste, fraud, abuse, or violation of law.

HOW DO YOU REPORT FRAUD, WASTE, OR ABUSE?
You may voice concerns by contacting Empowerline or any OIG investigator or by writing the OIG.  If you are not sure you want to get involved, we can talk informally with you to help you decide whether to report your concerns to the OIG.  Telephone numbers and the OIG address are listed on the Contact Us page. In addition, you can find the agent(s) assigned to each TVA facility by clicking here.

HOW CAN YOU LEARN WHAT WAS DONE WITH YOUR COMPLAINT?

If you contacted Empowerline, you were given a password so you can check back to find the status of your complaint.  In addition, the OIG tries to advise complainants when investigations have been completed.  Because of the Privacy Act, however, the OIG generally cannot tell complainants what the investigation found or what specific action was taken.