All Reports

The OIG performed a follow up audit of Inspection No. 2005 522I, where we recommended TVA execute contract modifications with distributors who wish to pursue nonelectric business ventures, and TVA management agreed to do so. In addition, TVA management asserted they would formalize procedures to ensure consistent review of (1) distributor financial information and (2) business plans that propose the use of electric system revenues for nonelectric system purposes.Our review found TVA management later decided on an alternative approach to protect its interests and those of all parties.

The OIG reviewed the TVA's compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002. Our review determined TVA made significant improvement in two FISMA control areas in the past year. However, overall progress in implementing information technology controls required by FISMA has slowed, while TVA continues work on previously recommended actions and redesigns some processes.

The objectives of this review were to determine what actions TVA has taken since the Kingston Fossil Plant ash spill to address (1) deficiencies in ash management governance, (2) cultural issues identified, (3) stability of the other coal ash impoundments, and (4) deficiencies in the coal ash management program. The scope of this review included coal ash management and related risks.

The OIG performed four agreed-upon procedures, which were requested solely to assist management in determining the validity of the Winning Performance (WP) payout awards for the year ended September 30, 2010. Following are the results of the procedures applied:The fiscal year (FY) 2010 WP goals were properly approved.

We audited $51.2 million in costs billed to TVA by a contractor for financial management and consulting services under two contracts. Our objective was to determine if the costs billed from July 2003 through December 2008 were in compliance with the provisions of the contracts.

We audited $24.9 million in payments made by TVA from 2007 through 2009 to a contractor for providing engineering, design, and construction support. In summary, we found the contractor overbilled TVA an estimated $39,915, including (1) $26,182 in overbilled labor and fee costs and (2) $13,733 in overbilled direct costs. We recommended TVA management take action to recover the overbilled costs. The contractor agreed with our findings and recommendations.and stated it would issue a credit invoice to TVA. Summary Only

We audited $6.9 million in payments TVA made to a contractor for providing labor, material, and equipment to reclear or provide maintenance for existing transmission line right-of-way areas under two contracts from January 5, 2004, through April 19, 2010. In summary, we found the contractor had overbilled TVA about $1,400 due to miscellaneous billing errors. However, TVA's invoice approvers had found and adjusted most of the errors prior to paying the contractor. Summary Only

This review was the result of broad interest surrounding the safety and condition of TVA dams after the ash spill at the Kingston Fossil Plant. The objectives of this review were to determine if TVA's Dam Safety Program identified and adequately addressed significant risks, was in compliance with TVA policies and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations, and encompassed all the aspects of a comprehensive dam safety program.

The OIG reviewed TVA's storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia to determine whether (1) TVA's policies and procedures complied with relevant ammonia-related Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other federal regulations, and (2) TVA fossil plants were in compliance with TVA's policies and procedures covering ammonia storage and management.

We are pleased to present our report for the period March 31, 2010, through October 1, 2010. The hard work of our TVA OIG employees resulted in almost $20.5 million in recoveries, fines/penalties, potential savings, questioned costs, or funds which could be put to better use during this reporting period as well as numerous recommendations to improve TVA programs.We continue to monitor the progress TVA is making with both the Kingston coal ash clean-up efforts and TVA's overall record of environmental performance.