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Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Mismanagement

  • Published
  • By Lt Col Heath Shelburn
  • 15th Wing/ Inspector General
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii-- --  Who is responsible for FWA? The prevention of FWA is inherently a command responsibility; however, the success of a FWA program lies with each individual.
 
Preventing and eliminating FWA within DoD requires support by both military and civilian employees. Individuals must report FWA or lack of controls that could permit resources to be wasted or diverted. Air Force policy is to prevent, detect, and correct instances of FWA; to appropriately discipline perpetrators involved in FWA activities; and to recoup, if possible, losses of cash, property, and services resulting from FWA.

Did you know that the intentional use of the government purchase charge (GPC) card for anything other than official government business is considered misuse?

Sometimes misuse may also be considered fraud.

Examples of misuse include 1) exceeding the cardholder's purchase and limit; purchases not authorized by the unit; purchases made with no funding; purchases for personal consumption, and purchases that do not comply with Federal Acquisition Regulation or applicable procurement statues and regulations.

Cardholders who misuse their GPC cards will be held personally liable to the government for the amount of any unauthorized transaction, and are subject to disciplinary action ranging from verbal counseling by a supervisor to discharge or termination of employment.

Fraud is a more serious criminal offense for which the cardholder can be convicted and subject to fines and/or imprisonment.

Other examples of FWA:
· Making false statements.
· Submitting false claims.
· Using false weights or measures.
· Deceiving either by suppressing the truth or misrepresenting a material fact.
· Adulterating or substituting materials.
· Falsifying records and books of accounts.
· Arranging for secret profits, kickbacks, or commissions.
· Conflict of interest cases, criminal irregularities, and the unauthorized disclosure of official information relating to procurement and disposal matters.
· Offering payment or accepting bribes or gratuities.
· Evading or corrupting inspectors or other officials.

Professionals at all levels are the eyes and ears of DoD. If you suspect FWA, report it to DOD IG at 1-800-424-9098, Navy Region IG Hotline at (808) 473-1782, or 15 WG/IG Hotline at (808) 449-1558.