The information on this site is not legal advice upon which you should rely or act; nor is it intended to be legal advice. His initial hesitancy is understandable. increase the professionalism and effectiveness of personnel by developing policies, standards, and approaches to aid in the establishment of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce in the offices of Inspector General. It will then be provided to appropriate individuals, including management, accompanied by recommendations as warranted, so that they may consider any appropriate corrective actions based on the results of OIG's investigation. Everything in a real estate transaction is negotiable, including the type of professional used to conduct a home inspection. This behavior goes against so many of the principles inspectors general are supposed to operate by. The DHS Inspector General and other Cabinet-level Inspectors General can only be removed by the President, after advance notice to both Houses of Congress. A majority of standard real estate purchase agreements come with home inspection contingency language already written in them. The US Department of Energy has assessed that the Covid-19 pandemic most likely came from a laboratory leak in China, according to a newly updated classified intelligence report. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. If the asking price is lowered by even $5,000, thats only about $25 less per month toward the mortgage. Whistleblower Retaliation Reports of Investigation, Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the DHS Inspector General on July 25, 2019. Theres another reason why the buyers agent should be present: the agent can use the findings during negotiations. Just last year I began pushing hard to get to the bottom of whistleblower complaints about another apparently ineffective Commerce IG, although the media doesnt seem to care about that, despite bipartisan concern and briefings from my staff. At Alan Lescht & Associates, P.C., our law firm has a record of vigorously defending the rights of federal employees facing all types of allegations. 8 Documents You May Need For Tax Filings if You Sold a House. Danielle Brian is the executive director of the Project On Government Oversight, a nonprofit watchdog that investigates and exposes waste, corruption and abuse of power. Thats a whole house inspection, explains Beth Pretty, one of the top real estate agents in Midlothian, Virginia. In order to protect witness confidentiality, preserve the integrity of OIGs investigation, and other reasons (such as fairness and privacy considerations), OIG commonly requests that employees not discuss OIG interviews with their coworkers, subordinates, or supervisors. This began a bout of negotiations that resulted in the hold of presidential nominees and eventually a bicameral congressional investigation into the matter. Based on the results, you can price your home accordingly, and you wont be surprised by the results of your buyers inspection. A: OIG investigates a variety of matters, including allegations of fraud involving Commerce Department grants and contracts; improprieties in the administration of Department programs and operations; allegations of employee misconduct; and other issues concerning ethics and compliance received through OIGs hotline. Cooperation includes being fully candid and forthcoming when interviewed and providing any requested records in the employee's possession or to which he/she has access. Robert C. Kellers Avvo Top Contributor Badges, Criminal Defense Attorney in Blue Bell, PA, Criminal Defense Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, Criminal Defense Attorney in Havertown, PA, This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in. A: No. They have to be fierce watchdogs, not lapdogs. The Inspection Requirements for a VA Mortgage, How to Cancel a Home Remodeling Contract Agreement. You can read more about him, Reasonable Accommodations Request Intake Form, Conduct independent and objective audits and investigations relating to DHS programs and operations, Promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in DHS programs and operations, Prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse. Alternatively, when IGs come under fire for doing good work, Ive had their backs. A: In addition to the Inspector General Act and the Departmental directives referenced above, OIG investigations are conducted in accordance with the Quality Standards for Investigations issued by the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), and the Attorney General Guidelines for Offices of Inspectors General with Statutory Law Enforcement Authority. DAO 207-10 provides that employees shall furnish sworn oral or subscribed statements upon request. OIG cannot compel anyone to be interviewed; however, management can direct an employee to be interviewed as requested by OIG, and take disciplinary action if the employee declines. WebSince its 1976 establishment, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has been at the forefront of the Nation's efforts to fight waste, fraud and abuse and to improving the In the end, Mr. Walpin was never reinstated. Reporting by my colleagues at the Project On Government Oversight revealed that the inspector general, Joseph Cuffari, allegedly suppressed investigations According to the Inspector General Act, Inspectors General are appointed without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations. The IG Independence and Empowerment Act, which is up for a vote on the House floor this week, would mandate that inspectors general can only be fired for cause. If this law were enacted, an inspector general could only be removed if there is clear evidence of wrongdoing or failure to fulfill their duties. A: Under Departmental directives DAO 207-10 and DOO 10-13, OIG investigators have authority to take sworn, written statements (i.e., affidavits). At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. If interviewees wish to request transcripts of their recorded interviews, OIG has procedures by which such requests may be made and will be processed. keep agency heads and Congress fully informed about the problems IGs find. Real answers from licensed attorneys. As a seller, its important to prepare yourself for the home inspection process, and to know how to negotiate after a home inspection if it comes back with some not-so-great news. In a buyers market, buyers sometimes have more time, but in a sellers market, they usually have to act quickly. In the interest of transparency, we are providing these FAQs to promote greater understanding of our processes. Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas that can increase the risk of getting lung cancer. Congress expected that this requirement would keep presidents from removing aggressive watchdogs because they were doing their job well. But, because Wertheimer refused to turn over documents to the Integrity Committee, it was unable to substantiate other allegations against her including that she curtailed audits under pressure from agency leadership. The US Department of Energy has assessed that the Covid-19 pandemic most likely came from a laboratory leak in China, according to a newly updated classified The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill, by Danielle Brian, opinion contributor - 06/29/21 12:30 PM ET, by Glenn C. 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In Mr. Walpins case a federal court also later found, despite a clear. Reporting by my colleagues at the Project On Government Oversight revealed that the inspector general, Joseph Cuffari, allegedly suppressed investigations related to the White House. Have questions about buying, selling or renting during COVID-19? Congress first established offices of Inspectors General in 1978 to create independent and objective units in the federal government to do three things: promote efficiency and deter fraud and abuse; and. The home inspector is the only person who has to be present they are conducting the inspection, after all. Used under license. The trademarks MLS, Multiple Listing Service and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Q: Will OIG reveal employee identities or the fact that they cooperated? If the OIG believes you are involved in criminal activity, you could be subject to workplace discipline as well as criminal prosecution by the Justice Department for prosecution. Please do not send questions to this address if they are not related to a technical aspect of the website. Yet, more than two months later, President Joe Biden has yet to remove agency Inspector General Laura Wertheimer, despite the watchdogs recommendation to discipline or remove her. Anything else you could think of? Our lawyers and staff will do everything possible within the law to protect your rights and your employment. In some cases, home sellers and their buyers agree to divide the cost of any needed home repairs. Q: Can employees conduct their own audio/video recording of OIG interviews? In contrast, an OIG audit or evaluation is conducted to examine organizational program performance or financial management matters, typically of a systemic nature. 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