Office of the Inspector General Profile
The Office of the Inspector General is headed by the Inspector General, who is appointed by, reports to, and is under the general supervision of the Smithsonian Board of Regents. OIG is located in Washington, D.C. In addition to the Inspector General, OIG consists of the Assistant Inspector General for Audits, Inspections, and Evaluations, the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, Assistant Inspector General for Operations, Counsel to the Inspector General, auditors, evaluators, investigators, and an administrative officer.
Vision
Our vision is to be a highly effective and trusted organization that promotes positive change in the Smithsonian
Mission
Our mission is to promote the efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of the Smithsonian’s programs and operations through independent and objective oversight. We achieve our mission by conducting independent investigations, audits, and evaluations and by reporting our findings of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, along with recommendations for improvement.
Values
Integrity. We demonstrate our integrity by acting with honesty and professionalism. We treat people with dignity and respect. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Objectivity. Objectivity is the foundation of our work. We maintain independence, gather all relevant facts, and base our findings on supportable evidence. We conduct our work without bias or undue influence.
Impact. Our work provides decision-makers with information they can use to improve Smithsonian programs and operations. We are committed to achieving the highest quality in everything we do. We communicate and share knowledge openly, consistently, and constructively, building mutual trust with associates and stakeholders.
Innovation. We think creatively and encourage sharing new ideas and solutions to existing challenges. We anticipate changing conditions and adjust our priorities and work accordingly. We embrace continuous improvement in our own organization and the Smithsonian
Authority
The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended in 1988 (P.L. 100-504), established the Smithsonian’s OIG. The Act requires the Smithsonian OIG to:
- conduct audits and investigations relating to Smithsonian’s programs and operations
- promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within the Smithsonian
- review and make recommendations regarding existing and proposed programs and operations
- prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in Smithsonian’s programs and operations
- report expeditiously to the Attorney General whenever the Inspector General has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of criminal law
- keep the Board of Regents and Congress fully and currently informed of serious problems in Smithsonian’s programs and operations
For more information, see our Office of the Inspector General Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2025 - 2029.