The U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG) https://www.oig.dot.gov/ was established by the Public Law 95-452 The 1978 Inspector General Act https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/The%20Inspector%20General%20Act%20of%201978%20-%20Updated%202020-04-15%20%28508%20Compliant%29.pdf. 

It’s legal authority is derived from 49 USC 1326 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title49-section1326&num=0&edition=prelim and its administrative law authority in the CFR is 49 CFR 1.70 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-1/subpart-C?toc=1

This office works within DOT to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of DOT programs and operations and to detect and prevent waste, fraud and abuse.  It conducts independent and objective audits and investigations and has the autonomy to work without interference and DOT officials are prohibited from interfering with OIG audits and investigations.  The Inspector General is required to keep the Secretary of Transportation and Congress fully and currently informed of DOT problems and inefficiencies and the need for corrective action.  Such corrective action can include criminal penalties against agency employees and private sector contractors.  Sample oversight investigative areas include acquisition and procurement, auto safety, aviation, commercial vehicles, highway infrastructure, information technology, management and financial, maritime, pipelines and hazardous materials, railroads and transit, recovery and relief, and audits of single programs. 

Examples of FAA information resources include a March 12, 2025 report FAA Has Taken Steps To Prevent and Mitigate Runway Incursions, but Work Remains To Improve Data Analytics and Implement Key Initiatives https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/46745 and this January 13, 2025 press release https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/46634 involving a former Lawrence County, IN Deputy Sheriff and theft  of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds. For its Fiscal Year 2025 Budget DOT OIG requested $122.2 million to support 412 employees.  

This blog post was submitted by Bert Chapman, Purdue University.