USPS OIG Report: Postal Service Recognition and Awards Program

Posted on by 21cpw

What We Did

Our objective was to assess the Postal Service’s effectiveness in managing its Recognition and Awards Program. We reviewed FY 2018 through FY 2021 recognition and awards data from the eAwards system.

What We Found

Postal Service management could improve controls to effectively manage its Recognition and Awards Program. Specifically, 271 employees inappropriately submitted and approved 10,035 awards totaling $9.1 million; six employees submitted seven awards for themselves totaling $2,598; and 254 employees submitted 598 reciprocating awards for each other totaling $820,128. We also found that management approved 36,959 of 53,377 judgmentally selected awards with inadequate or insufficient justification narratives in the eAwards system. Additionally, management did not audit its awards program.

These conditions occurred because management did not adequately implement or execute existing system controls or review them. Additionally, they did not provide employees with formal training on the awards program and did not properly review award justification narratives before approval. In addition, the policy was unclear on the awards’ audit requirement, and did not have procedures in place to audit the awards for fairness. As a result, we estimated the Postal Service incurred $8.2 million annually in questioned costs.

Read Full Article

Download [2.38 MB]


Source: USPS Office of Inspector General

Related: USPS ELM 490 Recognition and Awards

2 thoughts on “USPS OIG Report: Postal Service Recognition and Awards Program”

  1. Union and NAME of Local/Branch
    APWU - Oakland Local Retiree Chapter
    Office held, if any
    President
    Email Address
    ejons127@gmail.com

    In the mid 90’s the USPS held a Community Hero campaign for any employee working in the Community. My name was submitted and Ms. Carol Miller and Staff selected Me as the Representative for the Oakland Bay Valley Facility Community Hero of the Year, and Mr. Fernandes Represented Richmond Bulk Mail Center. We were serenaded all over the Bay Area, Giants home games, various hotels and Banquets. The program at that time worked to perfection. Oakland’s American Postal Workers Union participated in the Oakland community through the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and various other Business Enterprises located in Oakland. The work with the Easter Seals Annual Drive, plus The American Diabetes Association…. We assisted in raising millions of dollars.

  2. Union and NAME of Local/Branch
    APWU - Richmond Area Local
    Email Address
    sjtwizter@gmail.com

    I stopped an elderly customer from being swindled out of $15,000 the inspectors were able to get it back. I received a letter and pin WTH.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *