News

The federal government has provided the U.S. Department of Education (ED) with more than $280 billion to assist in meeting the needs of students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic—the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act (March 2020), the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021-Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (December 2020), and the American Rescue Plan (March 2021). This includes more than $76 billion in grants made to institutions of higher education in the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), as the independent oversight arm of ED, is working to ensure that education-related coronavirus response funds are used as required and reach the intended recipients. We do this by conducting independent audit and other reviews, and by investigating allegations of misuse, theft, and other criminal activity involving these funds.

Within the OIG, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), is working to identify, prevent, and stop individuals who seek to steal or intentionally misuse coronavirus response funding. In addition to evaluating and investigating allegations of fraud, the SIU has been conducting outreach and fraud awareness training with our stakeholders to ensure they understand their role in preventing and detecting fraud.

This session was conducted by federal officers and provide an overview of fraud indicators, best practices and examples of cases investigated by the OIG.

Download the webinar handouts:

• Help Protect Coronavirus Funds from Fraud and Abuse (PDF)
• Coronavirus Funding and Potential Threats Facing Institutions of Higher Education (PDF)
• Fraud Reporting Requirements: A Guide for Federal Program Participants and Auditors (PDF)

Presenters:

Geoff Wood
Special Agent in Charge
Special Investigations Unit
Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Education

Gregory Peoples
Special Agent
Special Investigations Unit
U.S. Department of Education, OIG
Atlanta Field Office