Breadcrumb

Audit of NCA's Internal Gravesite Review of Headstone and Marker Placement

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
12-02223-98
VISN
State
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Missouri
New Mexico
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Virginia
Wisconsin
District
VA Office
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Report Author
Office of Audits and Evaluations
Report Type
Audit
Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
US House Committee-Veterans Affairs requested OIG conduct this audit to determine if NCA adequately addressed issues found during its Phase One review of headstones and markers at VA national cemeteries. We found NCA did not have an independent review procedure to identify misplaced headstones and unmarked gravesites, did not provide sufficient resources to conduct a review of this magnitude, and Memorial Service Networks did not provide cemetery directors with updated gravesite layout maps. In July 2012, we issued NCA recommendations to revise its procedures for completing gravesite reviews. NCA subsequently conducted its Phase One follow-up and identified 146 additional errors at four cemeteries. We recommended the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs ensure an improved process for internal reviews with proper resources & follow-up to correct errors, as well as implementing controls to ensure gravesite maps are accurate. The Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs agreed with recommendations and provided action plan.

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
We recommended the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs ensure implementation of the three recommendations in the July 5, 2012, Management Advisory Memorandum.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
We recommended the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs ensure management take corrective actions regarding the additional 153 errors identified in this report, including the notification of congressional committees and contacting families when possible.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
We recommended the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs implement procedures to assess cemetery size and cemetery director responsibility to ensure adequate time and resources are available before conducting future gravesite reviews.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
We recommended the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs implement controls, including a certification, to ensure gravesite layout maps are routinely updated, accurate, and provided to the cemeteries.