Alleged Misuse of Government-Owned Vehicles at the Sacramento VA Medical Center, California

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
17-04127-266
VISN
State
California
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Investigations
Report Type
Investigative
Recommendations
3
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA OIG did not find that the Northern California Health Care System Director violated VA policy regarding the use of government vehicles. The Director was unaware employees drove these vehicles between work and home. The OIG found that Dr. Dawn Erckenbrack (GS-15), the Associate Director of the Sacramento VA Medical Center, improperly authorized a local policy permitting her to delegate authority for the approval of no-cost travel orders to the Chief of Logistics Management Service (CLMS). The CLMS used this authority to allow employees to take government vehicles home overnight and on weekends under the provisions applicable to TDY travel with the use of no-cost travel orders. The Director said that upon learning of this policy, he immediately rescinded it. The OIG did not substantiate another allegation, negating the need for further discussion in the report.

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 Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The VA Sierra Pacific Network Director confers with the Offices of General Counsel,Human Resources, and Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to determine theappropriate administrative action to take, if any, against Dr. Erckenbrack.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The VA Sierra Pacific Network Director confers with the Offices of General Counsel,Human Resources, and Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to determine theappropriate administrative action to take, if any, against the Chief of LogisticsManagement Service.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The VA Sierra Pacific Network Director confers with the Office of General Counsel andthe Director of the VA Northern California Health Care System to ensure that controlsare in place to oversee proper implementation by the Health Care System of federal law,regulations, and VA policy regarding the use of government-owned vehicles.