DoD Fraud Prevention Week with the Operations Investigation Support Team

Fraud is a crime that can impact individuals, groups, or large corporations. DCAA is dedicated to preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse of government funds. From Aug. 5 to Aug. 8, 2024, DCAA is dedicated to support DoD's Fraud Prevention Week. To help raise awareness, contribute to prevention, and help others learn more about fraud, we're covering the critical work of DCAA's Operations Investigation Support (OIS) team, exploring their roles, challenges, and memorable moments.

What is OIS and what does it have to do with fraud?

The Operations Investigation Support team, OIS, is a team of specially trained auditors and staff who serve as the bridge between DCAA and investigative agencies. The members of this team play a crucial role identifying and addressing potential fraud towards the government. Ms. Stacey Jones, a Technical Specialist, explains the role as, "OIS is the other side of the audit. We see the full spectrum of the audit process, from identifying issues to pursuing legal actions against contractors who commit fraud against the U.S. government." This approach ensures every suspicion is thoroughly investigated and maintains the integrity of government contracts.

Key strategies in preventing fraud

Ms. Jones emphasizes the importance of specialized teams leading regular and timely assessments of internal policies and controls, "Separation of duties and responsibilities is essential to prevent collusion," she shares. Ms. Latoya Pichon is an OIS Investigative Auditor who echoes this statement and advocates for a culture of transparency to help prevent fraud, "If you see or hear something, you need to say something and report it." She shares the various reporting channels including the DoD Hotline and DCAA suspected fraud email.

Ms. Pam Kochis is an Investigative Support Auditor and adds that thorough analyses and damage models are pivotal in supporting investigative efforts during cases. "We develop findings and recommendations and present them in a damage model for cognizant investigative offices, including the Defense Criminal Investigative Organizations and the Department of Justice," she explains. This crucial work not only helps during active cases, but it also helps prevent future fraud cases.

Working on the OIS team

For the OIS team, identifying and assisting fraud cases is more than clocking into work, it's a mission and passion. Ms. Pichon enjoys protecting the nation's resources and finds comfort knowing her work helps keep U.S. taxpayers, military service members, and the country safe from fraud, waste, and abuse. Ms. Pichon finds similarities to her icon, "Inspector Gadget," always on the search for hidden clues in her cases. Ms. Kochis enjoys the partnerships and results of her work. Recently, she worked on a health care fraud case and her team received special recognition from the Department of Justice for their exceptional work, "I got to work with an amazing DCIS (Defense Criminal Investigative Service) agent that resulted in the defendants agreeing to a plea agreement based on the analyses of the data I completed for the case." Ms. Jones shares her appreciation for the broader perspective she gains from working on both sides of the audit process. "I've experienced the full spectrum, from the audit to actual investigations and legal actions," she says. This comprehensive understanding fuels her commitment to preventing and addressing fraud.

As DCAA participates in the DoD's Fraud Prevention Week, the OIS team hopes to share their experiences and strategies to foster a transparent and vigilant culture to prevent fraud. Whether you're a government employee, contractor, or citizen, everyone has a role preventing fraud. As Ms. Pichon reminds us, "If you hear or see something, say something."