Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Social Security IG: Widow(er) Beneficiaries Potentially Eligible for Higher Monthly Benefit Amounts
WOODLAWN, Maryland, April 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 032409) on March 31, 2026, entitled "Widow(er) Beneficiaries Potentially Eligible for Higher Monthly Benefit Amounts."
Here are excerpts:
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Objective
To determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) paid widow(er) beneficiaries the appropriate monthly benefit amounts.
Background
The Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program provides benefits to wage earners and eligible family members. The Agency uses the wage earner's Primary Insurance Amount
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WOODLAWN, Maryland, April 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 032409) on March 31, 2026, entitled "Widow(er) Beneficiaries Potentially Eligible for Higher Monthly Benefit Amounts."
Here are excerpts:
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Objective
To determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) paid widow(er) beneficiaries the appropriate monthly benefit amounts.
Background
The Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program provides benefits to wage earners and eligible family members. The Agency uses the wage earner's Primary Insurance Amount(PIA) to determine monthly benefit amounts. The eligibility year SSA uses to determine the PIA is usually the year a wage earner attains age 62, becomes disabled, or dies. However, an alternative PIA computation for widow(er)s--the widow(er)'s indexing (WINDEX) PIA--may apply when wage earners die before they attain age 62.
When a claimant applies for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits, the application usually covers all benefits for which the claimant is eligible unless they specifically limit the scope of the application.
For example, widow(er)s may limit the scope of the application to only include widow(er) benefits and exclude retirement benefits to maximize future benefits.
We reviewed 2 samples totaling 120 beneficiaries who, as of November 2023, either did not have a WINDEX PIA (from a population of 54,843 beneficiaries) or were dually entitled to widow(er)s and retirement benefits (from a population of 7,253 beneficiaries).
Results
SSA paid 71 (59 percent) of the 120 widow(er) beneficiaries we reviewed the appropriate monthly benefit amounts. For the remaining 49 (41 percent), we found the following.
* SSA employees did not apply the WINDEX PIA appropriately when they manually processed cases for 11 widow(er) beneficiaries and, as a result, did not pay the appropriate monthly benefits. We could not determine why SSA employees did not appropriately apply the WINDEX PIA for these widow(er) beneficiaries. Based on our random sample, we estimate SSA underpaid 8,618 widow(er)s approximately $50.4 million.
* SSA overpaid one widow(er) because employees used the incorrect PIA.
* SSA employees did not document in the Agency's system regarding whether they informed 37 widow(er) beneficiaries of their option to receive widow(er) benefits only and delay filing for retirement benefits. Therefore, we could not determine whether SSA appropriately paid these widow(er) beneficiaries despite reminders SSA issued to employees. We estimate 5,367 widow(er)s would have been eligible for $113.8 million in additional benefits had they chosen to delay their retirement claims.
Providing beneficiaries the accurate monthly benefit amount is vital to protecting the public's earned benefits under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program. By following policy requirements, including documenting these discussions, SSA can help beneficiaries make well-informed decisions and avoid outcomes that may be irreversible.
Recommendations
We made four recommendations for SSA to take appropriate corrective action on errors our audit identified, and the remaining audit population, establish controls to prevent future errors, and enhance its systems. SSA agreed to implement our recommendations.
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The report is posted at: https://oig.ssa.gov/assets/uploads/032409.pdf
Social Security IG: Medicare Part B Premium Penalties
WOODLAWN, Maryland, April 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 072402) on March 31, 2026, entitled "Medicare Part B Premium Penalties."
Here are excerpts:
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Objective
To determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) accurately assessed Medicare Part B premium penalties for Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) beneficiaries.
Background
SSA and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services share administrative responsibilities for Medicare. Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for individuals who are age
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WOODLAWN, Maryland, April 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 072402) on March 31, 2026, entitled "Medicare Part B Premium Penalties."
Here are excerpts:
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Objective
To determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) accurately assessed Medicare Part B premium penalties for Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) beneficiaries.
Background
SSA and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services share administrative responsibilities for Medicare. Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for individuals who are age65 or older (as well as individuals under age 65 with certain medical conditions or disabilities). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the program's primary administrator. SSA handles key aspects of Medicare's medical insurance program, Medicare Part B (Part B).
Specifically, SSA enrolls beneficiaries, establishes applicable premium penalties, and collects premiums from individuals who receive Social Security benefits. If an individual signs up for Part B after their Initial Enrollment Period, they may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
We identified 101,516 OASI beneficiaries who enrolled in Part B during the 2023 and/or 2024 General Enrollment Periods and whom SSA penalized for late enrollment.
We reviewed a random sample of 200 of these beneficiaries.
Results
SSA employees accurately processed 177 of the 200 Part B applications we reviewed. However, SSA employees did not accurately process the applications for the remaining 23 beneficiaries. As a result, SSA's systems improperly assessed approximately $24,000 in Part B premium penalties.
Based on our sample results, we estimate SSA employees accurately processed approximately 90,000 beneficiaries' applications and did not accurately process 12,000 beneficiaries' applications. As a result, SSA's systems improperly assessed about $12 million in Part B premium penalties.
These errors occurred because SSA employees did not consider Group Health Plan coverage, the impact of U.S. residency and lawful presence start dates on Initial Enrollment Period determinations, deemed enrollment, Exceptional Conditions, Special Enrollment Periods, and equitable relief.
We also found SSA's Medicare enrollment notices did not clearly explain the Part B late enrollment penalty. Although the notices included the total Part B premium amount, none of the 200 notices sent to our sampled beneficiaries included detailed penalty information. In addition, Notices of Award SSA sent 8 of our 200 sampled beneficiaries who refused Part B in 2023 and/or 2024 before later enrolling in the General Enrollment Period did not always include a clear explanation of the consequences of delaying or refusing enrollment. SSA did not provide information about the potential penalty for late enrollment in the notices it sent.
SSA informed us the notices did not include additional information because SSA employees cover these details during the in-person/telephone application process. Beneficiaries who apply online can obtain additional information regarding Part B if they click a link during the application process.
Recommendations
We made three recommendations for SSA to take corrective actions on beneficiaries' accounts, update the health insurance screen in its systems, and establish controls to prevent future incorrect processing. SSA agreed to implement our recommendations.
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The report is posted at: https://oig.ssa.gov/assets/uploads/072402.pdf
SBA Announces Dates for National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit
WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on April 6, 2026:
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SBA Announces Dates for National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit
Free online summit May 5-6 offers educational workshops, networking, and information on federal resources
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration and America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced the dates for the National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit. The free online summit, cosponsored by America's SBDC, will take place on May 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET and registration
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WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on April 6, 2026:
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SBA Announces Dates for National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit
Free online summit May 5-6 offers educational workshops, networking, and information on federal resources
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration and America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced the dates for the National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit. The free online summit, cosponsored by America's SBDC, will take place on May 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET and registrationis required: https://www.cntvhybrid.com/nsbw2026.
"We are excited to cohost the 2026 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit to offer small businesses information to help them take advantage of President Trump's America First economic agenda and the SBA's modernized capital access programs," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "Through tax cuts, deregulation, and fair trade, Main Street is positioned for another record year in 2026 - and the SBA will continue to support their comeback with training, capital, and contracting to empower the local businesses who serve as the backbone of communities across America."
"Small businesses are the foundation of our local and national economies, and the expert advisors in our network are committed to supporting their success," said Charles "Tee" Rowe, President & CEO, America's SBDC. "We are honored to co-host this year's Virtual Summit, ensuring that practical, no-cost resources and mentorship are accessible nationwide."
The Virtual Summit will feature educational workshops presented by cosponsors, information about accessing federal resources, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities. Participants will learn about topics varying from manufacturing, digital marketing, human resources (HR), artificial intelligence (AI), business planning, and online business resources.
The National Small Business Week virtual summit is part of SBA's broader annual program, where an in-person National Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 3 in Washington, D.C. That week, Administrator Loeffler will conduct a nationwide roadshow to highlight exceptional job creators across Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Details on National Small Business Week, the award winners, and the virtual summit are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and by searching #SmallBusinessWeek in the search bar.
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About the ASBDC:
America's SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Network is a partnership uniting private enterprises, government, higher education, and local nonprofit economic development organizations. SBDCs are the Small Business Administration's most extensive partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. Learn more at www.americassbdc.org.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Cosponsorship Authorization #26-1-C. SBA's participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/04/06/sba-announces-dates-national-small-business-week-2026-virtual-summit
Postal Service IG: Relief Supervisor Utilization
WASHINGTON, April 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 25-131-R26) on March 31, 2026, entitled "Relief Supervisor Utilization."
Here are excerpts:
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Background
In June 2023, the U.S. Postal Service authorized the creation of relief supervisor positions in customer service, mail processing, maintenance, and logistics. The intent of these newly created positions is to provide coverage for regular supervisors during their leave and scheduled days off and reduce the reliance on acting supervisors. Relief supervisors are responsible
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WASHINGTON, April 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 25-131-R26) on March 31, 2026, entitled "Relief Supervisor Utilization."
Here are excerpts:
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Background
In June 2023, the U.S. Postal Service authorized the creation of relief supervisor positions in customer service, mail processing, maintenance, and logistics. The intent of these newly created positions is to provide coverage for regular supervisors during their leave and scheduled days off and reduce the reliance on acting supervisors. Relief supervisors are responsiblefor performing the same job duties and have the same training requirements as regular supervisors. Relief supervisor positions are earned at the facility level using a ratio of one relief supervisor for every five authorized regular supervisors. As of fiscal year (FY) 2025, the Postal Service filled 1,949 of the 2,168 (89.9 percent) authorized relief supervisor positions nationwide.
What We Did
Our objective was to evaluate the establishment of the relief supervisor position and its impact on the workforce. We judgmentally selected 17 Postal Service facilities nationwide based on relief supervisor positions and interviewed headquarters personnel, facility managers, and relief supervisors to understand the position and responsibilities.
What We Found
Overall, we determined the relief supervisor position was implemented successfully to provide coverage for regular supervisors on leave and scheduled days off. We found 31 of 33 (93.9 percent) relief supervisors believed the position was aligned with the job description and were satisfied with the position.
However, we concluded that the Postal Service did not effectively reduce its reliance on acting supervisors when it brought on relief supervisors, as was intended. During FYs 2023 through 2025, facilities with relief supervisors still accounted for more than half of all acting supervisors' hours used nationwide. This occurred due to lack of effective workhour management, detailing relief supervisors into other roles, and organizational changes. As a result, in FY 2025, we identified $62.7 million in questioned costs due to the increase in total relief supervisor and acting supervisor workhours.
Recommendations and Management's Comments
We made two recommendations to address the issues identified, and Postal Service management disagreed with both recommendations. We will pursue the two disagreed recommendations through the audit resolution process. Management's comments and our evaluation are at the end of each finding and recommendation.
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View the original text at: https://www.uspsoig.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2026-04/25-131-r26.pdf
EPA, FBI, CISA, NSA Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory to Water System Regarding Iranian-Affiliated Cyber Attacks
WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA, FBI, CISA, NSA Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory to Water System Regarding Iranian-Affiliated Cyber Attacks
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Advisory contains information to promote resilience, ensure safety of Americans drinking water
WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and National Security Agency (NSA) issued a joint advisory Exit EPA's website warning to U.S. organizations, including those in
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WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA, FBI, CISA, NSA Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory to Water System Regarding Iranian-Affiliated Cyber Attacks
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Advisory contains information to promote resilience, ensure safety of Americans drinking water
WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and National Security Agency (NSA) issued a joint advisory Exit EPA's website warning to U.S. organizations, including those inthe water sector, for an urgent and ongoing Iranian-affiliated cybersecurity threat. U.S. organizations are experiencing exploitation and, in some cases, disruption of commonly used operational technology at drinking water and wastewater systems that are diligently working to ensure that Americans can rely on clean and safe water.
"Cybersecurity threats are a serious concern for our nation's water infrastructure, including the communities, businesses, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure sectors that rely on these critical lifeline services," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. "Water systems are encouraged to stay informed and work to adopt cybersecurity best practices."
"Cyberattacks on drinking water and wastewater systems directly threaten public health and community resilience. A single breach can disrupt treatment or introduce contaminants, damage equipment, and erode public trust, said EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Jeffrey A. Hall. "EPA enforcement safeguards our nation's critical infrastructure, including water systems, by ensuring compliance with applicable safety, maintenance, resilience, and security requirements and by rapidly correcting vulnerabilities. We also work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt attacks and to hold those responsible accountable. Our national security depends on water systems not only taking security seriously but also immediately reporting any incidents and working with our investigators to address them while protecting the public."
The joint cybersecurity advisory Exit EPA's website includes information to help water systems identify specific vulnerabilities that are being exploited and take concrete steps to strengthen cyber resilience. It also underscores that the water sector remains an attractive target and continues to face threats from groups seeking to disrupt U.S. critical infrastructure. As a result of the recent cybersecurity exploitation, organizations from multiple U.S. critical infrastructure sectors have reported disruptions including configuration wiping, software-based mechanical sensor tampering, and disruption of human machine interfaces (HMIs). This activity has resulted in operational disruption and financial loss.
"The FBI and its partners are issuing this advisory to ensure organizations are best positioned to defend themselves against exploitation by Iran-affiliated cyber actors," said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI's Cyber Division. "Our goal is to prevent further operational disruption and financial loss for targets of this threat activity while we work to impose costs on malicious actors-all of which builds upon the new Cyber Strategy for America."
EPA, as the federal lead responsible for enhancing the cybersecurity posture of the water sector, supports water systems utilities in identifying cybersecurity gaps and developing risk mitigation plans to address those gaps by providing free cybersecurity assessments, technical assistance, tools, and training. Importantly, these cybersecurity improvements often entail procedural changes rather than expensive hardware and software upgrades, and therefore even those water systems with limited technical resources have the ability to greatly improve their cyber defenses. These resources, and more, are readily accessible at www.epa.gov/cyberwater.
EPA encourages water systems that need technical support or additional information on cybersecurity best practices to use EPA's RealWaterTA resources and submit a request to EPA's Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Program for the Water Sector Exit EPA's website.
Organizations are encouraged to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at IC3.gov Exit EPA's website or to CISA via CISA's Incident Reporting System Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-fbi-cisa-nsa-issue-joint-cybersecurity-advisory-water-system-regarding-iranian
EPA's Research Vessel Lake Guardian Begins Annual Sampling of Great Lakes
WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA's Research Vessel Lake Guardian Begins Annual Sampling of Great Lakes
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CHICAGO - On April 4, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) largest research vessel, the R/V Lake Guardian, began its annual water quality monitoring of the Great Lakes. The data collected help EPA and partner agencies assess ecosystem stressors, including invasive species and harmful algal blooms. The information EPA collects will also help support management of fisheries and water quality to better protect
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WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA's Research Vessel Lake Guardian Begins Annual Sampling of Great Lakes
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CHICAGO - On April 4, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) largest research vessel, the R/V Lake Guardian, began its annual water quality monitoring of the Great Lakes. The data collected help EPA and partner agencies assess ecosystem stressors, including invasive species and harmful algal blooms. The information EPA collects will also help support management of fisheries and water quality to better protectthe Great Lakes so they can be used for drinking water, fishing, and recreation.
During the month-long spring survey, scientists will visit each of the five Great Lakes to collect water samples and small aquatic organisms such as phytoplankton (microscopic algae) and zooplankton (small crustacean animals). The spring survey enables scientists to capture vital information because water temperatures are uniformly cold from top to bottom and nutrient concentrations are generally at their highest for the season. Because seasonal conditions affect the parameters studied, samples are collected in both the spring and summer to give a more complete picture of the conditions of the lakes.
Scientists from Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Cornell University, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Michigan Technological University, Michigan Technological Research Institute, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, and Cleveland State University will join scientists from EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office to conduct the survey.
Background
Since 1983, EPA has conducted sampling surveys in the spring and summer to provide a comprehensive assessment of the lakes' conditions, part of the longest-running and most extensive monitoring dataset for water quality and aquatic biota in the Great Lakes. Data from surveys conducted aboard the R/V Lake Guardian were recently incorporated into the 2025 State of the Great Lakes report Exit EPA's website, an overview of the status and trends of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
The R/V Lake Guardian is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which was launched in 2010 to protect and restore the world's largest surface freshwater ecosystem.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epas-research-vessel-lake-guardian-begins-annual-sampling-great-lakes-0
EPA Announces $34 Million WIFIA Loan to Improve Stormwater Management in San Mateo County, California
WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces $34 Million WIFIA Loan to Improve Stormwater Management in San Mateo County, California
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DALY CITY, Calif. (April 7, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a $34 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Daly City Joint Powers Financing Authority to increase the capacity of its stormwater management system to reduce the risk of flooding that impacts communities in San Mateo County, California.
"This project will deliver
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WASHINGTON, April 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces $34 Million WIFIA Loan to Improve Stormwater Management in San Mateo County, California
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DALY CITY, Calif. (April 7, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a $34 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Daly City Joint Powers Financing Authority to increase the capacity of its stormwater management system to reduce the risk of flooding that impacts communities in San Mateo County, California.
"This project will delivercritical water infrastructure upgrades to better protect San Mateo County communities from flooding, stabilize Lake Merced's water levels and improve regional water quality," said EPA Pacific Southwest Region Water Division Director Tomas Torres. "EPA's low-interest, flexible water infrastructure financing helps communities make investments in protecting public health and natural resources while uplifting local economies."
The Daly City Joint Powers Financing Authority will use WIFIA financing for its Vista Grande Drainage Basin Improvement Project, which will increase capacity and reroute stormwater runoff to Lake Merced. This project will include replacing an undersized canal, enlarging its tunnel, upgrading the existing overflow system to Lake Merced, and building a new outlet structure to the Pacific Ocean. These stormwater system improvements will help stabilize Lake Merced's surface levels and improve regional water quality.
EPA's WIFIA program will provide the Daly City Joint Powers Financing Authority flexibility to draw funds as needed and access cash on hand to pay for project components, which reduces upfront project costs. As a result, EPA's WIFIA financing will save the Authority approximately $2.6 million over the life of the loan. Construction and operations will create an estimated 500 jobs.
"This Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act loan represents a critical investment in Daly City and the region's infrastructure and environmental stewardship," said City Manager Thomas J. Piccolotti. "The Vista Grande Drainage Basin Improvement Project will enhance system reliability, protect water quality, and support our community for generations to come. We appreciate the EPA's partnership in helping advance this vital work."
EPA's WIFIA program provides a powerful financial tool that can significantly accelerate investments in water infrastructure to protect human health and the environment while saving communities millions of dollars. Since issuing its first loan in 2018, EPA's WIFIA program has announced $23 billion in financing water infrastructure projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 172,000 jobs. Through its flexible financing features and competitive interest rates, WIFIA helps communities save money, and even accelerate water infrastructure investments.
WIFIA funding is available to support additional water infrastructure projects, including up to $6.5 billion available to water systems and another $550 million available to State infrastructure financing authorities. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest.
Learn more about EPA's WIFIA Program Exit EPA's website and water infrastructure investments, including how to submit a letter of interest.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program Exit EPA's website is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program aims to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.
Learn about EPA's Pacific Southwest Region Exit EPA's website. Connect with us on Facebook Exit EPA's website, Instagram Exit EPA's website, and X Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-34-million-wifia-loan-improve-stormwater-management-san-mateo-county-0
