Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse — Definitions

Annual Loss

Millions Lost Annually

The USAF loses millions of dollars every year due to individuals abusing the system, wasting precious resources, and committing acts of fraud.

Program Priority

FWA Prevention Priority

Preventing fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) is of primary concern.

Detection Deters

While detection and prosecution serve to deter fraudulent, wasteful, or abusive practices, the key element of the program is to PREVENT the loss of resources.

Authority Structure

SAF/IG Authority

The Secretary of the Air Force, Inspector General:

Provides policy guidance
Develops procedures
Establishes and evaluates the Air Force Complaints

Local IG Authority

In turn, the IG at every level is responsible for establishing and directing these programs.

Fraud

Fraud Definition

Fraud is defined as any intentional deception designed to:

Unlawfully deprive the USAF of something of value, OR
Secure from the USAF for an individual benefit, privilege, allowance, or consideration to which he or she is not entitled

Fraud as Theft

Fraud may also be considered to be any theft or diversion of resources for personal or commercial gain.

Waste

Waste Definition

Waste is defined as the extravagant, careless, or needless expenditure of USAF funds OR the consumption of USAF property that results from:

Deficient practices
Systems controls
Decisions

Improper Practices

Waste also includes improper practices not involving prosecutable fraud.

What Is NOT Waste

Not Waste

NOT considered waste:

Wartime and emergency operations
Legitimate stockpiles
Wartime reserves

Abuse

Abuse Definition

Abuse is defined as the intentionally wrongful or improper use of USAF resources.

Abuse Examples

Examples of abuse include misuse of:

Rank
Position
Authority

…that causes the loss or misuse of resources, such as:

Tools
Vehicles
Computers
Office equipment

FWA Complaints, Privacy, and Whistleblower Rights

Member Reporting Duty

Reporting Duty

USAF personnel have a duty to promptly report FWA to:

An appropriate supervisor or commander
An IG or other appropriate inspector, OR
Through an established grievance channel

Where Complaints Can Be Reported

FWA Reporting Channels

FWA complaints may be reported to:

The Air Force Audit Agency
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI)
Security forces, OR
Other proper authorities

Submission Methods

Individuals may submit complaints of FWA by:

Memorandum
In person
FWA hotlines

Anonymous OK

Complaints may also be submitted anonymously.

Resolution Approach

Lowest Possible Level

As with personal complaints, USAF members should try resolving FWA issues at the lowest possible level using command channels before addressing them to a higher level or the IG.

Disclosure Standards

Factual, Unbiased, Specific

Making a disclosure or complaint requires:

Factual
Unbiased
Specific information

Punitive Liability

False Statement Liability

Individuals must understand they are submitting official statements within USAF channels. Therefore, they remain subject to punitive action or adverse administrative action for:

Knowingly making false statements
Submitting other unlawful communications

Complainant Privacy

Privacy Safeguarded

The complainant's privacy is safeguarded to encourage voluntary cooperation and to promote a climate of openness in identifying issues requiring leadership intervention.

IG Responsibility

IG Privacy Duty

The IG has the responsibility to safeguard the personal identity and complaints of individuals seeking assistance or participating in an IG process, such as an investigation.

Privacy Limits

Not Privileged

While this does NOT mean the communications made to an IG are privileged or confidential, it does mean that disclosure of those communications and the identity of the communicant is strictly limited to:

An official need-to-know basis
When required by law or regulation
When necessary to take adverse action against a subject, OR
With Secretary of the Air Force, Inspector General approval

Whistleblower Rights

Whistleblower Additional Rights

Whistleblower witnesses have additional rights.

Information Release

Allegation Determines Release

The nature of the allegation and findings will determine what information is releasable.

Release Standards

All information released is according to:

Freedom of Information Act
Privacy Act

Third-Party Limitation

Third-Party Not Entitled

"Third-party" complainants are NOT entitled to a response regarding alleged wrongs not directly affecting them unless authorized to receive via a Freedom of Information Act or a Privacy Act release.