USDA's Controls to Prevent the Unauthorized Access and Transfer of Research Technology

In order to help the Department secure its assets and best achieve its mission, the Office of Inspector General performed an audit of the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) controls to prevent the unauthorized access to, and transfer of, USDA-funded research technology to foreign countries. We reviewed relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to approving foreign nationals for collaboration on USDA-funded research. We also examined evidence, including information technology and other related organizational policies and procedures. We identified weaknesses and recommended that USDA agencies take specific actions to correct those weaknesses. Due to the nature of our findings and the agency’s responses, the report contains sensitive content. Thus, we are withholding it from public release due to concerns about the risk of circumvention of law.