SIGAR

QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHT
Afghan fuel trucks like these were used in multi-million-dollar fuel thefts that SIGAR investigated.
(SIGAR photo by Special Agent Kyushik “Danny” Min)
SIGAR’s Suspension and Debarment Program is
unique because it embeds two attorneys, experienced
with suspensions and debarments, within the
Investigations Directorate to provide oversight over
case development and guidance on the use of the suspensions
and debarments. This integration enables
them to track individuals, organizations, and companies
accused of criminal activity or poor performance at an
early stage of an investigation, resulting in the development
of detailed referral packages.
Integration within the Investigations Directorate also
allows attorneys to assess whether follow-up actions,
using suspension and debarment remedies, are needed
when other targets are identified during an investigation
or audit. It also allows for regular travel by SIGAR suspension
and debarment attorneys to Afghanistan to conduct
training, provide guidance for investigations, and to meet
with counterparts in the Afghan government. SIGAR’s program
has another unique element: unlike other criminal
investigative organizations, all of SIGAR’s investigations
are required to be reviewed for potential suspension
and debarment action immediately prior to closing. This
maximizes the number of cases referred for suspension
and debarment.
In addition, because SIGAR is not attached to an
agency involved in contracting, SIGAR does not need its
own suspension and debarment official. Instead, SIGAR
refers all suspensions and debarments to other agencies
for adjudication, resulting in a high degree of interagency
coordination. This operational necessity to work with
other agencies fosters information-shaing and coordination,
enhancing SIGAR’s program.
Agencies typically maintain their suspension and debarment
function at the headquarters/management level, so
there is the potential for agency interests to influence the
development of a suspension or debarment case. SIGAR’s
independent standing makes for referrals not affected by
considerations of impacts on the agency or a particular
program. The need to go outside of SIGAR for a suspension
or debarment also requires that SIGAR’s referrals be
of high quality with well-supported allegations.
Once it refers a case, SIGAR has no influence over the
adjudication process, yet it has been remarkably successful.
Not a single individual or organization has successfully
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SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL I AFGHANISTAN RECONSTRUCTION