October 8, 1997

Audit of the Internal Control Structure of the Department of Energy's Working Capital Fund

The Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development of the Committee on Appropriations, in its report dated July 16, 1996, approved the implementation of a Working Capital Fund (Fund) at the U.S. Department of Energy. The Subcommittee also directed the Office of Inspector General to conduct periodic audits of the Fund. This audit was conducted to determine if the Department established an effective system of controls over the Fund. Our specific objectives were to determine if internal controls were sufficient to ensure that appropriate costs were allocated in a reasonable and unbiased manner and in a way that was consistent with the expectations established by the Congress.