Office of Investigations
As the law enforcement arm of NASA’s Office of Inspector General, the Office of Investigations (OI) pursues allegations of crime, fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct that jeopardize Agency programs, projects, and personnel. Through its investigations, OI identifies crime indicators and makes recommendations to safeguard the Agency and address vulnerabilities. In most cases, OI refers its findings to the Department of Justice for prosecution or NASA management for corrective action.
returns since 2000
More than $1 billion
arrests since 2000
More than 150
convictions & SETTLEMENTS since 2000
More than 430
debarments & SUSPENSIONS since 2000
More than 160
OI’s elite team is composed of highly trained special agents, technical investigators, cybersecurity experts, program specialists, forensic accountants, and support personnel stationed at field offices throughout the country. Together with law enforcement partners, they develop cases for criminal prosecution, civil prosecution, or administrative action. Investigators are empowered to make arrests, carry concealed firearms, take sworn statements, conduct undercover operations, and execute search warrants.
In addition, OI personnel:
- Operate a hotline that allows NASA employees, contractors, and the general public to report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse;
- Recommend countermeasures to NASA management that protect the Agency from increasingly complex and evolving threats;
- Coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement to address matters affecting NASA; and
- Provide fraud awareness training to NASA employees, contractors, grant recipients, and other stakeholders.
