Since its establishment in 1978, the U.S. Department of Commerce (the Department), Office of Inspector General (OIG) has sought to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department’s programs and operations. OIG also endeavors to detect and deter waste, fraud, and abuse. OIG monitors and tracks the use of taxpayer dollars through audits, inspections, evaluations, and investigations. The Inspector General keeps the Secretary of Commerce and Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to the Department's activities and the need for corrective action. OIG's oversight extends to programs under other Department institutions, including the U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. OIG has a Whistleblower Protection Program, including a whistleblower protection coordinator, established pursuant to the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012. Learn more about OIG at https://www.oig.doc.gov or on our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CommerceOIG) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/CommerceOIG) pages. To report fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement of Department programs and operations, contact the OIG Hotline at (800) 424-9183 or visit www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/Hotline.aspx.