The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) Internal Audit Program (IAP) is a framework for Official Service Providers (OSPs) to assess and track their compliance with the statutory requirements for official grain inspection and weighing services. The IAP helps service providers proactively identify and address issues while preparing for external audits. The IAP also establishes internal audit objectives, defines processes, identifies and mitigates risks, and creates corrective and preventative actions as necessary.
Official Agencies (OA) must conduct an internal audit by the halfway date of their designation period. The designation halfway date is when the internal audit will be turned into the Quality Assurance and Compliance Division (QACD.) For example, for the five-year designation period of Jan. 20, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2024, the halfway date for the internal audit submission would be June 1, 2022. The internal audit begins when planning activities start and the team is assigned. The internal audit is complete when any root cause analysis and corrective action plan are submitted and cleared by the QACD liaison.
FGIS Field Offices (FO) must conduct an internal audit every other fiscal year (FY). The end of the FY date (Sept. 30) is when the internal audit will be turned into QACD. QACD will work with the Field Management Division and FOs to determine a suitable audit schedule. The cycle begins when planning activities begin and the team is assigned. The internal audit is complete when any root cause analysis and corrective action plan are submitted and cleared by the QACD liaison in consultation with FGIS division management, as appropriate.
For the convenience of OSPs, this webpage includes the IAP Directive and other useful documents for conducting an internal audit. Most of the documents are not mandatory but are intended to benefit the outcome of an internal audit. If OSPs choose not to use the documents below, they should create and submit their own audit documents to QACD for review and approval.
- Internal Audit Program Directive: FGIS Directive 9180.89 Internal Audit Program (pdf)
- Internal Audit Program Required Document: Verification of Statements, Records, and Training Document (pdf)
Internal Audit Program Optional Documents:
- Fishbone Diagram
- The Five Whys Method
- IAP Process Overview Flowchart (pdf)
- USGSA Checklist for Official Agencies (docx)
- Corrective Action Plan Document (pdf)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the IAP
For more information about the Internal Audit Program, please email FGISQACD@usda.gov or contact your assigned FGIS Compliance Officer Liaison directly.