The United States Patent and Trademark Office: A Telework Internal Control and Program Review

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) requested that the Academy review its telework program to ensure that management controls and programmatic goals are effective and aligned with the Agency’s mission. This entailed a two-part review of the telework program, including:

1. An internal control review of the USPTO telework program to determine if it complies with the Internal Control standards outlined in OMB Circular A- 123, Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control; and
2. A programmatic review to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the USPTO Telework Program.

To conduct this review, the Academy assembled an expert Panel of five Fellows. These individuals brought a diverse background in federal service and academia, as well as an extensive knowledge of management and operational standards of personnel, and knowledge of how to manage a dispersed workforce.