Diagram illustrating the FMFIA Annual Assurance process:
- Based on information gathered from knowledge of day-to-day operations, management program reviews and OIG and GAO audits and other management-initiated evaluations, individual assurance statements are provided in August by Ambassadors assigned overseas and from Assistant Secretaries in Washington, D.C.
- In addition, to fulfill the requirements of OMB Circular A-123, Appendix A, the Senior Assessment Team makes an assessment of the adequacy of controls over financial reporting as of June 30.
- From the assurance statements and the Senior Assessment Team recommendation, in September the Management Control Steering Committee makes the determination on the adequacy of internal controls, including the controls over financial reporting.
- In November, based on the Management Control Steering Committee’s recommendations, the Secretary of State issues the Department’s Annual Statement of Assurance.