Thomas Cooper, Deputy Commissioner

Audit and Quality Improvement (A&QI) is the audit and investigative arm of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA ). A&QI audits are critical in ensuring that OTDA meets its supervisory responsibilities over the administration of its programs by Local Districts. A&QI provides information to OTDA program management on whether locally implemented programs are in compliance with applicable State Laws and Regulations and offers recommendations for corrective action when deficiencies are identified. A&QI conducts federally mandated quality control reviews for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP ); collects and reports on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) data; performs homeless shelter fiscal audits; undertakes SNAP, HEAP and TANF program audits and operational reviews; and implements program integrity activities such as prison matches and resources matches. A&QI collaborates with local Social Services District welfare fraud investigators in the performance of their duties. A&QI is also responsible for software and systems development for audits and the coordination of external audits. Internal Audit is a separate unit co-located within Audit and Quality Improvement.