The Office of Investigations performs investigations into allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in programs and operations of the Department and NNSA. Priority is given to investigations of suspected violations of criminal and civil statutes, as well as serious administrative misconduct. Particular focus is placed on the prevention and detection of contract and grant fraud; environmental, health and safety violations; computer crimes; and issues that reflect on the integrity and credibility of Department and NNSA officials.

Suspected criminal and civil violations are reported promptly to the Department of Justice for prosecutive consideration. Potential outcomes from such referrals include declination or acceptance for further action, civil settlements, indictments, convictions, recoveries, fines, restitution, probation, and incarceration. Administrative deficiencies are reported to Department and NNSA management for appropriate positive change or corrective action. Potential outcomes include revision of policies, procedures, or practices, disciplinary action, recovery of funds, and suspension/debarment.

In addition, a Technology Crimes Section within the Office of Investigations is staffed by investigators with specialized skills necessary to proactively and reactively respond to complex computer crimes committed against the Department and NNSA and to provide computer forensic support during general fraud investigations.

The Office consists of a Headquarters office in Washington, DC, the Office of Eastern Investigation Operations, the Office of Central Investigation Operations, and the Office of Western Investigation Operations. Within the Office of Eastern Investigation Operations are Region 1, which has a field office in Washington, DC, and satellite office in Pittsburgh, PA, and Region 2, which has a field office in Aiken, SC. Within the Office of Central Investigation Operations are Region 3, which has a field office in Oak Ridge, TN and satellite office in Chicago, IL, and Region 4, which has a field office in Albuquerque, NM and satellite office in Denver, CO. Within the Office of Western Investigation Operations are Region 5, which has a field office in Livermore, CA and a satellite office in Las Vegas, NV and Region 6, which has a field office in Richland, WA and satellite office in Idaho Falls, ID.