08-30057-10

SUMMARY OF: A Special Report on the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA), FY 09 Annual Report, September 21, 2010

Purpose of the Report

In accordance with AS 24.20.271(10), we audited the information found in the RCA’s FY 09 annual report regarding the RCA’s compliance with the statutory timelines, timeline extensions, and reported performance measures.

Report Conclusions

Based on our review and analysis, the RCA met the statutory requirements of AS 42.05.175(a)-(f). However, the RCA did not accurately report their timeline extensions and performance measures. Furthermore, not all of the RCA’s performance measures were included in the annual report. Lastly, the RCA’s annual report does not contain the details required by statute.

Findings and Recommendations

Recommendation No. 1

RCA management should implement procedures to ensure information in the annual report is accurate, complete, and in sufficient detail .

The RCA did not accurately report the number of final issued orders, timeline extension orders, and current and active dockets in its FY 09 annual report.

Recommendation No. 2

RCA management should implement and enforce written procedures to ensure the case management system data is accurate, consistent, and complete.

Errors in the annual report data can be traced back to errors in the RCA’s case management system. Errors included an incorrect number of issued final and extension orders and an incorrect number of opened and closed dockets. The errors were caused by data being entered into the case management system by RCA staff who lack adequate training and guidance to ensure the data entered is accurate, consistent, and complete.