§ 373.7 - Authority.

In addition to the authorities delegated in Pub. L. 95-452, the IG is hereby delegated authority to:

(a) Issue DoD instructions, DoD publications, and one-time, directive-type memoranda, consistent with DoD 5025.1-M that implement policies approved by the Secretary of Defense in assigned areas of responsibility. Instructions shall be issued directly to elements of the OSD and the Defense Agencies. Instructions to the Military Departments shall be issued through the Secretaries of those Departments or their designees. Instructions to the Unified and Specified Commands shall be issued through the JCS.

(b) Have access to all records, reports, investigations, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations, or other material available to any DoD Component. These normally shall be obtained consistent with DoD Directive 5000.19.

(1) Except as specifically denied in writing by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to the authority contained in Section 8 of Pub. L. 95-452 and § 373.6(a), above, no officer, employee, or service member of any DoD Component may deny the IG, or officials assigned by the IG, access to information, or prevent them from conducting an audit or investigation.

(2) IG officials shall possess proper access security clearance when sensitive classified data are requested.

(c) Communicate directly with personnel of other DoD Components on matters related to Pub. L. 95-452 and this part. To the extent practicable and consistent with the responsibilities and functions of the Military Departments as described in § 373.5(b), above, the head of the DoD Component concerned shall be kept informed of such direct communications.

(d) Request assistance as needed from other audit, inspection, and investigative units of DoD Components. In such cases, assistance shall be requested through the head of the DoD Component concerned.

(e) Request information or assistance from any Federal, State, or local governmental agency, or unit thereof.

(f) Exercise the administrative authorities contained in § 373.8.