The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 3) authorizes SBA's Inspector General to provide policy direction for, and to conduct, supervise, and coordinate such audits, investigations, and inspections relating to the programs and operations of SBA as appears necessary or desirable.

The Office of Inspector General should receive all information or allegations of waste, fraud, or abuse regarding SBA programs and operations.

To obtain the necessary information and evidence, the Inspector General (and designees) have the right to:

(a) Have access to all records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations, and other materials available to SBA and relating to SBA's programs and operations;

(b) Require by subpoena the production of all information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data and documentary evidence;

(c) Administer oaths and affirmations or take affidavits; and

(d) Request information or assistance from any Federal, state, or local government agency or unit.

(a) Service of subpoenas may be effected by any of the following means—

(1) If by mail, a copy of the subpoena must be addressed to the person, partnership, corporation, or unincorporated association to be served at a residence or usual dwelling place, or a principal office or place of business, and mailed first class by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), or by a commercial or U.S. Postal Service overnight or express delivery service.

(2) If by personal delivery, a copy of the subpoena must be delivered to the person to be served, or to a member of the partnership to be served, or to an executive officer or a director of the corporation or unincorporated association to be served, or to a person authorized by appointment or by law to receive process for the person or entity named in the subpoena.

(3) If by delivery to an address, a copy of the subpoena must be left at the principal office or place of business of the person, partnership, corporation, or unincorporated association to be served, or at the residence or usual dwelling place of the person, member of the partnership, or officer or director of the corporation or unincorporated association to be served, with someone of suitable age and discretion.

(b) Proof of service—

(1) When service is by registered, certified, overnight, or express mail, it is complete upon delivery of the document by the Postal Service or commercial service.

(2) The return Postal Service receipt for a document that was registered or certified and mailed, the signed receipt for a document delivered by an overnight or express delivery service, or the Return of Service completed by the individual serving the subpoena by personal delivery shall be proof of service.