Which OIG component conducts audits aimed at reducing waste and mismanagement?

The Office of Audit Services is specifically responsible for conducting audits that target the reduction of waste and mismanagement within programs overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. This office performs systematic examinations of financial records, operations, and compliance to ensure that federal resources are used efficiently and effectively. Through these audits, the Office of Audit Services identifies areas where improvements can be made, fraud may occur, and mismanagement may exist, thereby promoting accountability and effectiveness in service delivery.

While other components, such as the Office of Compliance or the Office of Investigations, play key roles in ensuring regulatory adherence and investigating misconduct, their primary functions differ from the focus of auditing performed by the Office of Audit Services. The Office of Management typically deals with administrative functions and strategic planning rather than directly auditing for waste and mismanagement, which reinforces why the Office of Audit Services is the correct answer for this particular question.