Access the Online Audit System
The PREA Online Audit System (OAS) is designed to help agencies, facilities, and auditors to streamline, organize, and automate much of the PREA audit process in a secure, user-friendly environment. The OAS is built in a secure environment that meets rigorous federal security requirements mandated by the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), and provides a safe electronic platform for agencies/facilities and auditors to communicate and share information securely. Agencies/facilities can upload sensitive audit documentation, including documentation that contains personally identifying information (PII) or personal health information (PHI); and auditors are able to access and review this documentation directly within the secure environment. This eliminates the need to use less secure means of communication and information exchange. The OAS also enables useful storage features, such as a document library and links of documents to relevant Standards, which helps to streamline the audit process.
There are currently two ways that auditors can use the OAS:
- conduct the audit and complete their reporting requirements fully in the OAS; or
- conduct the audit using the paper audit instruments and complete their reporting requirements in the OAS Paper Audit Reporting Portal. The OAS Paper Audit Reporting Portal allows auditors using the paper audit instruments to conduct an audit to complete their reporting requirements and upload audit documentation within the OAS. Auditors may opt to upload documentation to the OAS to satisfy their documentation retention requirements. Auditors may also be required to upload documentation to the OAS if DOJ requests documentation for selected audits.
Starting in Spring 2022, the paper audit instrument option will be retired, and auditors will be required to use the OAS to conduct audits and complete their reporting requirements. After this transition is complete, in Spring 2022, the PREA Management Office will consider, on a case-by-case basis, exceptions that may require an auditor to conduct an audit using the paper audit instrument. In these rare circumstances, auditors approved to conduct an audit using the paper audit instrument will be required to complete their reporting requirements using the OAS Paper Audit Reporting Portal. Auditors should be aware that these approvals will be exceptional, and all audit stakeholders should be prepared to use the OAS as required by Spring 2022.
Additional information on how to use the system, system features, and available training webinars can be accessed in the Resources section in the Auditor Portal. User guides and contact information for technology support can also be accessed below.
Click the icon below to view a short video that introduces the OAS and explains its basic functions and features. Auditors should note that the video is also one part of a required course accessible on the PRC Training and Resource Portal.