July 8, 2011 -- As lawmakers and the Administration continue to hold discussions to reduce government waste and cut costs, federal agencies are looking for ways to be more efficient and productive.

One way federal agencies do so is with the help of their respective Office of the Inspector General.

Inspector Generals work tirelessly to conduct audits, investigations and inspections to make government more effective and prevent fraud and abuse.

What is an IG and how are they selected and trained? How do investigations begin? Who oversees the IG community?

Host Bill Bransford explores these questions and more with Tom Caulfield, Executive Director of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Training Institute and Inspector General Allison Lerner of the National Science Foundation.