[Comments on Senate Bill 1794]

In response to a congressional request, GAO commented on Senate Bill 1794 which would require Federal agencies to purchase from local sources when lower prices are available. GAO endorsed the bill's objective of obtaining reasonable prices, but it questioned the feasibility of implementing certain of the bill's administrative requirements. The bill's paperwork burden appears to be quite substantial due to the information that must be obtained from local suppliers. Further, the bill's provision which requires that contractors having no sales for 3 years be removed from award schedules will not have any practical effect.