Justice and Law Enforcement:

Illegal Expenditure by the Army To Replace Laundry and Drycleaning Equipment

PSAD-78-143, Oct 11, 1978

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(202) 512-4800
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Laundry and drycleaning services at Fort Carson, Colorado, are provided by a government-owned and -operated facility. Using fiscal year (FY) 1976 funds, Fort Carson bought 21 new laundry or drycleaning equipment items and systems for over $400,000 to modernize its facility. The Army did not determine whether laundry and drycleaning services were available from commercial sources at reasonable rates, and approval for replacement of the equipment was not requested.

These expenditures were in violation of the Department of Defense Appropriation Act of 1976, which prohibits government investment in laundry and drycleaning facilities within the United States unless the Secretary of Defense certifies that commercial services are not available at reasonable rates. All disbursements for the purchase of equipment were made against the FY 1976 appropriation. Since the amount of money specified under that appropriation was not legally authorized, any expenditure made from those funds was in excess of the amount available, and a violation of the Antideficiency Act occurred.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendation for Executive Action

    Recommendation: To preclude similar violations in the future, the Secretary of Defense should take action to review the adequacy of all policies, procedures, and regulations that have been established in the Department of Defense to implement the appropriation restriction.

    Agency Affected:

    Status: Closed

    Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.