The A-76 Study at the NOAA National Climatic Data Center Could Have Been Compromised by the Disclosure of Certain Information
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-76 review being conducted at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center. Information about the expected costs of continued government operation of the data center, produced early in the A-76 review, was released in the NOAA fiscal year 1985 budget request. The cost estimate was later changed but, if it had not been changed, the disclosure could have compromised the competitiveness of the A-76 process and given an unfair advantage to contractors who learned of it. Therefore, the objectives of the GAO examination were to: (1) determine federal policy regarding the safeguarding of information in A-76 reviews; (2) find out why the information on the data center study was disclosed; and (3) assess the consequences of the disclosure.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Management and Budget | To ensure maximum competition for the performance of activities under A-76 review and fair treatment for federal employees and all bidders, the Director of OMB should include in the OMB planned revision of Circular A-76 a requirement that management efficiency studies not be made public until the comparison of private bids and expected federal costs is completed. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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