Department of Energy Procurement Practices

The Department of Energy's (DOE) procurement practices were discussed. DOE is the largest civil procuring agency in the Federal Government, with reported obligations of about $9.2 billion for 5,800 contracts for fiscal year 1979. A review of DOE contracting practices indicated the following weaknesses: contracting practices which avoid or limit competition, contractor involvement in the performance of basic management functions, and a need for more control over contract administration. All of the problems noted have resulted from the DOE failure to adhere to sound procurement practices. This lessens the Department's assurance that it is contracting for goods and services which are actually required and that it is efficiently, effectively, and fairly obtaining an acceptable product at the best possible price.