Defense Management: Issues in Contracting for Lodging and Temporary Office Space at MacDill Air Force Base
Highlights
Since the September 11, 2001, attacks and the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, thousands of National Guard and Reserve members have been activated and mobilized to military installations across the country. Some installations, like MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, where more than 3,000 reservists have been mobilized, have had to arrange for off-base lodging in local hotels and apartment buildings. In addition, MacDill, which serves as U.S. Central Command headquarters, has had to set up temporary office space for staffs of coalition partner nations. Public concerns have been raised about these arrangements. GAO was asked to review (1) the extent to which MacDill used cost-effective measures to provide off-base lodging for reservists and (2) whether a contract providing office space for coalition partners was adequately managed to control costs.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to direct the Commander of the Air Mobility Command to emphasize to MacDill personnel the importance of adhering to sound contract management procedures that exist to protect the interests of the government. Communications should reemphasize that contract files should be properly maintained and only authorized personnel should initiate changes to contract requirements, even during time sensitive procurements. In addition to contracting officials, such communications should also be provided to contractors, base customers of contracting services, and contract support personnel. |
Closed – Implemented
The Air Mobility Command (AMC) developed and implemented a training package for AMC contracting officials, customers of contracting services, and contracting support personnel. Training was developed on contracting authorities, customer training on purchasing, roles and responsibilities, late bids and proposals, quality assurance personnel training, post-award orientation, contract modifications, negotiation memorandums, contract payments, claims, documentation, and GAO relations. The training was provided to personnel at the 12 Air Force bases assigned to the Air Mobility Command, including MacDill Air Force Base.
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