Civilian Agency Procurement: Improvements Needed in Contracting and Contract Administration
GGD-89-109
Published: Sep 05, 1989. Publicly Released: Oct 27, 1989.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined 87 contracts worth a total of about $1.4 billion at the Departments of Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development, focusing on how well the agencies administered large contracts.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Federal Procurement Policy | The Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), should encourage civilian agencies to strengthen their contracting practices. Specifically, OFPP should work together with the heads of civilian agencies and initiate a concerted effort to improve civilian agency contracting and contract administration. Weaknesses that should be addressed by this effort include: (1) planning contracts; (2) writing specifications and statements of work; (3) using cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts for repetitive requirements; (4) hindering contractor performance by failing to comply with contract terms; (5) exceeding authority when program officers direct contractors to do work not covered by the contract; (6) extending contract completion dates because of poor planning for replacement contracts; (7) modifying contracts that have expired; and (8) monitoring contracts and communication between program and contracting officers. |
On March 15, 1991, OFPP issued a policy letter to civilian agency procurement executives reemphasizing the need for contract planning; clearing defining requirements in specifications and statements of work; complying and adhering to contract terms; and proper use of contract modifications. The letter also provided contract administration guidelines for civilian agencies.
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Topics
Contract administrationContract modificationsContract oversightContract termsCost overrunsCost plus fixed fee contractsDefective solicitationsFederal agenciesInternal controlsIrregular procurement