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Fundamental Changes Needed To Achieve Shared Support Services for Federal Agencies Overseas

ID-81-37 Published: Apr 29, 1981. Publicly Released: May 29, 1981.
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Highlights

The State Department offers support services, such as security, housing, and motor pools to most Federal agencies overseas on a reimbursable basis. At some posts, service organizations are jointly staffed by the State Department and other agencies. In 1976, the State Department established the Foreign Affairs Administrative Support System (FAAS) which provides for charging other agencies only for the incremental support costs incurred because of their presence overseas.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should establish a policy of mandatory consolidation of most administrative support for those agencies under the jurisdiction of an ambassador abroad.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Congress should task the Secretaries of State and Defense to identify those posts which are located within reasonable proximity of DOD activities and to determine which administrative support activities should be shared.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of State The Secretary of State should submit the accounting system, which includes the FAAS system, to GAO for formal approval as required.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of State The Secretary of State should include the development of documentation describing the FAAS system in the redesign of the accounting system.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of State The Secretary of State should ensure that charges for administrative support are established on actual rather than estimated costs as the redesign of the State Department's accounting system continues.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of State The Secretary of State should establish department and post level training programs to achieve a consistent, accurate, and adequate understanding of the overseas administrative support program and the FAAS system by State Department and other agency personnel.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of State The Secretary of State should develop and implement a program to enhance the selection, development, and placement of personnel within the administrative function. Such a program should include as a minimum the identification of (1) administration as an area of expertise which requires special skills; (2) appropriate selection criteria which reflect a need for the identified skills; (3) internal and external training programs which will aid in developing and maintaining the ability to satisfactorily provide administrative services; (4) critical experience and training requirements for placement in the various administrative positions at overseas posts.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.

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Topics

Accounting systemsAdministrative costsAmericans employed abroadFederal agenciesFinancial managementGovernment facilitiesInteragency relationsMilitary cost controlPersonnel managementProgram managementSupport services