Bureau of Reclamation: Misapplication of the Buy American Act
NSIAD-90-32
Published: Nov 08, 1989. Publicly Released: Nov 08, 1989.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed a Bureau of Reclamation contract award to determine whether it complied with the Buy American Act.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition and Assistance Division | To ensure that all future procurements are made properly, the Bureau of Reclamation's Division of Acquisition and Assistance should issue guidance for its contracting personnel and prospective bidders on the proper application of the Buy American Act's requirements for determining: (1) whether a bid involves materials of domestic origin; and (2) the correct evaluation differential is applied to bids of foreign materials. |
Closed – Implemented
The Bureau of Reclamation issued RAM-90-40, December 27, 1989, supplementing and clarifying guidance on Buy American Act implementation and determinations on what constitutes a "domestic" supplier. Interior also restated policy with a copy of the GAO report to its contracting activities.
|
| Office of Acquisition and Property Management | To ensure that all future procurements are made properly, the Department of Interior's Office of Acquisition and Property Management should determine whether other Interior organizations need similar guidance. |
Closed – Implemented
The Bureau of Reclamation issued RAM-90-40, December 27, 1989, supplementing and clarifying guidance on Buy American Act implementation and determinations on what constitutes a "domestic" supplier. Interior also restated policy with a copy of the GAO report to its contracting activities.
|
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Topics
Bidder eligibilityBuy national policyContract costsCost analysisEquipment contractsProcurement practicesProcurement regulationsSubcontractorsConstructionPrivate sector