DOE's Fiscal Year 1994 Uncosted Balances

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the uncosted obligations held by the Department of Energy (DOE) and its management and operating (M&O) contractors. GAO noted that: (1) 529.2 million of DOE uncosted balances were not needed for their identified purpose, did not tie into specific needs, and were in excess of DOE expected needs; (2) $97.4 million in uncosted balances that were identified as encumbered should have been identified as unencumbered at the end of fiscal year (FY) 1994; (3) an additional $247.5 million in uncosted balances went towards prefinancing and unencumbered costs at the end of FY 1994; (4) $132.6 million became available due to changes in the scope of projects, terminations of projects, and project delays during FY 1995; and (5) DOE requested $51.7 million for certain activities in FY 1996, but these funds exceeded DOE needs.