State Department's Procurement of Silverware for Overseas Missions

GAO testified on the Department of State's purchase of silverware for its overseas missions, specifically its silverware needs, procurement procedures, and inventory controls. GAO found that: (1) the Department of State's Office of Foreign Buildings Operations (FBO) did not adhere to procurement regulations in contracting for the silverware; (2) FBO should improve its inventory controls and enforce established procurement regulations and procedures concerning physical inventories, reconciliations, reporting, and authorized allowances; and (3) embassy posts did not follow FBO regulations regarding the disposal of silverware by either selling it or returning it to FBO.