Request for Comment on Multiyear Contracting Authority

The Chairman of the Committee on Governmental Affairs requested that the GAO comment on a bill that would permit civilian procuring agencies that received annual appropriations to award contracts for the purchase of property or services for periods not exceeding 5 years when such contracts were determined to be in the government's best interest. In addition, the Chairman requested GAO's assessment of the possible paperwork and regulatory burdens which might result from the passage of the bill.