Added Emphasis on Consolidation of Multiple Purchase Requests Could Result in Significant Savings

Highlights

GAO reviewed the potential for consolidating multiple procurements at agencies under the U.S. Army Materiel Command, including the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command (TACOM) and the U.S. Army Troop Support and Aviation Materiel Readiness Command, which was recently reorganized as the U.S. Army Aviation Systems Command (AVSCOM) and the U.S. Army Troop Support Command (TROSCOM).

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected	Recommendation	Status
U.S. Army Materiel Command	The Commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command, should direct the Commanders of AVSCOM, TROSCOM, and TACOM to require documentation and supervisor review of each decision to not consolidate multiple purchase requests. This procedure should require consideration of the potential savings available through consolidation.	Closed – Implemented When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
U.S. Army Materiel Command	The Commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command, should direct the Commanders of AVSCOM, TROSCOM, and TACOM to expedite the handling of purchase requests received in the procurement directorate while another request for like items is being placed on contract. This would allow buyers more time to combine the purchase requests.	Closed – Implemented When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
U.S. Army Materiel Command	The Commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command, should direct the Commander, TACOM, to reevaluate the propriety of the local directive restricting consolidation of multiple purchase requests dated 30 days or more apart.	Closed – Implemented When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Full Report

Full Report (10 pages)

Media Inquiries

Sarah Kaczmarek

Managing Director

Office of Public Affairs

media@gao.gov

Public Inquiries

Topics

National Defense

Army procurementArmy suppliesDefense cost controlInteragency relationsProcurement practicesProcurementMilitary forcesGovernment procurementMilitary materielAviation