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Energy Management: DOE Controls Over Contractors' Use of FTS Are Inadequate

RCED-90-184 Published: Jul 17, 1990. Publicly Released: Aug 17, 1990.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined the Department of Energy's (DOE) controls over contractors' use of the Federal Telecommunications System (FTS).

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Energy To ensure that contractors are using FTS only for official purposes, the Secretary of Energy should direct the Assistant Secretary for Management and Administration to establish an FTS call-control program which includes appropriate DOE-wide procedures and management controls, for both users and supervisory personnel, on the use of FTS as well as the financial and disciplinary consequences of abuse.
Closed – Implemented
On September 12, 1991, DOE issued policy guidance for establishing call control/verification programs that require managers, including contractors, to use available call detail records to verify that employee calls were for official business. The guidance also addresses responsibilities and authorities for supervisors and employees, and collection procedures for unauthorized calls.
Department of Energy To ensure that contractors are using FTS only for official purposes, the Secretary of Energy should direct the Assistant Secretary for Management and Administration to establish an FTS call-control program which includes specific procedures for monitoring and reporting to management on the effectiveness of the FTS call-control program.
Closed – Implemented
The new FTS 2000 service which was implemented in 1990 replaced FTS. FTS 2000 billing is usage sensitive and requires DOE to establish a program to verify that calls have been properly billed and that the calls were for official business. DOE guidance issued September 12, 1991 describes the call control/verification procedures.

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Topics

Energy
Contract oversightContract performanceFreedom of informationGOCOInternal controlsProgram abusesRight of privacyTelecommunications equipmentTelephonesTelecommunications