DOE Management: Opportunities for Saving Millions in Contractor Travel Costs
RCED-99-107
Published: Apr 01, 1999. Publicly Released: Apr 28, 1999.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Department of Energy's (DOE) contractor travel costs, and DOE's efforts to reduce these costs, focusing on the: (1) travel costs incurred by DOE contractors and their primary destinations during fiscal years (FY) 1996 through 1998; (2) purpose of this travel; and (3) success that DOE has had in reducing contractor travel costs and additional actions available to reduce these costs further.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | To reduce contractor travel costs, consistent with DOE's cost-reduction targets for travel, the Secretary of Energy should set travel cost targets for each contractor and require that contractors not exceed these targets. The target amounts should be conveyed to both the contractors and DOE program areas for a combined commitment to ensure that the cost reductions are achieved. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE is establishing a travel cost ceiling tied to the $150 million travel limit in the FY2000 Energy and Water Appropriation Act. As of September 1, 2001, specific targets under these ceilings have been conveyed to the contractors.
|
| Department of Energy | To implement more consistent travel cost reimbursement practices, the Secretary of Energy should establish clear DOE policy on allowable costs--both travel costs and the reimbursement of tax-related costs--and, when new contracts are let, incorporate the policy into contracts. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE is adding a clause to existing contracts mandating the use of federal per diem rates for travel.
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Topics
Contract administrationContract costsCost analysisCost controlFederal downsizingReductions in forceTravel allowancesTravel costsGovernment contractorsCost savings