American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Projects - Facility Energy Improvements and Wind Turbine and Photovoltaic Panels at Fort Wainwright, Alaska

摘要

Our overall objective was to evaluate DoD's implementation of the 'American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,' February 17, 2009 (Recovery Act). Specifically, we reviewed the planning, funding, initial project execution, and tracking and reporting phases of the two Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP) projects, 'Facility Energy Improvements' and 'Wind Turbine and Photovoltaic Panels' at Fort Wainwright, Fairbanks, Alaska. We determined whether Army personnel complied with the Recovery Act requirements, Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-09-10, 'Initial Implementing Guidance for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,' February 18, 2009, and subsequent related guidance. Fort Wainwright Directorate of Public Works and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-Alaska District properly planned and supported the 'Facility Energy Improvements' project to ensure DoD's appropriate use of Recovery Act funds. USACE-Alaska District received funds in a timely manner and consistent with Office of Management and Budget guidance. USACE-Alaska District adequately performed initial project execution of the 'Facility Energy Improvements' project and properly reduced its scope in order to award the project. Finally, USACE-Alaska District personnel ensured that the contractor maintained transparency by reporting this project to the www.recovery.gov Web site. Army personnel did not ensure the 'Wind Turbine and Photovoltaic Panels' project was properly planned. This occurred because personnel at Fort Wainwright Directorate of Public Works failed both to include all costs necessary to complete the project and to complete necessary wind studies prior to submitting the project for consideration. However, cancellation of the project from the Recovery Act program and subsequent reprogramming action undertaken by the Army ECIP manager were appropriate.