Contract Management Not Following Procedures Undermines Best Pricing Under GSA's Schedule

摘要

Federal spending for goods and services has changed significantly in recent years. The government now spends more on services-ranging from basic maintenance to running computer systems-than on supplies and equipment. The government acquisition process has also changed in terms of how the government buys. In particular, the process has become more streamlined as new contract vehicles and techniques have allowed agencies to buy what they need much faster than in the past. To streamline its own acquisitions, the Department of Defense (DOD) is making extensive use of contracts awarded by other agencies, including contracts that the General Services Administration (GSA) awards to multiple companies supplying comparable products and services under the Federal Supply Schedule. In view of concerns that there is inadequate oversight and accountability over using new contract vehicles and techniques to acquire services faster, you requested that we assess whether DOD is using the Federal Supply Schedule to purchase information technology services in a manner that maximizes competition. As agreed with your offices, our specific objectives were to assess whether contracting officers were following established procedures to ensure fair and reasonable prices and whether guidance and regulations regarding purchases under the Federal Supply Schedule were adequate. We did not assess whether DOD in fact obtained fair and reasonable prices on specific orders.