EPA Can Improve the Awarding of Noncompetitive Contracts. Audit Report

摘要

While EPAs most recent competition report made several recommendations to strengthen EPAs competition practices, additional measures would help to further improve compliance with the FAR and EPA policy. For example, we identified Justifications for Other than Full and Open Competition (JOFOCs) that were not approved at the appropriate level, including two of seven that were not approved by the Competition Advocate. Eight of 15 JOFOCs we reviewed were not prepared in accordance with federal requirements. FAR Part 6 establishes the approval requirements for JOFOCs and identifies their required elements. These issues occurred because either EPA did not have effective internal controls, or because existing controls were not followed. Without the required approvals for the JOFOCs and without the required elements, EPA increases the risk that inappropriate sole source procurements will be awarded. We also identified two noncompetitive procurements in which market research could have been improved. FAR Part 10 requires federal agencies to conduct market research appropriate to the circumstances. Improved market research may lead to competitive acquisitions, allowing potential offerors the opportunity to compete for contracts. By increasing competition, the government saves taxpayer money, improves contractor performance, and curbs fraud.