Federal Acquisitions Congress and the Executive Branch Have Taken Steps to Address Key Issues, but Challenges Endure
Abstract
In fiscal year 2017, federal agencies obligated more than $500 billion to acquire products and services. These products and services included military aircraft, information technology software, and maintenance services. Amid this large spending, the federal government has taken steps to reform federal acquisitions, increase efficiencies, and improve results. For example, in the Services Acquisition Reform Act of 2003, Congress established the Acquisition Advisory Panel to review federal acquisition laws, regulations, and policies; and identify opportunities for improvement. The Panel issued its final report in 2007, addressing topics that span all three phases of the contracting lifecycle identified by GAO: pre-contract award, contract award, and post contract award. GAO was asked to follow up on the Panel's report and identify progress made since 2007. This report identifies the actions the federal government has taken to address key issues raised in the Panel's report, and the challenges that remain. GAO reviewed documentation and interviewed personnel from federal agencies and the private sector. These personnel included staff from OMB that are responsible for federal procurement policy, as well as staff supporting a panel addressing DOD's acquisition regulations and processes, known as the Section 809 Panel. GAO also leveraged its large body of work on federal acquisitions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 12, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1167552
Entities
People
- Betsy Gregory-hosler
- Brandon Voss
- George Bustamante
- Holly Williams
- Nathan Tranquilli
- William T. Woods
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office