District of Columbia Procurement System Needs Major Reform
Abstract
To improve acquisition outcomes, in 1997 the District established the Office of Contracting and Procurement under the direction of a newly created chief procurement officer (CPO). Since then, the Districts inspector general and auditor have identified improper contracting practices. This report examines whether the District's procurement system is based on procurement law and management and oversight practices that incorporate generally accepted key principles to protect against fraud, waste, and abuse. GAOs work is based on a review of generally accepted key principles identified by federal, state, and local procurement laws, regulations, and guidance. GAO also reviewed District audit reports and discussed issues with current and former District officials as well as select state and local officials. GAO recommends that the Districts Mayor submit a procurement reform plan to Congress. The former Mayor chose not to comment, but the new administration indicated concurrence with most of GAOs recommendations and intends to provide a plan within 60 days of the public release of this report. Comments from the Chief Financial Officer were limited to the section on direct vouchers. They indicated current review of their policy and GAO encourages implementation of this reports recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 19, 2007
- Accession Number
- AD1179058
Entities
People
- Ann C. Barr
- Barry Deweese
- Bill Petrick
- Carolyn Kirby
- Cynthia Auburn
- Karen Sloan
- Kevin Heinz
- Rachel Girschick
- Sylvia Schatz
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office