Contract Management Benefits of Simplified Acquisition Test Procedures not Clearly Demonstrated
Abstract
The federal government has significantly changed how it buys goods and services in recent years. In particular, the process has become more streamlined as new contract vehicles and techniques have allowed agencies to buy what they need faster than in the past. For example, Congress authorized a test program to simplify the procedures for the acquisition of commercial supplies and services. This program allows government buyers to eliminate certain procedural requirements when purchasing commercial items not exceeding $5 million. Congress mandated us to evaluate the test program and to make any appropriate recommendations. In responding to this requirement, we (1) sought information on how federal agencies demonstrated whether the test program produced the desired results and (2) assessed how the authority provided under the test program was being used on selected contracts. In satisfying these objectives, we interviewed federal procurement officials. We also identified three Department of Defense (DOD) buying organizations that were among the largest users of the program. From these organizations, we identified the largest contracts to review. Details on our scope and methodology are provided in appendix I.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA388837
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office