FTS2001: Contract Transition Delays and Their Impact on Program Goals
Abstract
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee: Thank you for inviting us to participate in today's hearing on the FTS2001 long distance telecommunications program. As you know, telecommunications services are increasingly critical in transforming the way the federal government conducts business, allowing us to streamline our processes, reduce paperwork and delays, increase efficiency, and improve our interaction with the public. It is therefore important that a far-reaching program like FTS2001 be successfully implemented in order to maximize benefits to the taxpayers. Although GSA planned to complete the transition from FTS 2000 to the FTS2001 contracts by December 6, 2000, this date was not met. We discuss in our report, released today, several factors that contributed to transition delays. At this point, progress has been made in resolving the problems described, and most remaining transition requirements are scheduled for completion by the end of June 2001. Nevertheless, the collective effect of delays encountered during this complex transition has jeopardized the timely achievement of FTS2001's two program goals: ensuring best service and price to the government and maximizing competition. My testimony to you this afternoon will address the status of the transition from FTS 2000 to FTS2001, reasons for delays and the steps taken to eliminate transition impediments, the effects of the delays on meeting the FTS2001 program goals, including the effects on maximizing competition, and the steps being taken by GSA to address our recommended actions for positioning the FTS2001 program for greater success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389364
Entities
People
- Linda D. Koontz
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office