Department of Energy: Opportunities Exist to Improve Los Alamos' Equipment Purchasing Practices
Abstract
In fiscal year 2000, the Department of Energy (DOE) received $13.2 million in supplemental funding to replace equipment lost in the May 2000 Cerro Grande fire that damaged the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Because of congressional concerns about whether these funds would be spent in the most economical fashion, we reviewed the practices used by the contractor that operates the laboratory the University of California to make the replacement purchases. In late 2000, we briefed congressional staff on the need for, and scope of, supplemental funding at the laboratory. In the course of our work since then, however, we noted several opportunities for Los Alamos to improve its purchasing of computers, printers, and digital cameras that we wanted to bring to your attention. While the laboratory spent about $350,000 on such items as a result of the fire, it spends millions of dollars annually on similar purchases. This report discusses how the contractor can improve its purchasing practices by (1) expanding possible supply sources for equipment purchases, (2) establishing mandatory performance standards for equipment purchases, and (3) standardizing the brands and models of computer and computer-related equipment the laboratory uses. To identify these opportunities, we reviewed the purchases of 17 replacement items: computers, printers, and digital cameras. For each item, we requested information from Los Alamos contracting officials on performance specifications, procurement source, and price paid. We independently attempted to determine if each item could have been procured at a lower price, met existing laboratory performance standards, and adhered to any laboratory-imposed limit on purchasing various brands and models of the same equipment. In addition, we reviewed in detail one DOE report on computer acquisitions at the Department s Idaho National Engineering and
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391544
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office