Defense Contracting: Army Case Study Delineates Concerns with Use of Contractors as Contract Specialists
Abstract
In 2007, the Department of Defense (DOD) paid contractors $158.3 billion for a range of services, including contract specialists. To better understand the use of contractors in this role, GAO initiated a case study, under the authority of the Comptroller General, at the Army Contracting Agency's (ACA) Contracting Center of Excellence (CCE). GAO determined (1) the extent to which and why CCE relies on contractor contract specialists, (2) how risks of contractor use are mitigated, (3) how the cost of the contractors compares to that for CCE's government employees, and (4) whether the contract vehicles were appropriate. GAO reviewed a random sample of contract files to understand the contractors duties and responsibilities, compared compensation costs, and reviewed documents from the General Services Administration (GSA), under whose contracts CCE ordered the contract specialists. GAO recommends that the Secretary of Defense issue guidance regarding personal services contracts and that the Secretary of the Army direct ACA to work with CCE to develop a plan that addresses the appropriate mix of government and contractors, implement a training program, and ensure that contractors identify themselves as such. GAO also recommends that GSA implement controls to prevent contractors from improperly advertising their services. In written comments on a draft of this report, DOD and GSA agreed with the recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA478638
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office