Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
Abstract
Investigations, along with SIGAR's audits, inspections, and special projects, highlight serious shortcomings in U.S. oversight of contracts: poor planning, delayed or inadequate inspections, insufficient documentation, dubious decisions, and--perhaps most troubling--a pervasive lack of accountability. Federal agencies have taken many of SIGAR's concerns and recommendations to heart and are trying to protect the taxpayer, but more can be done to make contract oversight a priority. In particular, SIGAR has a growing concern about the possible disconnect between overall U.S. policy and its field implementation. There appears to be a growing gap between the policy objectives of Washington and the reality of achieving them in Afghanistan, especially when the government must hire and oversee contractors to perform its mission. I believe the United States cannot achieve its objectives unless the execution of its policies receives at least as much attention as the intent behind them. For example, the policy objective of creating a robust Afghan army that will provide national security in lieu of Coalition forces, while admirable, will remain hollow unless Washington pays equal attention to proper contracting and procurement activities to sustain those forces. SIGAR is well aware of the wartime environment in which contractors are operating in Afghanistan, but this can neither explain the disconnect nor excuse the failure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA588200
Entities
Organizations
- Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction