NCJ Number
72837
Date Published
1979
Length
33 pages
Annotation
An investigation by the General Accounting Office (GAO) found that the General Services Administration's (GSA's) personal property repair and rehabilitation program is not functioning properly and should be greatly improved or reduced to a manageable size.
Abstract
The program was established to eliminate duplication of contracting efforts by Government agencies and to obtain lower prices through volume contracting and competitive bidding. However, GAO's review revealed the following problem areas: a potential for fraud, unsupported contractor invoices and overcharges, a lack of management controls, and a lack of adherence to contract provisions. GSA, through the Federal Property Resources Service and its 11 regional offices, awards indefinite quantity term contracts primarily to small businesses. GAO's review of 27 contractors, with estimated fiscal year 1978 billings of $7.7 million, identified questionable charges in almost every case. GSA's management of the program is weak. Several other problems are also noted. GAO recommends that the Administrator of GSA should (1) accept responsibility for repair contract administration as required by the Federal Property Management Regulations, (2) assist customer agencies by providing instructions and guidance on problems associated with repair schedules and contractors, (3) obtain increased resources to monitor the programs or reduce their size so that they can be effectively administered, and (4) increase internal audit coverage of repair contractors and require that contractor accounting systems be reviewed during preaward audits. GSA official's informal comments are included. Tables and footnotes are provided. (Author abstract modified)