3) Audits Reveal More Procurement Irregularities Although Remedies Seen As Already in Place

A follow-up investigation of procurement irregularities in some government agencies (originally cited in a January 2004 GSA Inspector General investigative report) uncovered similar problems in many of GSA’s procurement centers. These irregularities included: lack of competition for task orders that require a competitive procurement; orders being issued that exceed the maximum order threshold for a Special Item Number (SIN); performance of a majority of work in a task order by a company other than the contracted firm; work performed or goods provided outside the scope of the contract; and the misuse of the small business 8(a) sole source authority.

However, procedures have already been enacted by GSA to correct the irregularities. Steve Perry, GSA Administrator, was commended for his taking “the bull by the horns to make sure every center operates according to the laws and regulations.” Additionally, limited reviews have indicated improvements overall from recent enhanced management controls, and contracts within which the most egregious irregularities occurred have not been renewed.