Potential Overobligations in Army Procurement Appropriations

Several matters were noted in a review of financial records and reports at the U.S. Army Electronics Command (ECOM) that affect the accuracy and reliability of these financial records.

One of the deficiencies noted was a loss of control over the recording of customer orders. In April 1976, recorded values for at least 58 customer orders were $7.4 million less than related obligations in five appropriations. ECOM initiated a review to determine if additional reimbursements could be obtained. By December 1976, a partially completed review had been made of an initial group of nine cases, and further work was suspended, primarily because of personnel constraints and workload. Work had not been resumed by June 1977. It was also reported in April 1976 that the ECOM February 29, 1976, report on customer order financial status contained numerous negative balances totaling $15.7 million for unfilled orders or accounts receivable. As of December 31, 1976, it was found that 17 appropriations had negative balances totaling $11.1 million. ECOM had not acted on this problem as of June 1977.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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