Procurement Practices at Fort Lewis

Procurement practices were surveyed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

GAO found that, although no improper payments or significant weaknesses in procurement practices were found, two procurement transactions were brought to the attention of the officials involved. In one instance, a contract modification was issued for $121,000 to paint building interiors, but no supporting or adequate pricing information were obtained by the Directorate of Facilities Engineering. The contractor's price was accepted even though the facilities engineering estimate was lower but not verified. The contracting officer did not require the contractor to support his price proposal or certify that his cost was correct. In a second instance, it was found that a purchase order was issued to paint the interiors of two buildings that did not need painting.