Small Purchase Activities at the Department of Energy

An examination of the Department of Energy's (DOE) small purchasing practices was performed to determine whether DOE was complying with Federal procurement regulations. Some of the areas looked at included whether: (1) the most effective procurement method was being used; (2) the purchases were being awarded to small business, and were not exceeding the amount that qualified it for a small business contract; (3) reasonable competition was being obtained; and (4) the awards were being made by only those authorized to make such purchases. The timing of the purchases was also reviewed to determine whether an excessive number were being made during the last quarter of the fiscal year.

DOE was found to be in general compliance with procurement regulations. There was a need for better documentation particularly in justifying contract awards made on a noncompetitive basis. In addition, some awards were made after the beginning of a new fiscal year, even though DOE had not yet received its appropriation for that year. These areas did not appear to be significant enough to justify further review.