Dispute Between the District of Columbia Government and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Over Payments for Housing D.C. Prisoners in Federal Correctional Institutions

GAO discussed its report on the longstanding dispute between the District of Columbia Government and the Federal Bureau of Prisons over payments for housing District prisoners in Federal correctional institutions. Mutual disagreement over the accuracy of the Bureau's billing practices and the District's outstanding debts have involved more than $22 million dollars over the past 6 years. Several attempts have been made by both parties to resolve these disputes, but the problem appears to be that each agency believes it is the other's responsibility to remedy the situation, and neither agency is taking the lead. The report recommended that both parties take certain steps to resolve the disputed charges and outstanding debts. Although each agency expressed concern that the other had not responded adequately, agreement was reached that effective procedures for future payments should be established.