U.S. Role as Contracting Agent for the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation
Gao ID: NSIAD-84-48 May 14, 1984Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed procedures for procurements conducted by Federal agencies on behalf of the United States-Saudi Arabian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation.
GAO found that 80 percent of the contracts awarded by the Department of the Treasury on behalf of the Joint Commission were sole-source awards; 38 percent of the contracts awarded by other Federal agencies on behalf of the Joint Commission were sole-source awards; and 18 percent of the contracts were awarded to sole-source contractors selected by Saudi Arabia. GAO found that, while Federal agencies attempt to comply with Federal procurement regulations, the application of American policies in a foreign culture is not always practicable. GAO also found that a conflict exists between compliance with Federal antiboycott legislation and the need to implement Joint Commission projects in an efficient manner.