GAO's Comments on the Reauthorization of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy

GAO discussed the proposed reauthorization of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), specifically whether: (1) there is still a need for a central government-wide procurement policy-making office; (2) OFPP should be that office if such a need exists; (3) OFPP should remain in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and (4) changes to the OFPP charter might make it more effective. GAO found that: (1) there is a continuing need for a single, central office to ensure that government agencies operate under a consistent set of procurement policies and procedures; (2) a central focal point is needed to coordinate executive branch procurement policy and to deal with such issues as enhancing the quality of the government's procurement work force; (3) reauthorization of OFPP is the best way to meet the identified need; (4) OFPP should remain within OMB, rather than become fully independent; and (5) legislation making OFPP responsible for cost accounting standards and profitability studies would provide needed and useful functions that could readily be assumed by OFPP.