Views on H.R. 2580]

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO presented its views on H.R. 2580. The bill deals with the reform of contracting procedures and contract supervision practices of the Federal Government. The proposed legislation would amend Titles 2 and 3 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (FPASA). GAO stated that the purpose of the bill is to provide administrative remedies and reforms for abuse and waste in Federal procurement. GAO strongly endorsed the bill's objective; however, it believes that the scope and applicability of many of the bill's provisions are unclear or unwarranted. GAO noted that the bill was primarily intended to correct the General Services Administration's (GSA) contracting practices in view of the scandals that occurred there in 1978 and 1979. However, H.R. 2580 variously applies to contracts under FPASA and to agencies to which GSA has delegated contracting authority. Thus, it would apply to many civilian agency contracts in addition to those entered into by GSA. GAO concluded that it was uncertain whether this was consistent with the bill's intent.