U S Government Accountability Office

Defense contracting, early attention in the acquisition process needed to enhance competition U S Government Accountability Office

" Competition is the cornerstone of a sound acquisition process. In fiscal year 2013, DOD obligated over $300 billion through contracts and orders, of which 57 percent was competed. DOD also obligates billions of dollars annually on contracts that are awarded using competitive procedures, but for which the government received only one offer. DOD implemented the Better Buying Power initiative in 2010, in part to increase competition. The conference report accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 mandated GAO to report on DOD's noncompetitive and one-offer awards. GAO examined (1) the trends in DOD's use of competitive awards, (2) the extent to which justifications for exceptions to competitive procedures were adequate and reasons for exceptions, (3) how DOD's strategies aimed at promoting long-term competition are changing behavior, and (4) whether DOD's requirements address reasons only one offer was received for competitive solicitations. GAO analyzed federal procurement data for fiscal years 2009 through 2013; reviewed DOD policy and competition reports; examined two nongeneralizable samples of 14 and 15 awards, in part, based on dollar value; and interviewed DOD officials. "