GAO Report, Outsourcing of Government Responsibilities

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_http://www_ (http://www) .gao .gov /highlights /d071098thigh. pdf

" Even if more funding were provided, it would not be a solution because

wants will usually exceed the funding available.

No less important is the need to examine the appropriate circumstances for

using contractors and address contract management challenges. Agencies continue

to experience poor acquisition outcomes in buying goods and services in part

because of challenges in setting contract requirements, using the

appropriate contract with the right incentives, and ensuring sufficient

oversight.

Exacerbating these challenges is the evolving and enlarging role of contractors

in performing functions previously carried out by government personnel.

Further, while contract management challenges can jeopardize successful

acquisition

outcomes in normal times, they also take on heightened importance and

significantly increase risks in the context of contingency operations such as

Afghanistan, Iraq, or Hurricane Katrina.

Finally, it is imperative that the federal government develop an accountable

and capable workforce, because the workforce is ultimately responsible for

strategic planning and management of individual programs and contracts. Yet

much of the acquisition workforce’s workload and complexity of

responsibilities

have been increasing without adequate attention to the workforce’s size,

skills and knowledge, and succession planning. Sustained high-level leadership

is needed to set the right tone at the top in order to address acquisition

challenges and ultimately, prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. "

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