Problems in D.C.’s procurement system stem from the government’s lack of commitment to train employees and follow existing rules, according to a task force report.
The task force was convened by the D.C. Council last year after reports that the city was spending millions in contracts without following the proper rules. The District spends about $3.75 billion through 21,000 contracts each year, but a substantial portion were rewarded in violation of procurement procedures, according to the panel’s 16-page final report.
“The problem is significant,” said task force chairman Matthew Watson. “It’s not just a few isolated instances.”
Some of this issues were the result of negligence, others were the result of failing to hire an appropriate staff, the report said. The District has been without a qualified or full-time chief procurement officer for two years, according to the report.
Many of the contracts were intentionally inappropriately awarded, such as splitting high value contracts into separate lower value contracts to avoid competition and review requirements, the report said.
The cost to D.C. residents comes in two ways: In millions in overcosts and an inefficient government, Watson said.
The Department of Health and theeducation office accounted for nearly half of the total number of improper contracts last year.
The dollar value of improper contracts increased from $896,000 to $34.3 million, with the bulk of this amount being $33 million for the Office of the Chief Technology Office for six contracts, according to the report.
