Science and Technology Directorate Needs to Improve Its Contract Management Procedures

We conducted an audit of S&T’s award and management of its contract with NVS Technologies, Inc. Although S&T properly awarded the contract, we identified deficiencies with S&T’s management of the contract. Specifically, program managers did not document contract oversight because S&T does not have adequate policies and procedures governing contract management. As a result, S&T may have wasted $23 million in incurred costs plus additional cost associated with contract termination. If program performance is not adequately documented, S&T may also have difficulty making well-informed decisions on all its contracts.