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Summary

On August 24, we issued our report Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Lacks Core Elements for a Successful Acquisition Function.  The audit was requested by FMCSA's former Administrator, and our objectives were to determine whether FMCSA's contract award and administration practices comply with applicable laws and regulations.  We found that FMCSA did not have adequate contract pre-award processes in place, leaving it vulnerable to using ineffective business arrangements and ultimately hindering its ability to maximize competition.  We also found that FMCSA lacked effective administration and oversight of its contracts to ensure the Agency's needs were met in the most efficient and economical manner.  FMCSA's acquisition framework lacked organizational alignment and leadership, policies and processes, acquisition data, and human capital—all of which are critical components required to operate effectively.  Throughout our audit, FMCSA officials cited actions they undertook to improve their procurement practices and stated that additional enhancements are underway.  We made a number of recommendations to improve FMCSA's acquisition practices, which should enable FMCSA to better position itself to fulfill the Agency's mission.  FMCSA concurred with all of our recommendations.