Information Technology: DOD's Federal Logistics Data on Compact Disc Program

• NCJ Number: 124861
• Author(s): G A Jahnigen; S E O'Neil; G W Moore; D M Crittenden; M M Stupsker
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 24 pages
• Corporate Author: US Government Accountability Office
• Sale Source: Azimuth Inc.
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) conducted a review of the Department of Defense (DOD) Federal Logistics Data on Compact Disc Program in response to congressional concern that DOD plans to procure a compact disc-based catalog were not in accordance with laws favoring the use of existing commercial products over the development of new ones by the government.

Abstract

GAO studied the appropriateness of developing a prototype compact disc system, the Defense Logistics Services Center's management of the prototype project, the Defense Logistics Agency's plans to procure the software and hardware and the potential for commercial involvement in procurement, and the impact of the agency's decision to include business or otherwise sensitive data in acquiring the prototype system. GAO determined that initiation of the prototype development project was appropriate. Complex contractual arrangements, however, were used in managing the project, and some of these arrangements did not comply with existing laws and regulations. Further, commonly accepted internal control procedures were not followed in managing the arrangements. In addition, the Defense Logistics Services Center did not adequately monitor DOD organizations acting on its behalf to insure they properly administered the contracting efforts. According to Defense Logistics Agency officials, the decision to include business or otherwise sensitive data had no impact on the acquisition strategy, but was one of several reasons for ruling out the use of existing commercial products. 1 table, 3 figures.