Audit of Peace Corps/Process for Soliciting, Awarding, and Administering Contracts

We recommend that the chief acquisition officer finalize and implement the draft policy requiring that Peace Corps personnel delegated as COTRs receive the minimum technical training necessary to meet the FAI Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC) standards.

We recommend that chief acquisition officer develop and present an updated proposal (resource allocation request) to appropriate Peace Corps decision makers that encompasses increasing OACM staffing and upgrading selected positions. The proposal should be directly linked to the number, type, and grade levels of personnel required for full implementation of programs targeted to provide effective contract surveillance, comply with federal and agency contracting requirements, and improve customer support. In developing the proposal, consideration should also be given to the impact on OACM’s workload as a result of new OMB-mandated requirements related to the federal contracting environment.

We recommend the Peace Corps Office of General Counsel review the applicability of FAR 13.302-2 (and other applicable federal and agency guidance) and issue a formal legal opinion regarding whether posts are compliant in making purchase commitments prior to establishing written obligating documentation.

We recommend the chief acquisition officer develop and implement policy that limits further delegation of procurement authority to the administrative officer. In addition,such delegation may be made in writing and only if the administrative officer meets minimum

We recommend the chief acquisition officer ensure that required contract historical data is maintained in the contracting files and such data is used to the extent practical during the acquisition planning phase of follow-on contracts.