Iraq and Afghanistan: State and DOD Should Ensure Interagency Acquisitions Are Effectively Managed and Comply with Fiscal Law

Why the GAO Did This Study State has taken on unprecedented responsibilities in Iraq and Afghanistan. In doing so, it has relied heavily on contractors. For some critical goods and services, such as fuel, security, and basic support like dining and laundry services, State turned to DOD to acquire the goods and services on its behalf through interagency acquisitions. Because of the risks associated with assisted interagency acquisitions, agencies need to carefully consider whether their use is a sound business decision and formally document roles and responsibilities in interagency agreements. To better understand how State is managing its responsibilities in Iraq and Afghanistan, GAO evaluated 1 the nature and extent of State s reliance on DOD for the acquisition of critical goods and services, 2 factors that contributed to this reliance, and 3 whether State and DOD are making and implementing decisions regarding this reliance consistent with regulation and guidance. GAO reviewed documentation for 22 acquisitions, including State s requests for assistance, comparing them to regulation and guidance.