Review of the Food and Drug Administration's Contract Closeout Actions

As one of the largest contracting agencies in the Federal Government, HHS performed contracting actions (awards and modifications) totaling almost $26.5 billion in fiscal year 2019. Prior OIG work identified issues regarding contract closeout, which is required once a contracting officer receives evidence of receipt of property and final payment, or evidence of physical completion of a contract. The closeout process generally provides a last chance to detect and recover improper contract payments, and delayed closeout poses a financial risk to agency funds. Also, the closeout process: (1) ensures that goods and services were provided as intended; (2) validates final costs and payments; and (3) frees excess funds for possible use elsewhere. We will determine whether FDA closed contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and departmental guidance. We will also determine whether the FDA identified contracts when they became eligible for closeout.

Announced or Revised	Agency	Title	Component	Report Number(s)	Expected Issue Date (FY)
Completed	Food and Drug Administration	Review of the Food and Drug Administration's Contract Closeout Actions	Office of Audit Services	W-00-20-59423; A-03-20-03004	2021