Homeland Security fails to secure procurement records

The US Dept of Homeland Security's own Inspector General has determined that his agency failed to keep tabs on some $196 Million worth of procurements that were issued without competition. The IG, Richard Skinner, gives us the skinny in his report, DHS Contracts Awarded Through Other Than Full and Open Competition During Fiscal Year 2009:

This report addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the department's noncompetitive procurement processes.

In fiscal year 2009, the Department of Homeland Security obligated about $3.4 billion for procurements awarded through other than full and open competition. Based on our review of 39 contract files, with a reported value of more than $196 million, acquisition personnel did not always follow federal regulations when awarding noncompetitive contracts. Award files did not always contain sufficient evidence of market research or adequate acquisition planning. As a result, the department cannot ensure that it received the best possible value on these acquired goods and services.

Oops.

More on that at Blogged Down in Procurement