DoD has been wary of disrupting ongoing projects as a result of taking property-management companies to task. Image: Lissandra Melo/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffWhile acknowledging improvements in the Defense Department’s handling of privatized housing, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) cited several areas where more action is needed.
In a report released earlier this month, GAO noted that 99 percent of all homes on military installations are owned and run by private companies. Following a litany of complaints over the years from residents, Congress authorized the Pentagon to take more steps to address shortfalls. The watchdog agency’s report addressed the 2020 congressional mandate to improve oversight and increase assistance to residents who need it. Specifically:
• Guidance for residents who seek resolution to problems should be given in greater detail. Officials who provide this advice also need more information.
• Tenant advocates also could benefit from better instructions.
• Oversight of the condition of private units could be better.
Additionally, even though DoD has the authority to hold property-management companies accountable, it “has never identified the need to do so.” The rationale is taking such actions could disrupt ongoing projects. GAO suggested that the department could exercise power to place companies on performance-improvement plans, withhold incentives, or terminate the contracts of project stakeholders when necessary.
The Association of the U.S. Army meanwhile reported that the service’s Manpower Analysis Agency is in the process of examining personnel requirements. In the end, the action could result in the hiring of more housing-oversight personnel.
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