Compromise Suggested

The GAO is considered something of a neutral arbitrator in the contracting fight, and was asked by Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, for its opinion. In his response, GAO chief David Walker said he recognizes “the administration’s prerogative to set policy, and that, in general it has the discretion to decide how best to implement its policy choices. I also recognize the benefits of well designed and executed competitive sourcing activities, and understand that establishing goals is often a key element in achieving change . . . On the other hand, I believe the approach of using sourcing targets or goals could serve to inappropriately constrain the exercise of reasonable management discretion.” He suggested that Congress compromise by banning only “arbitrary” goals, which he defined as excluding goals based on “considered research and sound analysis of past activities and current and emerging market trends.”