IG: FTS contracting out of control

The Federal Technology Service's client support centers in three regions breached federal procurement laws over the last two years, according to the General Services Administration's inspector general.

Auditors found FTS employees in regions 4, 6 and 10, covering 23 states, had ineffective management and did not promote adequate competition. Further, they found misuse of small business contracts and of ordering work outside the contract scope and outside the scope of the Information Technology Fund, said John Langeland, a GSA IG audit manager.

GSA officials vowed to correct the problems. FTS Commissioner Sandra Bates said employees have had training in procurement law, client support offices have been reorganized, and a review of all procurement practices has begun. The IG also was asked to examine practices in the other eight regions, Bates said.