The Defense Department inspector general’s office last month began auditing contracting procedures at JBSA-Lackland, Tex., to determine whether officials there properly handled multiple-award contracts for services. Specifically, inspectors are looking at whether “contracting officials provided a fair opportunity to compete, supported price reasonableness determinations, and performed surveillance for task orders” issued under these contract types, states a letter, dated Oct. 22, from Jacqueline Wicecarver, assistant IG for acquisition and contract management. The IG’s November update disclosed the investigation. The Pentagon spends about $200 billion annually on services, according to the IG.
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.