OIG: Amtrak could better ensure it awards contracts in its best interest

Amtrak could do a better job to ensure that contracts are awarded in its best interest, according to a report from the Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) released yesterday.

The OIG determined that Amtrak employees don't always adhere to the national intercity passenger railroad's requirements and practices for solicitations. The report is based on a review of the pre-award phase of Amtrak's procurement processes, which the OIG used to identify weaknesses.

For example, the OIG noted that several contracts out of 20 reviewed did not have cost estimates, and others only had a single estimate cost, with no details on labor or materials. In addition, the office found that some contracts did not follow established requirements for internal committees to evaluate technical aspects of suppliers' proposals.

Several contract files did not document changes in the composition in the committee, or provide necessary documents to ensure there is not a conflict of interest. Amtrak is also not effectively training employees to detect procurement fraud, OIG officials said. 

The OIG recommended that Amtrak implement a process to assess solicitations to determine their compliance with requirements; develop guidance regarding cost estimate details; collect pre-award data to identify fraud indicators; and develop additional recurring fraud training for employees involved in the pre-award phase.

Amtrak officials agreed with the recommended actions and described the plans they will take to address them. More information can be found in the full report, which can be downloaded here.