Defense Contracting: Improved Policies and Tools Could Help Increase Competition on DOD's National Security Exception Procurements

Abstract : Competition is a critical tool for achieving the best return on the government's investment. Federal agencies are generally required to award contracts competitively, but they are permitted to use other than full and open competition in certain situations, such as when open competition would reveal information that would harm national security. GAO examined DoD's use of this provision, known as the national security exception. It requires the use of competition to the greatest extent practicable. GAO assessed the following: (1) the pattern of DoD's use of the national security exception, (2) DoD's processes for using the exception, and (3) the extent to which DoD achieved competition under the exception. GAO analyzed federal procurement data; reviewed a selection of 27 contract files and justifications citing the exception from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, based on largest obligations, frequent users, and a range of procurement types, as well as five contracts from DoD intelligence agencies; and interviewed DoD contracting and program officials. GAO recommends that DoD issue guidance clarifying when security sensitive contracting data must be reported, monitor the impact of new Air Force class justification processes, and consider using tools that facilitate market research in a secure environment. DoD concurred with two recommendations and partially concurred with the recommendation on clarifying guidance, citing pending revisions to regulations. GAO continues to believe that clarifying guidance is needed.