Government Earns Low Marks on Proper Use of Consultants

Over the past 20 years, GAO has issued more than 20 audit reports identifying the need for practically every major federal agency to manage its consulting services better. However, many of the same problems still exist. The proper use of consulting services is a normal, legitimate way to improve government services and operations, and agencies must continue to have the option to use them where appropriate. The major issues related to the Federal Government's use of consulting services and the efforts made by the executive branch and Congress to deal with a longstanding management problem are summarized.