AID Needs To Strengthen Management of Commodity Import Programs
NSIAD-84-47
Published: Feb 29, 1984. Publicly Released: Feb 29, 1984.
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Highlights
GAO evaluated the extent of the Agency for International Development's (AID) program and financial controls over the Commodity Import Program.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should establish procedures requiring more specific pre-implementation of Commodity Import Program planning which would include realistic, time-phased implementation schedules and would provide for modifying plans when established milestones can no longer be reasonably met. |
Closed – Implemented
AID has issued guidance and procedures to strengthen commodity import programs, specifically in monitoring implementation from the agreement stages through authorization, shipment, and disposition. While these actions relate more to the recommendation of monitoring and arrival accounting, they are expected to result in improvements in the implementation planning process.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should increase audit coverage of commodity transactions financed under bank letters of commitment. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should strengthen established procedures for financing commodities under the direct reimbursement method by determining that personnel authorized to perform eligibility reviews are qualified. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should study the need to transfer the commodity voucher audit function from the Office of Commodity Management to another organization within AID where its degree of independence would be enhanced. |
Closed – Implemented
The Administrator of AID believes that the issue is not one of independence but assurance that AID commodity audit function management is technically proficient. With steps taken to improve the commodity management office, he felt it would not be practical or cost-effective and concluded that the post-audit review and analysis function should not be transferred at this time.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should require responsible officials to issue letters of commitment in appropriate standard language which would clearly inform and bind suppliers to AID requirements. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should issue specific guidance to AID missions on monitoring the implementation of commodity import programs, including the arrival accounting and disposition of commodities. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should ensure that missions comply with established monitoring procedures. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should issue guidelines on accounting for the generation of local currency proceeds resulting from the sale of AID-financed commodities. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should issue appropriate guidance on monitoring the use of local currency generated from the sale of commodities. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should direct the Office of Evaluation to establish a requirement for evaluating Commodity Import Program assistance and develop specific guidance for those performing such evaluations. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Collection proceduresCommodity marketingCommodity salesForeign economic assistanceInternal controlsInternational food programsMonitoringPlanningProgram evaluationAgricultural commodities