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Selected Aspects of the DOE Operating Contract for the Solar Energy Research Institute

RCED-83-66 Published: Mar 15, 1983. Publicly Released: Mar 20, 1983.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO examined the Department of Energy's (DOE) contract with the Midwest Research Institute (MRI) for operating and managing the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI). Specifically GAO was asked to discuss whether: (1) the process DOE used to evaluate the performance by MRI under the contract resulted in a fair characterization of that performance; (2) the DOE decision to extend the contract 15 months beyond its scheduled expiration date was warranted; and (3) the process used by DOE to recompete the contract was adequate to select a qualified contractor for SERI.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Energy The Secretary of Energy should facilitate timely performance feedback to the contractor by complying with the completion timeframe set forth in the contract.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Energy The Secretary of Energy should establish procedures requiring that interim performance feedback be provided formally to the contractor's upper-level management at least once during the performance period.
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

Contract extensionsEnergy researchProcurement evaluationResearch and development contractsSolar energySource selectionSolicitationsProcurementProcurement regulationsCompetitive advantage