“What the Review Found
The OIG found that the Procurement and Logistics Office (P&LO) did not adequately govern the ECAT program. This finding is based on three observations:
Ordering officials did not follow the ordering guide for ECAT.
The ECAT Ordering Guide is incomplete and inaccurate.
P&LO did not conduct required annual reviews of the interagency agreement…”
“What the OIG Recommended
The OIG recommended the executive director of procurement and logistics update the ECAT Ordering Guide and provide additional guidance to ensure staff consider FSS contracts before ordering medical supplies and equipment through ECAT. VA should also establish a process to monitor orders and identify recurring acquisitions that could be purchased through other contract vehicles at lower prices. VA should require a justification for ECAT orders if FSS contracts are available and not used. In addition, the OIG recommended that the executive director of procurement and logistics responsible for Rule of Two correct and monitor compliance with the Rule of Two diagram in the ordering guide, establish a process to ensure documentation and audits of orders meet the ordering guide requirements, and conduct and document annual reviews as required in the interagency agreement…”
Read the full 39-page report here.
Source: VA’s Use of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Electronic Catalog for Medical Items – January 13, 2022. VA OIG.
