Management Assistance Report-Concerns With the Oversight of Medical Support Service Iraq Contract No. SAQMMA11D0073

OIG recommends that U.S. Embassy Baghdad include in its minimal staffing list Contracting Officer’s Representative and Assistant Contracting Officer’s Representative positions, as appropriate, to provide onsite contract oversight from Baghdad and assist in the administration of the $1 billion Medical Support Service Iraq contract.

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration, in coordination with U.S. Embassy Baghdad, designate a qualified Contracting Officer’s Representative and Assistant Contracting Officer’s Representatives for the Medical Support Service Iraq contract, as appropriate, to provide onsite contract oversight from Baghdad and safeguard taxpayer funds and the interests of the Department.

OIG recommends that the Bureau of Administration communicate to U.S. Embassy Baghdad (a) the identities of the designated Contracting Officer’s Representative and Assistant Contracting Officer’s Representatives authorized by the Contracting Officer to direct CHS Middle East, LLC (CHS); (b) guidance to embassy staff to ensure all direction provided to CHS is through these authorized personnel only; and (c) the consequences and penalties for embassy staff engaging in unauthorized contractor commitments.