Recommendation Contents
OIG recommends that the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations update its Policy and Procedures Directive for the Commissioning and Transition to Occupancy of Overseas Facilities (P&PD CM 01) as well as its Guide to Excellence in Diplomatic Facilities to ensure that references to the commencement of the warranty period are consistent with FAR 52.246-21, Warranty of Construction. Specifically, existing policies and procedures should be updated to indicate that the warranty period either begins at final acceptance unless the Government takes possession of any part of the work before final acceptance, in which case, the warranty shall begin at the date the Government takes possession. The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations should also explicitly define when the Government officially takes possession of the completed work, including whether possession occurs at substantial completion or at the time of occupancy.