Auditors found inconsistent end-state definitions, weak headquarters oversight and post-award changes across the Energy Department's nuclear cleanup contracting model.
GAO’s 36-project assessment finds nearly 14 years of cumulative delay, with the crew capsule responsible for almost three-quarters of cumulative overruns.
GAO found 84% of fiscal 2020–2024 contract obligations were competitively awarded, while competitive spending nearly doubled to almost $20 million a year.
Beginning Sept. 10, pending individually owned applicants must establish social disadvantage without the former rebuttable presumption; already certified participants are not required to requalify.