Defense Workforce: DOD Needs to Better Oversee In-sourcing Data and Align In-sourcing Efforts with Strategic Workforce Plans

Abstract : The Department of Defense (DOD) relies on contractors for varied functions, and obligated about $200 billion in fiscal year 2010 for contracted services. In-sourcing moving contracted work to performance by DOD employees has been one tool through which DOD managed its workforce. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 required DOD to report on its fiscal year 2010 in-sourcing decisions and required GAO to assess DOD s report. The act required DOD to report, for each decision, the agency or service involved, the basis and rationale for the decision, and the number of contractor employees insourced. GAO assessed the report against these requirements and examined how DOD prepared the report and assured itself of the data s reliability, and the extent the insourcing actions were aligned with DOD s strategic workforce plans. GAO reviewed the in-sourcing report, examined in-sourcing guidance, reviewed DOD s recent strategic workforce plans, and interviewed appropriate department officials.