Dulles Branch Office exemplifies DCAA core values on $2.1 billion proposal

Dulles Branch Office exemplifies DCAA core values on $2.1 billion proposal

By DCAA Staff Writer

The Dulles Branch Office (DBO) demonstrated exceptional teamwork and excellence throughout a $2.1 billion proposal audit for a major land system. As a result of their thorough work, they identified over $92 million in questioned costs, showcasing their commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and supporting the Warfighter. The team's proactive approach began well before the official audit request and strengthened their relationship with the contractor and buying command to support the audit. Participating in draft Request for Proposal walkthroughs and monthly meetings also helped the team clarify requirements and refine their audit strategy. This proactive engagement helped them anticipate potential challenges and develop a comprehensive understanding of the proposal's complexities.

Auditors reviewed the proposal in detail and received real-time inquiry responses while touring the production facility where the components under the audit were being assembled. The firsthand experience from the in-person walkthrough deepened the team's understanding of the contract's critical role in supporting the Warfighter and strengthened their ability to identify and address key issues. The site visit also helped strengthen the team's relationship with stakeholders, including the requestor and the Senior Financial Liaison Advisor. These discussions offered valuable insights into the current proposal and potential future work, fostering a collaborative environment for ongoing success.

The DBO issued its audit on time and identified over $92 million in questioned costs across direct materials, subcontract costs, and indirect costs. The questioned direct material costs related to inadequate cost and pricing data with overstated escalation rates, mathematical errors, lack of basis of estimates, and an inflated production loss allowance. Subcontractor costs issues included discrepancies in vendor quotes, purchase order history, mathematical errors, unreasonable escalation factors, and inadequate cost and price analysis.

The audit team discussed their findings with the buying command and offered negotiation support to ensure the government achieves fair and reasonable pricing. This audit's success was made possible by the dedication and expertise of the DBO team:

• Branch Manager: Robert Jaegly
• Supervisor: Jennifer Peterman
• Technical Specialist: Jennifer Lanterman
• Lead Auditor: Christopher Clayton
• Auditors: Ryan Kam, Dasom Lee, Bresha Mogar, Stephanie Williams, and Christina Smith

The DBO team also coordinated with other DCAA offices, receiving critical support from other Field Detachment offices, including the Longhorn Branch Office, Valley Forge Branch Office, and the RST staff. Exemplifying DCAA's core values, the team identified millions in potential savings for the government while strengthened DCAA's relationship with the contractor and buying command to support the DoD and the Warfighter.