IIJA – Forest Service Pre-Award Contracting Activities

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Date Issued

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Submitting OIG

Department of Agriculture OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Department of Agriculture

Components

Forest Service

Report Number

08801-0005-51

Report Description

We determined that the Forest Service did not fully comply with Federal laws and regulations when executing the pre-award contracting process for the sampled contracts from November 15, 2021, to March 31, 2025, resulting in more than $48.2 million in unsupported costs.

Report Type

Inspection / Evaluation

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

$48,255,403

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

Open Recommendations

This report has 2 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	Yes	$48,255,403	$0
Evaluate the pre-award documents for the 13 contracts that had missing documents, which have an overall award value of more than $48.2 million in unsupported costs, and document conclusions reached, as applicable.
2	Yes	$0	$0
Establish and implement oversight controls to ensure that contract file documentation is complete and fully complies with Federal laws and regulations.