**GAO-08-288**                      Published: Dec 31, 2007. Publicly Released: Jan 04, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Hurricane Katrina caused several breaches in the floodwalls along three drainage canals in New Orleans, contributing to catastrophic flooding. To restore the pre-Katrina level of hurricane-related flood protection, the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) decided to acquire several large-capacity pumping systems. During the process of acquiring, testing, and installing the pumping systems, issues with the pump contract and operation of the pumping systems came to light, including several identified in a Corps Independent Team Report (ITR). GAO was asked to evaluate the Corps' efforts to (1) develop contract specifications and award the contract, (2) address pumping system performance issues, (3) document contract modifications, and (4) reconcile contract payments. GAO reviewed contract and testing documents, observed the operation of the pumping system, and interviewed officials from the Corps, its consultants and contractors, and the ITR team.

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## Topics

National Defense

Army procurementContract administrationDefense procurementFlood controlFlood control managementFloodsHurricane KatrinaHurricanesPerformance measuresPipeline operationsStrategic planningWater pipelines