The following summarizes the conclusions and recommendations and includes General Support Services responses contained in the report. Currently state agencies do not have the assistance of any state agency or advisory group when determining how to manage contracts most effectively. The State has no formal or informal body to oversee and advise on contract management and enforcement practices. Use of common procedures would minimize inconsistent management of contracts. Risk assessments are not used to place greater emphasis and resources on managing more important contracts.
Risk assessment maximizes the benefits and minimizes the costs associated with managing contracts.
Performance measures have not been developed for most contracts. Performance measures provide an identifiable measure of the quality of the contractor's product. Too little accountability for the proper performance of contracts is required of contractors or agency staff. When contractors are held accountable with contract clauses, the impact of problem contracts on state resources is minimized. We recommend General Support Services facilitate the formation of a Task Force to provide guidance and assistance in improving the contract management process.