GAO has provided us with the spreadsheets from their audit of each cache. We have taken a serious look at the audit of each of the VA caches. We found that, for the most part, the errors occurred in the number of medical supplies, and that most of the errors were because of surplus quantities, not shortages. We focused our activities on the pharmaceuticals and controlled substances, and found that most of the missing pharmaceuticals at the time of the audit occurred at one location. Since being provided the audit results, we have been working with the VA to assure that these errors, regardless of level of significance, are corrected.
Security is a principal concern.
As a result, we will be moving the location of one of our stockpiles so that it can be more readily monitored. In doing so, we want to be particularly careful, however, that we not increase the time that it would take to mobilize our team with its medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. In addition, VA officials have informed us that there are now clear lines of command and assignments for stockpile management. The new agreement includes the funding of additional staffing at the VA for close stockpile management. In addition, OEP and VA are instituting a monthly reporting system and periodic meetings with management.