Tips and Trends 2019-0004 Avoid Mismanagement of Public Funds in Contracting.pdf

The document is a publication from the Office of Inspector General in Palm Beach County discussing the importance of effective contract administration to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in government contracts. It defines contract administration as activities that occur after contract award and emphasizes the need for contract managers to be vigilant in ensuring contract compliance. The document outlines elements of effective contract administration such as understanding contract requirements, developing a contract administration plan, and establishing clear communication between parties. It also highlights common contract administration deficiencies found in Palm Beach County, including expired contracts, improper payments, and unauthorized changes. The publication provides suggestions for reducing the risk of procurement fraud through staff training, utilizing contract administration plans, and monitoring compliance. Additionally, it presents a scenario illustrating the consequences of not reviewing contracts thoroughly and emphasizes the importance of verifying invoices against the contract terms before making payments to prevent unauthorized expenses.