June 1, 2004 – The Government Accountability Office (GAO) publishes a report on contracting and reconstruction in Iraq indicating widespread problems:

“Congress has appropriated more than $20 billion since April 2003 to support rebuilding efforts in Iraq. This complex undertaking, which is occurring in an unstable security environment and under significant time constraints, is being carried out largely through contracts with private-sector companies. As of September 2003, agencies had obligated nearly $3.7 billion on 100 contracts or task orders under existing contracts.”

“The agencies encountered various contract administration challenges during the early stages of the reconstruction effort, stemming in ...   more »