DCAA GETS DINGED
Yes, even the DCAA gets audited. Interesting! The Defense Contract Audit Agency under the Department of Defense (DOD) Comptroller plays a critical role in contractor oversight by providing auditing, accounting, and financial advisory services in connection with DOD and other federal agency contracts and subcontracts. GAO investigated hotline complaints it received related to alleged failures to comply with GAGAS on 14 DCAA audits. DCAA did not agree with the totality of GAOs findings, but it did acknowledge shortcomings with some audits and agreed to take corrective action.
Throughout GAOs investigation, auditors at each of the three DCAA locations told them that the limited number of hours approved for their audits directly affected the sufficiency of audit testing. Moreover, during GAOs investigation, DCAA managers took actions against staff at two locations, attempting to intimidate auditors, prevent them from speaking with investigators, and creating a generally abusive work environment. Remember colleagues, even in the audit environment, you are dealing with fallible humans. So always be prepared to support your data and numbers. Even when you dont think you have to. Do not assume anything. Know your rights and be tactful when you disagree. Auditors are people too.