Review of Allegations of Acquisition Planning Weaknesses and Cost Overruns on the Contract Awarded to Catapult Technology, Ltd.

In response to an anonymous Hotline complaint, the Office Of Inspector General reviewed the contract awarded to Catapult Technology, Ltd for the installation of Wi-Fi services at 236 VA sites. The complainant made six specific allegations regarding the award and administration of the contract. Our review substantiated five of the six allegations and partially substantiated the sixth allegation. We determined that because of inadequate planning and incomplete information regarding requirements caused VA to process modifications that have caused the contract costs to increase significantly. VA also processed modifications adding additional sites; however, there is no provision in the contract that permits VA to increase the number of sites. We also determined that VA was improperly paying Catapult on a milestone basis rather than on a completed site basis per the contract. The Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Acquisitions and Logistics has effectively concurred on all findings and recommendations and has terminated the contract.