WASHINGTON - March 23 - Today, the final rule for the forthcoming Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) was released. For years, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) has pressed for the creation of a government-run contractor responsibility database mirroring POGO's Federal Contractor Misconduct Database.
 
"The database was improved, but the Administration really missed a golden opportunity to promote its good government and openness agendas," stated POGO's General Counsel Scott Amey. "POGO wanted to see a system with real teeth to protect taxpayers from risky contractors, but instead contractors received a shield to protect them from public scrutiny. If the government is serious about improving federal spending accountability, it just missed its chance to prove it."
 
The final rule goes into effect on April 22, 2010. POGO submitted a public comment to the proposed rule in November 2009.