The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Caitlin MacNeal,COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER,(202) 347-1122,cmacneal@pogo.org

Contracting Responsibility Database Improved, But Still Misses the Mark

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.

WASHINGTON

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.

The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is an independent nonprofit that investigates and exposes corruption and other misconduct in order to achieve a more effective, accountable, open and honest federal government.