Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the five recommendations included in our initial audit report, Contracts for Personal and Miscellaneous Services (2009-S-54).

Background

Our initial report, issued on July 19, 2011, determined that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority) generally did not have documentation to justify the need for new or renewed contracts for personal and miscellaneous services. In addition, the Port Authority did not provide documentation to support that it periodically reassessed all of its contracts for personal and miscellaneous services. We also found that the Port Authority's business model does not require the departments requesting these contracts to perform and document an assessment that would establish that outsourcing is the best approach to accomplish the task. Finally, we found that contract personnel are an additional aspect of the work force of the Port Authority, but are not disclosed in the count of personnel necessary to accomplish the Port Authority's work. Our initial report contained five recommendations for improving the Port Authority's efforts to attain savings through justification and reassessment of its contracts for personal and miscellaneous services.

Key Finding

Port Authority officials have made progress in implementing the recommendations contained in our prior audit report.  Of the five prior audit recommendations, one was implemented, three were partially implemented, and one was not implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.

Other Related Audits/Reports of Interest

Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Contracts for Personal and Miscellaneous Services (2008-S-158)

Department of Transportation: Contracts for Personal and Miscellaneous Services (2009-S-66)