Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Further Contracting Enhancements Would Help DCF Correct Vendor Noncompliance

Report 06-72, December 2006




Report Summary

To address the requirements of Ch. 2005-222, Laws of Florida, the Department of Children and Families has strengthened its contract accountability structures by establishing new contracting procedures for obtaining public university and college services and requiring annual on-site or desk reviews of vendors. The department also has improved its contract oversight systems and taken steps to better ensure staff compliance with these requirements.

To further strengthen its accountability systems, the department should make five additional changes to enhance its ability to identify and resolve vendor compliance problems:

  • require staff to provide sufficient detail in monitoring reports to develop corrective action plans,
  • include interim objectives and timeframes in corrective action plans to gauge vendor progress in addressing serious noncompliance areas,
  • establish a system for tracking and analyzing repeat findings of noncompliance,
  • more clearly define the criteria used to rate contract monitoring reports, and
  • develop a strong training program and manual for contract monitoring staff.


Related Reports
  1. DCF Improves Contract Oversight of Lead Agencies; Fiscal, Quality, and Performance Assessment Are Undergoing Change
    Report 08-39 June 2008
  2. Department of Children and Families Has Strengthened Its Contract Oversight System
    Report 08-32 May 2008
  3. The Department of Children and Families Has Taken Steps to Address 2005 Contracting Law
    Report 06-16 February 2006
  4. Additional Improvements Are Needed as DCF Redesigns Its Lead Agency Oversight Systems
    Report 06-05 January 2006
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
social services, health, human services, Child protection, lead agencies, community-based care, child welfare, contracting, contract monitoring, oversight, viability, outsourcing, quality assurance, quality management, contract management, contract administration, inspector general, training, substance abuse and mental health, economic self-sufficiency, child protection, lead agencies, community-based care, child welfare, contracting, contract monitoring, oversight, outsourcing, quality assurance, quality management, contract management, inspector general, training, substance abuse, mental health, economic self-sufficiency