Auditing is the Systematic examination of records and documents to determine adequacy and effectiveness of budgeting, accounting, financial, and related policies and procedures; compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and prescribed procedures; reliability, accuracy, and completeness of financial and administrative records and reports; and the extent to which funds and other resources are properly protected and effectively used.
Defense Contract Audit Agency
The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) was established by the Department of Defense for the sole purpose of performing all contract auditing for the Department of Defense (DoD) and providing accounting and financial advisory services, in connection with the negotiation, administration and settlement of contracts and subcontracts, to all DoD procurement and contract administration activities. DCAA is a separate agency of the Department of Defense under the direction, authority, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller).
The purpose of contract auditing is to assist in achieving prudent contracting by providing those responsible for Government procurement with financial information and advice relating to contractual matters and the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of contractors’ operations. Contract audit activities include providing professional advice on accounting and financial matters to assist in the negotiation, award, administration, repricing and settlement of contracts.
Topics that contractors and Program Managers (PM) should be aware of with regards to Auditing include:
An Auditor represents the cognizant audit office designated by the DCAA or Service audit activities for conducting audit reviews of the contractor’s accounting system policies and procedures for compliance with the criteria
AcqLinks and References:
- DoD Manual 7600.07 “DoD Audit Manual” – 2 Aug 2015
- (Old Version) DoD Manual 7600.01-M “DoD Audit Manual” – 13 Feb 09
- DoD Instruction 7600.02 “Audit Policies” – 15 Mar 16
- (Old Version) DoD Instruction 7600.02 “Audit Policies” – 27 April 2007
- DoD Instruction 7650.02 “GAO Reviews and Reports,” – 20 Nov 2006
- Comptroller General of the United States Guidance, “Government Auditing Standard Guidance on GAGAS Requirements for Continuing Professional Education” – April 2005
- DFARS Subpart 237.2 “Advisory and Assistance Services”
- DCAA 7641.90 “Auditing Contractor Information” – Jan 2005
- Example: Purdue University “Internal Office Audit Plan” – 2005
- Template: Internal Audit Plan, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Website: DoD Office of Deputy Inspector General of Auditing
- Website: Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)
- Website: DCAA 7640.1 “Contract Audit Manual”
- Website: FAR Part 42 “Contract Administration and Audit Services”
Updated: 2/7/2017
