NCJ Number:
60565
Title:
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING - HEARINGS BEFORE THE SENATE PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS, 96TH CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION, MAY 1, 2, AND 3, 1979
Author(s):
ANON
Date Published:
1979
Annotation:
TESTIMONY PRESENTED TO THE SENATE PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS INDICATES THAT WASTE, INEFFICIENCY AND CORRUPTION HAVE AFFECTED THE FUNCTIONING OF THE U.S. BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING.
Abstract:
IN FULFILLMENT OF ITS MANDATE TO INVESTIGATE THE EXISTENCE OF MISMANAGEMENT, INCOMPETENCE, AND CORRUPTION IN THE EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL FUNDS, THE SENATE HELD HEARINGS ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE U.S. BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING (BEP). THE U.S. DOLLAR NOTES PRODUCED BY THIS SMALL AGENCY EMBODY THE FAITH OF AMERICANS IN THEIR GOVERNMENT, THEREFORE, THE BEP SHOULD BE OPERATED BEYOND REPROACH. THE INVESTIGATION WHICH LED TO THESE HEARINGS BEGAN AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION OBTAINED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE REGARDING ALLEGEDLY HIGH PROFITS MADE BY THE AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, A PRIVATE FIRM, ON CONTRACTS WITH BEP TO PRINT FOOD COUPONS (FOOD STAMPS), AND THE ACQUISITION OF PRINTING PRESSES FROM THIS SAME PRIVATE COMPANY. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED CERTAIN DEFICIENCIES IN THE OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF BEP, ESPECIALLY IN ITS PROCUREMENT, ACCOUNTING, AND AUDITING PROCEDURES. IN ORDER TO FURTHER THESE INVESTIGATIONS, THE HEARINGS EXAMINED THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON THE PART OF FORMER GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WHO WERE HIRED BY PRIVATE COMPANIES, AND INVESTIGATED THE SHORTAGES AND DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT AFFECTING THE BEP. TESTIMONY FROM STAFF INVESTIGATORS INDICATES THAT THE AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY MADE ABNORMALLY HIGH PROFITS OF UP TO 38 PERCENT ON GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS. STATEMENTS FROM OFFICIALS OF THE BEP AND THE PRIVATE FIRM REVEAL THAT SOME OF THE INCREASED COSTS FOR THE BEP RESULTED FROM REDUCTION OF THE PLATE PRINTER LABOR FORCE AND THE PURCHASE OF MAGNA PRESSES. EXHIBITS INCLUDE THE BEP AUDIT REPORTS. TABULAR DATA IS PROVIDED. (TWK)
Index Term(s):
Abuse of authority; Conflict of interest; Corruption of public officials; Government contracting; Graft; Unlawful compensation; US Department of the Treasury; White collar crime
Sponsoring Agency:
National Institute of Justice/ Rockville, MD 20849 US Congress Washington, DC 20510
Corporate Author:
US Congress Senate Cmtte on Government Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations United States of America
Sale Source:
National Institute of Justice/ NCJRS paper reproduction Box 6000, Dept F Rockville, MD 20849 United States of America
Page Count:
579
Language:
English
Country:
United States of America
To cite this abstract, use the following link: http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=60565