Report: Gov't files lacking for USD 6 bn in contracts

A government investigation has found that the State Department has incomplete files or is missing files for more than USD 6 billion in contracts over the last six years.
In one case involving State Department operations in Iraq, officials couldn't provide 33 of the 115 contract files requested. Those missing files were for contracts worth USD 2.1 billion.
A State Department spokeswoman, Marie Harf, says that the USD 6 billion hasn't gone missing and calls it a "bureaucratic issue" that's being addressed.
The report by the State Department's Office of Inspector General recommends establishing a centralized system for maintaining, tracking and retaining files.

Other recommendations include random checks of contract files and holding accountable those responsible for maintaining files.
The report is dated March 24 but was released to the public on Thursday.