Soaring Schedule

Small business advocates argue that growing reliance on the Federal Supply Schedule allows agencies to quietly consolidate purchases. That's because orders under governmentwide contracts are not subject to reviews for contract bundling. The Bush administration plans to close that loophole.

Use of Federal Supply Schedule (in millions)
Fiscal Years
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Services $1.0 $2.4 $4.2 $6.2 $9.4
Goods $3.3 $3.7 $4.8 $4.6 $5.0
Total $4.3 $$6.1 $9.0 $$10.8 $14.4

Source: General Accounting Office

NEXT STORY: Rah-Rah Ratings