B.  General Accountability Office (GAO) Study GAO-08-485

The Congress included a provision in the NDAA for FY 2007 (section 851 of Pub. L. 109-364) requiring the GAO to report on recent employment of former DoD officials by major defense contractors. In May 2008, the GAO issued its report, entitled "Defense Contracting: Post-Government Employment of Former DoD Officials Needs Greater Transparency" (GAO-08-485). The GAO found that contractors significantly under-reported the employment of former DoD officials and concluded that defense contractors may employ a substantial number of former DoD officials on assignments related to their former positions. GAO further concluded that greater transparency is needed by DoD with respect to former senior and acquisition executives to ensure compliance with applicable post-employment restrictions. The GAO recommended that DoD ask potential offerors to certify that the former DoD officials employed by the offeror are in compliance with post-employment restrictions when contracts are being awarded and that contracting officers consider continuing certifications throughout the performance of the contract.