Commission On Wartime Contracting In Iraq And Afghanistan

The Commission on Wartime Contracting (CWC), is an independent, bipartisan legislative commission established to study wartime contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Created in Section 841 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, this Commission is mandated by Congress to study federal contracting for the reconstruction and logistical support of coalition forces, and the performance of security functions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Section 841 requires the Commission to assess a number of factors related to wartime contracting, including the extent of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement of wartime contracts. The Commission has the authority to hold hearings and to refer to the Attorney General any violation or potential violation of law it identifies in carrying out its duties. The Commission was inspired by the work of the "Truman Committee", which conducted hundreds of hearings and investigations into government waste during and after World War II at an estimated savings of more than $178 billion (in today's dollars) to the American taxpayer. The Commission is required to issue at least two reports to Congress, an interim and a final. The final report will include findings, identify lessons learned, and include specific recommendations for improvements to be made in a broad range of matters related to wartime contracting. The Commission will sunset 60 days after submitting its final report.