OBJECTIVE C: From the audit population sample, determine if the event(s) meets the intent of AR 37-47 para 2-1a, which pertains to “official courtesies will be in keeping with propriety as dictated by the occasion and conducted on a modest basis to maintain the standing and prestige of the United States at home and abroad.”
CONCLUSION: We believe that several of the sizable ORF events based on their purpose, scope, and desired end state was fulfilled with a larger than necessary attendees and expenses; furthermore, these events showed an after the fact attendance that is much lower than projected. If a carefully compiled and justified authorized guest list is drafted, it would have resulted in a reduction in the “no shows” and be complimented with lower excess food cost. Manageable events in size should provide for the host a better opportunity to focus his/her attention to the …show more content…
Although I have seen in packets references to the term “modest basis” the actual participation size and costs incurred show otherwise. I can only assume that the reviewers and approvers of these “large” event packets were primarily concerned with the propriety of the packet vice the desire to keep the cost on a modest basis. I must note that one area where this weakness in controlling attendees is most likely to happen is in the drafting of the initial DA form 4843.
Using an excessive and/or extensive and non-validated guests list for the drafting of the initial DA Form 4843 will have a substantial impact on the calculation of the participation ratio. It is possible for the requester to manipulate the ratio to allow a higher DOD participation number by using a larger number of authorized guests, a number that may not be supported by a history of previous attendance as required by the AR. In addition, my review has shown repeatedly that large scheduled events have low turnouts, causing an excess of food and beverage
CONCLUSION: We believe that several of the sizable ORF events based on their purpose, scope, and desired end state was fulfilled with a larger than necessary attendees and expenses; furthermore, these events showed an after the fact attendance that is much lower than projected. If a carefully compiled and justified authorized guest list is drafted, it would have resulted in a reduction in the “no shows” and be complimented with lower excess food cost. Manageable events in size should provide for the host a better opportunity to focus his/her attention to the …show more content…
Although I have seen in packets references to the term “modest basis” the actual participation size and costs incurred show otherwise. I can only assume that the reviewers and approvers of these “large” event packets were primarily concerned with the propriety of the packet vice the desire to keep the cost on a modest basis. I must note that one area where this weakness in controlling attendees is most likely to happen is in the drafting of the initial DA form 4843.
Using an excessive and/or extensive and non-validated guests list for the drafting of the initial DA Form 4843 will have a substantial impact on the calculation of the participation ratio. It is possible for the requester to manipulate the ratio to allow a higher DOD participation number by using a larger number of authorized guests, a number that may not be supported by a history of previous attendance as required by the AR. In addition, my review has shown repeatedly that large scheduled events have low turnouts, causing an excess of food and beverage