SALEM, OR — The DOJ General Counsel Division could do more to ensure attorneys are providing quality, timely, and cost-effective contract review services, according to an audit released today by the Secretary of State. The findings are outlined in the report entitled: “DOJ Should Strengthen Performance Management to Optimize Contract Review Services.” The General Counsel Division serves a pivotal role in the public contracting process. Attorneys help client agencies mitigate risks by providing legal advice and reviewing contracts. State law requires all agencies to send contracts exceeding $150,000 to DOJ for legal review and approval. Client agencies indicated they are generally satisfied with contract review services they receive. However, we found the General Counsel has limited processes in place to measure, assess, and enhance the timeliness and cost-effectiveness of these services. Auditors also found that division leadership could do more to consistently monitor the performance of attorneys to ensure performance expectations are met. A secondary objective of the audit was to determine whether DOJ has taken the necessary and appropriate actions to prepare for a potential transition to a new funding model. We found that, though the agency has established a business case for a new funding model, significant technical and logistical hurdles remain. “The General Counsel Division’s legal review of contracts is essential to protect taxpayer interests and accomplish the business of the state,” said Secretary of State Bev Clarno. “For this reason, it is even more important for attorneys to ensure the services they provide are timely and cost-effective.”
