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I'm in the military and my unit spends many millions of dollars a year. Our biggest problem is that we no longer have the people to manually track items and our automated systems don't talk to each other (which means that they aren't automated). Consequently, when a person doesn't keep the proper records it isn't discovered for a while, then it is usually too late to track where it went. I cannot tell you the frustration of keeping paper records and reentering information because our IT systems are clumsy and don't talk to each other.

If you really want to discover waste, look at what is purchased. Don't look for $400 hammers and $1500 coffee makers; those are actually valid purchases (the $400 hammer is a special non-ferrous tool for bomb disposal and the coffee maker is a no-spill for long distance planes (the airlines actually were spending more for the same thing).). Instead, look at the prices for things like electronic parts and repair parts for our machines. This is because the buyer doesn’t know the true value of the item and doesn’t realize the govt is being overcharged.

22 - "This is because the buyer doesn’t know the true value of the item and doesn’t realize the govt is being overcharged. "

Not necessarily. My $86 each 3/4" sheet metal screws, and my $300 washers come to mind.

"Instead, look at the prices for things like electronic parts and repair parts for our machines. This is because the buyer doesn’t know the true value of the item and doesn’t realize the govt is being overcharged."

Very good point here! One 1N4848 diode costs only a nickel in the electronics market but I recall seeing one government report listing those for like $7.50 each! Sheesh!