Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

The Legislature Could Strengthen State's Privatization Accountability Requirements

Report 04-02, January 2004




Report Summary

In recent years, Florida has substantially increased its use of privatization to provide public services. When carefully managed, privatization can produce important benefits for taxpayers. However, recent studies have identified weaknesses in agency privatization efforts. The Legislature could enhance privatization initiatives through its appropriations and oversight functions by

  • mandating the use of "business cases" for agency privatization proposals that the Legislature could review and approve to assure that the proposals are soundly planned;
  • strengthening requirements for performance-based contracts; and
  • strengthening oversight of agency privatization initiatives.


Related Reports
  1. Steps Have Been Taken to Enhance State Acquisition Management, but Further Improvement Is Needed
    Report 06-35 April 2006
  2. With Effective Planning, Accountability, and Oversight, School Districts Can Successfully Outsource Services
    Report 04-26 March 2004
  3. Assessing Privatization in State Agency Programs
    Report 98-64 February 1999
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
government, government support, exemption, sole source, sourcing, purchasing, purchase, acquisition, bidding, competition, outsourcing, technology, business case, strategic sourcing, contracts, negotiation, best value, privatize, private sector, state functions, non-profit organizations, government programs, retirement, pension plans, retirement system, actuarial valuations, Florida Retirement System