ABOUT DCAA

Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) provides audit and financial advisory services to the Department of Defense (DOD) and other federal entities responsible for acquisition and contract administration. DCAA’s role in the financial oversight of government contracts is critical to ensure DOD gets the best value for every dollar spent on defense contracting. DCAA operates under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer. Its work benefits our men and women in uniform and the American taxpayer. The Agency’s primary function is to conduct contract audits and related financial advisory services. Contract audits are independent, professional reviews of financial representations made by defense contractors, and DCAA helps determine whether contract costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.

Agency Data (FY 23)

 Number of Personnel  3,989
 Number of Office Locations  Approximately 230
 FY 2023 Dollars Examined  $253.6 Billion
 FY 2023 Net Savings  $3.5 Billion

 

Our Mission and Vision

Vision
As the premier leader in DoD contract audit and advisory services, we deliver unparalleled value, agile solutions, and data driven insights in support of our nation’s defense needs.

Mission
DCAA delivers contract audit and advisory services that exceed our customers’ expectations to promote timely acquisition decisions and maximize buying power so DoD has the necessary capabilities to deter current and emerging threats.

Values
DCAA is committed to the core values of Teamwork, Excellence, Accountability, Mutual Respect, Integrity, and Trust - TEAM-IT.

DCAA Director

Terri Dilly

Jennifer Desautel 

Ms. Jennifer L. Desautel assumed the position of Director, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) in October 2024. Ms. Desautel is responsible for the operations of the entire Agency, which operates under the direction, authority and control of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). The Director has decision-making authority on Agency policy, resources and operations and manages an annual operating budget of approximately $650 million.

Prior to joining DCAA, Ms. Desautel held roles of increasing responsibilities in various audit positions with the Air Force Audit Agency (AFAA).  She began her federal government career as a Co-operative education student in 1997. In 2007, she was promoted to Team Chief and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, where she led an Expeditionary Audit Team at multiple locations identifying over $40 million in savings. In 2011, she joined DCAA starting as an investigator and progressing through the ranks advancing to Deputy Director of the Boeing CAD. In December 2018, she was appointed to the Senior Executive Service as the Corporate Audit Director, Boeing; in April 2021 she was reassigned as the Director, Field Detachment; and in March 2022 she was reassigned as the Assistant Director, Policy and Quality.  In 2023, she was detailed to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) for one year where she was responsible for the DoD’s complex and diverse portfolio of investment funded Research and Development, Testing, and Evaluation and weapon system procurement programs. 

Ms. Desautel holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia College and State University.  She is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program; Air Command and Staff College; and Air War College. Her certifications include Certified Public Accountant in the State of Ohio; Certified Internal Auditor; Certified Defense Financial Manager; and Level III - DoD Financial Management Certification. 

DCAA Deputy Director

Terri Dilly

Debbra Caw assumed the position of Deputy Director on January 30, 2023 and is responsible for assisting the Director, DCAA in leading the Agency’s worldwide operations that include nearly 5,000 personnel and an annual operating budget of approximately $650 million. Prior to being selected as the Deputy Director, Ms. Caw was the Assistant Director, Operations Directorate of DCAA, responsible for strategically leading a workforce of 150 personnel who provide information system and data analytics support, investigative support services, financial liaison, advisory services, policy on quantitative methods, and Agency Information Systems (IT).

Ms. Caw was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in June 2015. She has over 30 years of extensive leadership experience in auditing, management, mentoring and coaching to include experience in the private sector. In 2000, Ms. Caw began her federal career with DCAA as an auditor in Palmdale, California. She has since served as a Program Manager in DCAA’s Policy Directorate and as the Regional Director for Western Region.

Senior Executive Service Team