GSA Chief Scrutinized For Deal With Friend

Doan also generated consternation within her agency and on Capitol Hill with her proposals to curb the agency's contract audits and to cut the inspector general's budget by $5 million. The audits, which aim to ensure that the government is getting the best prices for goods and services, have saved taxpayers more than $1 billion over the past two years, the inspector general's office reported.

Doan's efforts prompted senators and congressmen from both parties to write to her, requesting that she halt her plans.

"You have not made a coherent case that explains how your proposal would benefit the taxpayer compared to the system now in place," said one letter signed by three members of Congress, including Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.), the new chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which oversees the GSA.

Doan has said publicly that the proposed cuts were part of an effort to reduce wasteful spending across the agency. Privately, she complained that Inspector General Brian D. Miller and his staff were intimidating GSA employees and vendors. She accused Miller's staff members of leaking budget information and asked for an investigation.

Doan also demanded that Miller notify her of all ongoing criminal probes of GSA employees and provide her with a monthly report of his office's activities. Miller said disclosing the cases could jeopardize investigations, and he disregarded Doan's requests for a leak investigation and monthly reports, according to a Jan. 10 memo obtained by The Post.

Doan said she has been misunderstood and is trying to do the best job she can.

"I bring the sensibility of someone whose favorite song is the national anthem. I love this country," Doan said. "I was one of the chosen ones who has had a chance to really live all aspects of the American dream. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to give back."

Research editor Alice Crites contributed to this report.