Which organization performs analyses requiring access to the contractor's financial and accounting records?

The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) is the organization responsible for performing audits and analyses that require access to a contractor’s financial and accounting records. DCAA’s primary function is to ensure that all costs incurred by contractors are reasonable, allowable, and allocable according to the terms of government contracts. This entails reviewing the contractor's accounting systems, cost estimates, and financial records to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to protect government interests.

The contracting officer, while integral in the procurement process, primarily focuses on overseeing the contract and ensuring that terms are fulfilled, rather than conducting financial analyses. The finance department may manage the agency's finances but usually does not perform audits on contractors unless specifically tasked. The Inspector General's office may conduct oversight and address issues of fraud or misuse of funds but is not primarily focused on the day-to-day auditing of contractor accounts like DCAA is. Therefore, DCAA stands out as the dedicated entity specifically established for this purpose.