Just three months ago, newly appointed DCAA Director Patrick Fitzgerald told contractors and acquisition agencies that his agency’s new mode of operations would aim at developing "mutually beneficial relationships" with both contractors and DOD acquisition agencies. DCAA would spring "no surprises" on contractors; it would conduct "more frequent communication with" them; DCAA would assure the provision of "responsive and timely services to agency stakeholders"; and – in a marked sea change from its traditional attitude, DCAA would abide by DOD direction that, while - the contracting officer and auditor work together "it is the contracting officer’s ultimate responsibility to determine fair and reasonable contract values." (DCAA, Director’s Message, CODSIA Operating & Policy Committees Meeting, March 10, 2010, ppt slide 12; Memorandum, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Subject: Resolving Contract Audit Recommendations, December 4, 2009).