Government spending on private contracts has increased from $207 billion in 2000 to about $400 billion last year, the New York Times reported. And now, amazingly, far more people work under contracts than are employed directly by the government. In fact, the government hires contractors to oversee other contractors.
Private contracting can make financial and managerial sense in many cases. But the Times analysis raised several serious concerns: a lack of openness and competitive bidding in most contracts; private companies performing sensitive "government" work; contract winners tend to be companies that spend millions on lobbying and donating to political campaigns. Also, private companies aren’t subject to the Freedom of Information Act, even if the work they do should be open to the public.
"Without a public debate or formal policy decision, contractors have become a virtual fourth branch of government," the Times noted. Shouldn’t there be debate and scrutiny?
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
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23 Comments
Nah, just grab your wallet and chant:”If it’s good enough for Dick Cheney, it’s good enough…..”
Well, my first attempt to post on this thread, glorious and well stated as it was, has disappeared into the ether, due to Operator Error, I’m sure. I know I cannot replicate that great work here, so a summary.
The linked article points out many issues, including the contracting with a previously suspended contractor, which was subsequently cleared, to oversee contractors. While decisions as to continuing the eligibility of the reviewed contractors are still made in the appropriate office, I suggest there is at least the appearance of a conflict of interest, for surely the decisions are based, at least in part, upon the findings made by the overseeing contractor.
There are at least the following issues raised in the linked piece:
1) The use of contractors provides a way to have folks doing the government’s work without violating personnel ceilings;
2) There is an impending crisis in government employment due to the aging of the staff and looming retirements;
3) Expected efficiencies from utilization of private contractors in at least some cases have not been realized;
4) The process seems to have been derailed a bit from obtaining new contracts subject to competitive bidding, the preference being to extend existing contracts;
5) The growth in use of private contractors has been occurring over decades; the Clinton Administration gave added impetus to this through its reinvention of government program; and the $$ value of contracts let during the current administration has at least doubled.
Let me get this out of the way:
“It’s Bush’s fault!!!”
How about outside contracting for mercenaries in Iraq?
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/breaking_news/16640776.htm
“The committee also is looking into Blackwater’s contract to provide security services in Iraq. After numerous denials, the Pentagon has confirmed that Blackwater provided armed security guards in Iraq under a subcontract that was buried so deeply the government at first couldn’t find it.
The secretary of the Army on Tuesday wrote two Democratic lawmakers that the Blackwater USA contract was part of a huge military support operation by run by Halliburton Co. subsidiary KBR. Dick Cheney ran Halliburton before he became vice president.
Several times last year, Pentagon officials told inquiring lawmakers they could find no evidence of the Blackwater contract. Blackwater, of Moyock, N.C., did not respond to several requests for comment.”
5 indicted in multimillion Iraq bid-rigging scamLARA JAKES JORDANAssociated PressWASHINGTON – Three Army Reserve officers, including one from Wisconsin, and a U.S. contractor were indicted Wednesday as part of a bid-rigging scam that steered millions of dollars of Iraq reconstruction projects to a contractor in exchange for cash, luxury cars, jewelry and other pricey goods.
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/breaking_news/16644678.htm
Ben Huie,
They don’t call it the ‘Splurge’ for nothin’.
SOB, did you notice this morning that Cal Thomas sez it was all Clinton’s fault.
The right isn’t ever going to quit, of course, as long as it can shift the blame.
Just a thought — would you want the same people employed by the IRS, Immigration and Naturalization, Social Security, Veterans’ Administration, and the Department of Labor, (just as examples) handling WMD’s?
dennis-It’s obvious you didn’t even read his piece. He says that Mrs. Clinton said one thing at one time and is now saying another thing.
Libs = blind
rm6046,
What’s your point??
“Private companies aren’t subject to the Freedom of Information Act, even if the work they do should be open to the public.”
They may not be subjected to the Freedom of Information Act but they are subjected to the District Attorney inquiring about their business practice, but I guess Bush has that covered.
Sigh….
More of the evils of privatization of what SHOULD be good government jobs.
Private employers are much more free to pay their employees poorly and exploit them than the government.
Robert Greenwald’s Iraq for Sale. Thursday, March 1st, 2007
The story of what happens to everyday Americans when corporations go to war.Acclaimed director Robert Greenwald (Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, Outfoxed, and Uncovered) takes you inside the lives of soldiers, truck drivers, widows and children who have been changed forever as a result of profiteering in the reconstruction of Iraq. Iraq for Sale uncovers the connections between private corporations making a killing in Iraq and the decision makers who allow them to do so.
At Butler Community College in the 5000 building, Room 5185
715 East 13th Street in Andover (1/3rd of a mile east of Andover Road on 13th)
7:30-9:00 pm
Come early for “previews”
For more information, follow this link: http://www.iraqforsale.org
To RSVP, click on this link: http://iraqforsale.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/8821-andover
I’ve seen this and it is worth viewing.
Actually Blackwater employees make much more than our military people do. One problem is that not finishing the job is incentifized – so that more private work is needed.
When do they take Haliburton to task? Biggest Con artist in Iraq.
Steven is correct. Everyone should see this documentary.
J R,
My boss, who is usually a nice woman, is asking that I work the night of 03-01-07 (there are problems at work). Do you think you could make it to this showing? I’m sure that my friend who is putting this on, would appreicate your help.
Thanks. SED
“Everyone should see this documentary”
–Junior
If we see it, Junior, can we hope to turn out like you?
golfnuts,
“If we see it, Junior, can we hope to turn out like you?”
No, but if you don’t see it golfnuts, you can CONTINUE to be who you ARE — misinformed, ignorant, and clueless.
cos,you left out a few adjectives: successful, arrogant, egotistical and good-lookin.
The concept of private contracting may be okay, but the way it’s practiced in Iraq is legalized graft, pure and simple.
No bid contracts to presidential cronies. Absolutely no oversight. When gov’t officials want to see what work is done for what price, they are told all that information is classified.
When they ask WHY is it classified, they are told that this too is classified.
Cheney never cut his ties to Halliburton in a massive conflict of interest.
Absolutely criminal.
“…and good-lookin.”
Even you can’t be this reality challenged. I have always thought Nutz was a joke. This post removes all doubt.
Steven, I will have to see. That is some time off yet.
And no goof nut is not good looking nor would I expect him to see this film.
He is content in an environment conducive to the growth of mushrooms.
Hey Iraq is stating to be even MORE like Viet nam.
Bell helicopter made a fortune on that war. I understand the “dead ender” insurgents in Iraq are getting pretty good at bringing down helicopters. 6 in the last two months.