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Too Dependent on Contractors? Minimum Standards for Responsible Governance
Steven L. Schooner
George Washington University - Law School
Daniel S. Greenspahn
George Washington University - Law School
Journal of Contract Management, Summer 2008
GWU Law School Public Law Research Paper No. 435
GWU Legal Studies Research Paper No. 435
Abstract:
While acknowledging that there are many benefits, challenges, and risks involved in outsourcing, this article asserts that failed implementation, rather than outsourcing policy, explains the government's current (mis)management of its contractors. This article explores the minimum standards for responsible governance following more than 15 years of ill-conceived and inadequate investment in the federal government's acquisition workforce, followed by a governmentwide failure to respond to a dramatic increase in procurement activity. These trends have led to a buying and contract management regime animated by triage, with insufficient resources available for contract administration, management, and oversight. The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" rings true. Accordingly, a prospective investment in upgrading the number, skills, incentives, and morale of government purchasing officials would reap huge long-term dividends for the taxpayers.
Keywords: public procurement, outsourcing, privatization, government contract law, acquisition workforce
JEL Classifications: H42, H57, K12, K23, L33
Too Dependent on Contractors_ Minimum Standards for Responsible Governance .pdf
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