Contractor compensation: Just a giveaway?

To our article "Deconstructing the contractor compensation debate," a reader commented: How can this be a democratic government when we have corrupt policies like this giving top executives money so they can keep doing business with the government. We are no better than the next guy down the road. You know, you get paid for the work you do and if you do not do it then that is it, go somewhere else to get that money. ... You would have some of the small companies be able to compete if they would stop giving away money to corporations. ... Think of the billions of dollars they would save if they would quit giving these top executives money. Someone's is in somebody's back pocket, think about it.

Mark Rockwell responds: It has to be difficult for agencies to find the right balance here, enough reimbursement to keep companies interested in the federal market, but not so much that it turns into a corporate giveaway. This issue feels akin to the difficulties federal agencies encounter in adopting public company management practices to operate in a more business-savvy way. While some of those practices--like making inspirational videos, or hosting expensive events—may not raise executive eyebrows at some private-sector companies, the same things can result in congressional hearings, resignations or even indictments if federal agencies indulge in them. Practical business management habits and practices common inside corporations, like cost-savings programs and more efficient bulk buying platforms, that have been embraced by federal agencies obviously aren’t as controversial.

The public should demand its tax dollars be spent well and it rightly abhors excesses. It also wants federal agencies to be more business-savvy and nimble enough to get good deals on the best services from the most able suppliers. The intersection of all those things is not an easy target to hit.