U.S Department of Defense Trends in Overseas Contract Obligations
Posted by- Neelam Mathews Sept 11, 2011 The U.S Department of Defense (DOD) has long relied on contractors to support military operations, says a Congressional Research Service Report. Summary- Contractors provide the U.S. military with weapons, food, uniforms, and logistic services, and without contractor support, the U.S. would currently be unable to arm and field an effective fighting force. DOD spends more on federal contracts than all other federal agencies combined. Understanding the costs associated with contractor support of overseas military operations could provide Congress more data upon which to weigh the relative costs and benefits of different military operations, including contingency operations and maintaining bases around the world. The federal government tracks contract obligations through the Federal Procurement Data System. Obligations occur when agencies enter into contracts, employ personnel, or otherwise commit to spending money. The report examines DOD o...