[pclowes]

In defense of this process is the government needs to work with stable companies that are highly likely to be in business in 10-15 years. That rules out a lot of startups.

Networks matter and trust matters, they should prefer to do business with people they know!

That doesn't mean there shouldn't be accountability and investigations into cushy speaking gigs. But the government should absolutely work with established companies run by executives they know.

[chriscrisby]

The best example I can think of was the healthcare portal. It was given to a company that had no experience over Intuit who had pas performed that included Turbo Tax. The company that won the contract had a board member who was classmates with the First Lady. This is so common it’s not even news. Government tech work is all done by contractors whose connections have nothing to do with past performance or quality.

[pclowes]

That should definitely be looked into. Also I would be surprised if a significant company was MORE than one relationship away from the White House or an influential senator. These networks are small at the top.

[account42]

No, the government should demand that the work is open so that any other contractor can continue it if needed.

[pclowes]

What do you mean by open? A lot of government work is very sensitive. Also I have yet to find an industry where contractors are fungible and swapping the works effectively.