Contracting Out Services

Many public agencies in recent years have followed the trend of privatization, or contracting-out. Activities and functions that were once performed, or services that were once provided, by public employees are now being performed by private sector employees (Lyons). Vehicle towing, health services, police protection, and solid waste collection are among the many services and functions that government has contracted out. A survey in 1995 that was sent to mayors or city managers of America's largest cities (based on population) revealed that only three of the 66 cities that responded to the survey had not privatized any city services.

Any employment contract providing for direct services to a Federal agency by an individual or individuals; or

Contracting officers may bind the Government only to the extent of the authority delegated to them. Contracting officers shall receive from the appointing authority clear instructions in writing regarding the limits of their authority. Information on the limits of the contracting officers’ authority shall be readily available to the public and agency personnel.” It even further explains that there is no contract shall be entered into unless the contracting officer ensures that all requirements of law, executive orders, regulations, and all other applicable procedures, including clearances and approvals, have been met. In selecting a contracting officer, the appointing official considers the dollar value of the acquisition, the complexity and the potential contracting officer’s experience, education, business acumen, character and reputation. A contracting officer is appointed in writing and states any limitations on the scope of the authority that is to be given to them. The FAR specifies that a contracting officer’s responsibility to ensure that no contract is entered into unless it meets all requirements of law, regulations and other procedures, that sufficient funds are available and that contractors receive impartial, fair and equitable treatment. Unlike the commercial sector, the FAR mandates that certain requirements be met prior to being appointed to a contracting officer. It requires that the candidate complete all mandatory contracting courses required for

This specific measure could provide efficient services to the city like in the case of Sandy Springs. The city of Sandy Springs has successfully incorporated in 2005 to a company named CH2 HILL .As a result the city of Sandy Springs does not have current liabilities and its services have met standards of efficiency. Based on that premise the contractor has overseen the process and that the bids with subcontractors were essentially offering prime services. Furthermore, CH2 Hill has also implemented a system where customer service hot lines is offered 24/7 and complaints were resolved and address accordingly without any red tape (ReasonTV,2011). Having the example of Sandy Spring it is evident that the premise of contracting a company to take over the subcontractors’ hiring as well as all services provided should be the best- case scenario to take advantage of the privatization model

There are several factors and aspects to consider when determining the benefits and disadvantages of using an outside vendor for essential services. In my current position, outside vendors are used in business management and support services, food services, and transportation. One of the benefits of utilizing an outside vendor for one or more of the essential services of the school district is that it allows the organization to focus on its core purpose of educating students. Additionally, an outside vendor could potentially hire qualified personnel for hard-to-fill positions as well as find substitutes for staff who are absent. An outside vendor is responsible for providing all of the training and certification requirements for its employees.

In this paper I will discuss the various aspects of a Federal Contract Specialist position and what makes it different from many other government jobs. Some people think contracting is just shopping for a living, however, it requires great skill and attention to detail. Contract Specialists must be able to communicate effectively with their customers, vendors and other contracting personnel and they must be able to accurately interpret regulations and apply them appropriately. This position is a little bit customer service representative, a little bit personal shopper and a whole lot of legal assistant.

Over the last fifty years, there has been a growing trend in the US public sector to outsource government services at the federal, state, and local levels. This stands in stark contrast to the traditional model of previous generations. In the traditional model, public services were administered by large bureaucracies consisting of government employees working for the public good. Over the last several decades this trend has increased. Today, nearly every government agency and private sector organization adopts contracting to some extent. From acquiring weapon systems, as with the DoD, or providing government services, as with HUD, contracting has become

Privatization (outsourcing) is the process of transferring ownership of property or business from a government to a privately owned entity. Privatization is an ongoing trend in many parts of the developed and developing world. It conjures both positive and negative emotions within the corporate arena as well as often ignite as much heat as light within an education discussion. Proponents of privatization maintain that the competition in the private sector fosters more efficient practices, which eventually yield better service and products, lower prices and less corruption. On the other hand, critics of privatization argue that some services should be in the public sector to enable greater control and ensure more equitable access.

As one of the best ways to diversify sources of revenue when ordinary clients are not bidding, many small businesses are increasingly seeking to make the federal government a client. This is primarily because the federal government is the largest buyer of goods and services more than any other contractors. For instance, the United States government is the largest buyer of products and services worldwide as it spends approximately $500 billion annually. In 2011, the federal government awarded prime contracts worth $93.3 billion to small businesses. However, the main issue for the contractors and small businesses is to develop a perfect contract that will be most advantageous to both the government and the contractor. This is especially with regards to dealing with red tape, which can be an arduous process though there are various approaches for making the process to go more smoothly.

to a business that operates for a profit or to a non-profit organization. It may also mean government outsourcing of services or functions to private firms, e.g. revenue collection, law enforcement, and prison management.

The Government is always looking to streamline the acquisition process the most efficient and effective way to produce a system and or service. The most important piece of streamlining the process is acquisition planning. Acquisition planning should begin as soon as the “need is identified” and will help lead to the most appropriate requirement for the Government (FAR, 7.101). One of those requirements could be bundling of a contract. Contract bundling can provide benefits to the Government, however there are some disadvantage and concerns associate with contract bundling and the impact it has on small business, as well as why contract is bundled.

In this chapter, the background of outsourcing within government agencies, the role that governmental leadership play in managing projects, and the DoD’s dependency on contract support to accomplish the mission

For the Operations department, information regarding building, operating costs, administration expenses, contracting services and suppliers are essential. A local contracting company will be hired.

The term is also used in a quite different sense, to mean government out-sourcing of services to private firms. (We are Assist You, n.d.)

WHEREAS, Contractor acknowledges and agrees that (i) Contractor’s execution of this Agreement is a condition precedent to the Company agreeing to enter into a contract with Contractor; and (ii) the Company’s agreement to contract with Contractor is adequate and sufficient consideration for Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement;