The complexities of U.S. defense contracting in Iraq and some of the resulting irregularities are reviewed in a newly updated report from the Congressional Research Service.
“Given the size and scope of the contracts in Iraq, and the challenge of managing billions of DOD-appropriated dollars, many have suggested it appropriate to inquire whether these types of contracts can be managed better,” the CRS report delicately stated.
See “Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress” (pdf), updated November 15, 2007.
Other noteworthy new CRS reports obtained by Secrecy News include the following (all pdf):
“North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons: Latest Developments,” November 21, 2007.
“Russian Energy Policy toward Neighboring Countries,” November 27, 2007.
“Foreign Aid Reform: Issues for Congress and Policy Options,” November 7, 2007.
“Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations,” updated November 28, 2007.
“Botnets, Cybercrime, and Cyberterrorism: Vulnerabilities and Policy Issues for Congress,” updated November 15, 2007.
These ideas aim to advance the detailed policy solutions needed to foster public trust and implement fairness in the adoption of AI across diverse domains, from healthcare and government benefits to rural access, education, and worker protections.
The evidence is clear: algorithmic pay-setting is established in app-based work, and payroll/timekeeping failures show how software can produce systemic wage harm at scale
While a few states have taken steps to implement decision-making mechanisms for certain AI systems, too many leaders are simply accepting narratives about AI’s purported public benefit at face value – jumping to the “how” of AI implementation before thoroughly vetting potential systems and deciding whether they are appropriate to use at all.
When properly structured — with specific numeric targets, secured financial obligations, independent monitoring, and meaningful enforcement — CBAs transform data center deals into durable community partnerships.