How DoD Spends Its Contracting Dollars, and More from CRS
The Department of Defense spends more money on contractors than all other federal agencies combined, a new report from the Congressional Research Service explains.
“This report examines (1) how much money DOD obligates on contracts, (2) what DOD is buying, and (3) where that money is being spent.” See Defense Acquisitions: How and Where DOD Spends Its Contracting Dollars, April 30, 2015.
Relatedly, a provision in the pending FY2016 defense authorization bill would require the Government Accountability Office to “carry out a comprehensive review of the processes and procedures for the integration of intelligence into the Department of Defense acquisition process.” (HR 1735, section 1630).
Other noteworthy new reports from CRS that Congress has withheld from regular public disclosure include the following.
Corporate Tax Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS): An Examination of the Data, April 30, 2015
Tax Expenditures: Overview and Analysis, April 30, 2015
An Introduction to Health Insurance: What Should a Consumer Know?, April 30, 2015
International Investment Agreements (IIAs): Frequently Asked Questions, April 30, 2015
International Air Service Controversies: Frequently Asked Questions, May 4, 2015
Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations, April 29, 2015
What’s the Difference? — Comparing U.S. and Chinese Trade Data, May 4, 2015
Major U.S. Arms Sales and Grants to Pakistan Since 2001, May 4, 2015
The Federation of American Scientists supports H.R. 471, the re-introduction of the Fix Our Forests Act.
As people become less able to distinguish between what is real and what is fake, it has become easier than ever to be misled by synthetic content, whether by accident or with malicious intent. This makes advancing alternative countermeasures, such as technical solutions, more vital than ever before.
Throughout this phase of work, there are many actions hiring managers and staffing specialists can take to streamline the process and improve the quality of eligible candidates. Most importantly, hiring managers and staffing specialists can collaborate within and across agencies to expedite and simplify the process.
The next administration should establish a Participatory Technology Assessment unit to ensure federal S&T decisions benefit society.