Abstract
This paper looks at the US military's use of private contractors to perform military activities and the many problems associated with this practice. The paper focuses on the war in Iraq and reveals that privately contracted personnel in Iraq have the power and authority to use arms against anyone who they believe to be a threat, regardless of the consequences of their actions. The paper then discusses the multinational corporation, Blackwater USA, which holds the largest share of security contracts in Iraq. The paper explains some of the problems with Blackwater USA including lack of supervision, lack of continuity, and allowable secrecy that has led to innocent civilians' deaths. The paper also explains that the Bush administration was the chief opponent to reforming the practice of using private contractors and points out that if no reform is undertaken, taxes will continue to go to Blackwater and the reckless slaughter of innocent people will continue as will increased distrust of Americans by Iraqi civilians. The paper concludes by proposing changes to the development and awarding of contracts to private contractors.

Outline:
Demand For Change
Proposed Changes

From the Paper
"During the course of the war in Iraq, the United States has seen many of its allies remove their troops from Iraq. By itself, the United States military would be unable to fight the war and bring stability to the region as it is does not have the requisite number of troops on the ground and those troops are not adeptly trained for all of the dangerous tasks involved. The definitive number of troops is determined not by need but by executive and congressional orders, which do not allow greater numbers for support and or security troops which creates an essential gap in services for troops and for the cause of securing individuals, groups and even supplies. The answer to this gap has been to provide for such services through private contracts and in doing so the dire need calls for such contracts to be closed bids, where the contract is not offered to the best provider or the provider who offers the best return on the investment it is simply offered to an individual corporation that is most likely to be able to provide the service as rapidly as possible. These services range from cooking and maintenance services for US troops and equipment to prison guards and or trained security staff for high profile Iraqi civilian officials."

Tags:transparency, accountability, mercenaries, military

Abstract
The paper discusses how in recent years the military has been reduced in numbers and funding. These changes have made it necessary to increase the use of civilian contractors during times of war. The paper explains that they provide contract labor in areas that require special handling and when the project or job is over they leave without retirement pay or other benefits. The paper describes how contractors provide technical expertise and support where the logistical decisions can mean life or death on the battlefield of war. The paper concludes that with the reduction of funding and troops in the military, the use of civilian contractors is the prudent and cost effective way to maintain military strength without having to increase the cost of the military.

From the Paper
"They provide expertise with a focus on technology, as well as a cost reduction for the United States Armed Service Corps. Contractors are paid by the job which relieves the government of responsibility for their retirement pension fund, vacation or sick pay and other things that are typically provided in a traditional military or private sector job.
Another element to increased civilian contract use is the need for military personnel in other operations. The use of civilian contractors frees up military personnel for other operations while not reducing the work or coverage in the areas that the civilians work with."

Tags:army, personnel, technical, military

Abstract
This paper defines the roles of the Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) which hires private civilian contractors to provide supplies and services to American soldiers. It also explores the Government Accountability Office (GAO) which asseses the federal programs to see if money is being spent in a wise fashion. The paper, through statistics and research, tries to determine whether the American taxpayers are getting their money's worth from the contractors who are supplying and servicing American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From the Paper
"Going way back to 1997 and the U.S. military involvement in Bosnia, the same problem (lack of accountability and oversight) was apparent, according to the GAO "Report Abstract" issued on February 11, 1997. "The Army lacks basic financial systems to track how contractor funds are being spent and contractor monitoring systems to evaluate contractor performance," the report states. Civilian contractors were used "extensively in the Korean and Vietnam Wars... [and] in the case of Bosnia, the Army's latest estimate for contractor support has risen to $461.5 million - about $111 million more than the Army's original estimate." The GAO also criticizes the "unnecessary overhead costs and duplication resulting from the Navy and the Air Force introducing similar support contract programs.""

Tags:soldier, war, economy, budget, tax, payer

Abstract
This paper is a case study involving a scenario in which an individual may or may not have been properly classified as an independent contractor. This paper examines the totality of the facts and intends to make a determination about whether or not this person properly classified and not what ramifications there are for the company when her services were no longer required when the contract work she was performing was completed.

From the Paper
"In my opinion, at the time of her discharge, Mary should have been classified by Little Lamb Company as an employee rather than as an independent contractor. According to Tom Willett in an essay published on the Ohio State University website, there are a series of questions that the Internal Revenue Service uses to determine whether a person working for a business should be properly classified as an independent contractor or as an employee. There are a number of answers to these questions that..."

Tags:Labor law, case study, employment at will, breach of public policy, implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, independent contractors, qualifications

Abstract
The purpose of the RFP provided was to generate a proposal from a contractor in the community that would provide a training program that would result in at least 60% of the participants being employed upon completion of that program ("Request", n.d., sec. 1). The funds were already budgeted in the city and county, but no specific program had been previously implemented. Therefore, the proposal specified all costs connected to the program and how they should be used. The problem that the RFP was intending to address was the need for a job training program in a variety of professional fields within the city and county.

Tags:purpose, problem, nursing

Abstract
The paper discusses how findings of a current study suggest that FAR has dramatically changed the nature of this relationship. The paper explains that specifically, relations have shifted from a traditional command and procure environment to a dynamic relationships management approach. The paper discusses how in contrast to the traditional adversarial nature of government/contractor relationships, the new and emergent relationship is characterized by trust and open communication as well as strong leadership and ongoing management of the relationship itself. The paper notes that on the other hand, FAR places new and increasing demands on organizations that call for strict adherence and attention to detail. The paper concludes that in the final analysis, the new system appears to be all about collaboration, cooperation, and mutually beneficial relations.

From the Paper
"The following report explores the effect of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) on government/contractor relations. Findings of the current study suggest that FAR has dramatically changed the nature of this relationship. Specifically, relations have shifted from a traditional command and procure environment to a dynamic relationships management approach. In contrast to the traditional adversarial nature of government/contractor relationships, the new and emergent relationship is..."

Tags:fasa, far, federal acquisition

Abstract
The following paper is a expose of a small business which collapsed because of the micro-economic maladies commonly known as market failure (in this case, a lack of competition and/or oligopoly) and asymmetric information flow. The paper explores the sad history of the company's decline and also pores over the decisions the owner made which most likely contributed to his plight.

From the Paper
"The slow death of a small business first unfolded last year when the business owner attempted to expand his business despite intense local competition from a larger organization which also was receiving subsidies from the local county because of a long-running contract it had with the aforementioned body. At the same time, the contractor was also attempting to produce plastic products for a number of local companies. Unfortunately, the contractor knew very little about the highly complex plastics sector and he knew nothing about the expensive machinery he would have to introduce to his facilities in order to produce the goods in question. "

Tags:small, business, collapse

Abstract
The paper provides an overview of Lockheed Martin and its various operating units. The paper discusses Lockheed Martin's influence on American policy and looks at its three competitors in the aeronautics industry. The paper also points out its highly specialized personnel and facilities and proactive supplier diversity program that ensure the company's unrivaled success and strength in the aeronautics industry. The paper shows how Lockheed Martin is a very successful company with the capabilities of also achieving success in the future.

From the Paper
"Lockheed Martin Corporation takes part in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services in the United States as well as around the world. The company does business in four different segments: Electronic Systems, Information Systems & Global Services, Aeronautics, and Space Systems. The Electronic Systems segment deals with air and missile defense; tactical missiles; weapon fire control systems; surface ship and submarine combat systems; anti-submarine and undersea warfare systems; land, sea-based, and airborne radars; surveillance and reconnaissance systems; simulation and training systems; and integrated logistics and sustainment services. Their Information Systems & Global Services segment supplies federal services; information technology solutions; software and systems engineering support services; logistics, mission operations support, peacekeeping, and nation-building services for a number of defense and civil government agencies. The Aeronautics division provides military aircraft, air vehicles, and related technologies. Some of the products and programs that are included are the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter-multi-role coalition fighter, the F-22 Raptor-air dominance attack and multi-mission stealth fighter, the F-16 Fighting Falcon-multi-role fighter, the C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft, and the C-5M Super Galaxy strategic airlift aircraft. It also deals with the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft and U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft; produces components for the F-2 fighter; and serves as a co-developer of the T-50 supersonic jet trainer."

Tags:aeronautics, weapons, defense, aircraft

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in recent years, the Department of Defense has turned increasingly to independent contractors for the performance of essential services. Though generally touted as a means of improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the use of private contractors has frequently meant exactly the opposite - poor management and cost overruns. The writer maintains that the Department of Defense must put in place clear procedures for determining when to use independent contractors and must show stakeholders why independent contractors must be considered preferred service providers in these cases. The writer concludes that all Department of Defense acquisitions and allocations must be justified.

From the Paper
"Numerous parties hold a vested interest in the elimination of problems within the Department of Defense acquisitions process. The military itself is a primary stakeholder, as are the independent contractors, the end recipients of services - in particular in Iraq - and the American taxpayer. The cost overruns and mismanagement associated with independent contractors have become particularly acute since the beginning of the Iraq War as varied interest groups compete for different priorities. The Department of Defense has as its primary interest, the proper functioning of the military establishment. To this end, it has eliminated many civilian positions within the military that formerly oversaw the acquisitions process."

Tags:efficiency, contracts, practices, functioning, military

Abstract
Those in favor of privatization argue that use of private contractors will lead to cost efficiency in the design and building of new facilities. Those who are against privatization, argue that it is that very independence of the contractors which will lead to higher costs since the profit margin now needs to be factored in as well as the possibility of "low balling" and other disreputable practices. This paper intends to examine both sides of the argument in terms of quality, cost, flexibility and accountability. However, it will also be argued that privatization is a step backwards in terms of societal, and governmental responsibility.

Tags:privatization, correctional, facilities