Well here is that analysis I was talking about. Check out what David had to say about Obama and contractors. And as a disclaimer, I did not coordinate this with the guy, so I think it is pretty funny that he came out with this after I mentioned it a couple posts back. I am glad though that someone else besides me, is looking into the industry’s future under Obama.
So what is new? Well, it sounds like Obama doesn’t have an issue with us. He just wants more accountability, and I actually like that. I think our industry does need more oversight. And I am not saying that we should be micromanaged to death by the government. I am just saying give us some direction and some guidance is all. Spell out exactly the terms, and get some of the ‘gray areas’ out of the industry that tend to give pause to those that have been critical. The more the government can legitimize and give guidance to our industry, the happier the client(which is the government) will be.
I also like the fact that Obama wants to increase funding to DoS. Today’s wars are not just a military battle. It also requires a massive diplomatic effort. And if the military is busy with other stuff, then security for DoS will have to come from contractors. I am sure the WPPS companies out there are pleased with that.
On the down side, I was not aware of the provisions in the 2009 Defense Authorization Act. The one I clued in on, was section 832. It is a call for the military to do the security jobs that contractors have been fulfilling. Or if contractors are needed, that the decision to use us will be based on the discretion of the ‘relevant combatant command’.