AWF Opposes Boyda Competitive Sourcing Moratorium
May 27, 2008
Dear Representative:
On behalf of the Alliance for Worker Freedom and millions of small businesses across America, I am urging you to oppose restrictions in H.R. 5658, the “National Defense Authorization Act of 2009” which limit and place a three year moratorium on competitive sourcing offered by Nancy Boyda (D-Kans).
Competitive sourcing is the process used to determine the most efficient and effective source – private or Government--for performing functions that are commercial in nature. Delaying or halting competitive sourcing would hinder the Department of Defense’s ability to make strategic management decisions and get the best value for the taxpayer and the war fighter, and limit private sector opportunities, particularly for small business, in the Federal marketplace. Unfortunately, that is exactly what Rep. Nancy Boyda’s (D-Kan.) provision will do.
By using competitive sourcing, the taxpayers see improved performance and reduced costs. Additionally, labor unions, which represent all federal employees but a minority of private contractors, fight it tooth and nail. Each appropriation bill coming before Congress is a new opportunity for opponents of competitive sourcing to throw a monkey wrench into the proceedings.
The Pentagon has been at the forefront of competitive sourcing, having a forty-year history of success using this management tool. In the last three years alone, competitive sourcing has saved the Defense Department – and the taxpayers – more than $6 billion.
Strongly supported by public employee unions, the Boyda provision is intended to slow the use of competition and ultimately by federal managers everywhere. Therefore, I urge you to oppose and remove this provision and fight to keep our government functioning as efficiently as possible.
AWF WILL RATE a vote related to this measure in our 110th Labor Congressional Scorecard.
Sincerely,
Brian M Johnson, MPA
Executive Director
