AWF Urges Removal of Competitive Sourcing Prohibition in Defense Authorization
June 4, 2008
AWF WILL RATE Removal of Competitive Sourcing Exemption in S. 3001
Dear Senator:
On behalf of the Alliance for Worker Freedom and millions of small businesses across America, I am urging you to oppose restrictions in S. 3001, the “National Defense Authorization Act of 2009” which limit the government’s ability to engage in public-private partnerships and competitive sourcing.
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 soldier , and limit private sector opportunities, particularly for small business, in the federal marketplace. Unfortunately, that is exactly what provisions contained in this bill will do.
Specifically, Section 1101 in S. 3001 will prevent the Secretary of Defense from “conduct[ing] a public-private competition under chapter 126 of this title, OMB Circular A-76, or any other provision…” This provision directly restricts the government’s ability to operate at peak efficiency.
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, these provisions are intended to slow the use of competition and ultimately by federal managers everywhere. Therefore, I urge you to oppose and remove Sec. 1101 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
cc: All US Senators
