Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Requirements intended to promote competition in contracting have made the performance of government worse, not better. Using federal procurement of computer systems as his model, the author shows the devasting effects of practices designed to prevent collusion between vendors and officials. Rules forbidding the exercise of discretion discourage managers from withholding contracts because of poor performance or awarding them for superior performance. Officials thus cannot develop the high-technology applications they need to make the best use of the taxpayers' dollars. Case studies provide detailed documentation of the author's argument for overdue changes in government procurement.
Synopsis
Using federal procurement of computer systems, the author shows the effects of practices designed to prevent collusion between vendors and officials.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 184-207) and index.