Government Procurement and Contracting
In March 2009, President Barack Obama ordered his administration to “reform our broken system of government contracting.” Congress and the new Obama administration have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to reform the contracting system so that it ensures that contracted workers have decent jobs and taxpayers get the best value for their money. Improving working conditions and holding companies accountable for how they treat workers not only helps uphold the federal government’s role as a model employer but also benefits taxpayers by eliminating hidden welfare costs, improving the quality of services, and preventing wasteful and abusive contracts.
Featured Content
The Hidden Cost of Low-Wage Jobs 
David Madland and Christine L. Owens discuss how reforming the federal contracting process to ensure better paying jobs and benefits can ease the burden on taxpayers.
Making Contracting Work
Report from CAP Action and the National Employment Law Project details how the federal government can promote good workplace practices in the procurement process.
Promoting Higher Labor Standards in Federal Contracting
CAP Action's David Madland testifies before the Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform of the House Committee on Armed Services about promoting higher labor standards in federal contracting.Promoting Responsible Contracting: CAP Action Supports Better Implementation of Contractor Responsibility Database, November 6, 2009
Higher Labor Standards in Federal Contracting: CAP Action's Podesta Testifies, July 10, 2009
Making Contracting Work: Government Spending Must Lead to Good Jobs, December 8, 2008
Sole Sourcing:
Spending Tax Dollars at the Labor Department, November 29, 2007
Feasting Off the Taxpayer:
Government Contracting Abuses, May 29, 2007
Competitive Contracting:
Congress Must Clean Up Procurement, May 14, 2007