Department of Defense Trends in Overseas Contract Obligations

Moshe Schwartz
Specialist in Defense Acquisition

Wendy Ginsberg
Analyst in American National Government

Daniel Alexander
Research Associate

The Department of Defense (DOD) has long relied on contractors to support military operations. Contractors provide the U.S. military with weapons, food, uniforms, and logistic services, and without contractor support, the U.S. would currently be unable to arm and field an effective fighting force. DOD spends more on federal contracts than all other federal agencies combined.

Understanding the costs associated with contractor support of overseas military operations could provide Congress more data upon which to weigh the relative costs and benefits of different military operations, including contingency operations and maintaining bases around the world.

The federal government tracks contract obligations through the Federal Procurement Data System. Obligations occur when agencies enter into contracts, employ personnel, or otherwise commit to spending money. This report examines DOD overseas contract obligations within the context of U.S. government and DOD contract spending.


Date of Report: July 22, 2011
Number of Pages: 22
Order Number: R41820
Price: $29.95

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