The VA has historically used procurement policies that were "outdated, disjointed, and difficult for contracting officers to use." Over time the VA has also lacked adequate data systems, relying on flawed data to identify necessary medical and surgical items, for instance. While exact cost savings are difficult to calculate, VA has obligated nearly $4 billion to one program that did not receive proper oversight.
“If we are going to effectively tackle the long-term national security threat posed by our national debt, then we need to seriously examine how our defense dollars are being spent. Waste and inefficiency within the Pentagon not only contributes to our nation’s debt and deficit, it also diminishes the effectiveness of our nation’s armed forces."
“I'm concerned that our increasing fractious political process, particularly with respect to federal spending, is threatening our ability to properly defend our nation both in the short term and especially in the long term."
“This guide is a much-needed first step toward encouraging politicians to consider all available options for substantive Pentagon reform. Our troops deserve better than broken bureaucracy, and politicians shouldn't fool themselves into thinking that throwing money at the problem is the solution."
