Why I Believe Privatizing Federal Functions is the Wrong Move

In my opinion, the federal government could spend money more wisely, but privatizing its functions isn’t the way to fix its inefficiencies. Having served almost ten years in the Navy and later worked as a Federal Contractor, I’ve seen plenty of waste in government operations. But from my perspective, it’s rarely due to corruption or fraud—it’s mostly inefficiencies and bureaucracy. I believe this is where the focus for reform should be, not on handing over responsibilities to private companies. 

The Problem with Privatization 

To me, privatizing federal services like Medicare or education seems counterproductive. Private companies exist to make a profit, and that doesn’t align with the government’s mission to serve its citizens. In my experience, privatization will inevitably lead to one of two outcomes: 

1. Services Cost More: Profit motives will force recipients to pay more for the same services.

 

2. Quality is Reduced: To maintain profitability, private companies might cut corners, meaning recipients get less for their money.

I find it hard to believe privatization could do anything but shift costs to the people who need these services most. For me, this is especially troubling when it comes to essential programs that millions of people rely on for health, education, and basic support. 

My Perspective on Fixing the Problem 

From what I’ve seen, the government can do better without privatizing. During my time as a contractor, I worked to improve the efficiency of federal procurement. These processes originated in an era when everything was done manually—with typewriters, carbon copies, and standardized forms like the SF279 and SF281. The problem is, when automation was introduced, it was often designed to replicate those old processes instead of rethinking them from the ground up. Even today, every agency seems to have its own variations of these forms, creating unnecessary duplication and inefficiencies. To me, this is a prime example of how government operations could be streamlined. Enforcing consistent, modernized practices could save a lot of time and taxpayer money without sacrificing service quality.

What I’d Like to See Instead

Here’s what I think the government should focus on to spend money more wisely: 

1. Streamline Processes: Enforce consistent use of standardized forms and procedures across all agencies.

 2. Bring in Efficiency Experts: Let contractors or specialists identify and fix inefficiencies, but keep the core services in-house.

3. Rethink Automation: Move away from outdated systems that mimic manual processes and invest in technology designed for the modern era. 

Why This Matters to Me 

I understand that some people see privatization as a way to cut costs, but in my opinion, it’s a short-sighted approach. It might save the government money on paper, but it’ll always end up costing recipients more or leaving them with less. As someone who has worked both in government and as a contractor, I know there’s plenty of room for improvement. But I feel strongly that we shouldn’t sacrifice the public good for the sake of private profit.