Base Operations Contracting for Firefighters and Security Guards

摘要

This report responds to your request for information about contracting forfirefighter and security guard services within the Department of Defense (DOD). Specifically, you asked us to provide information on (1) the military services' positions on contracting for firefighters and security guards, (2) lessons learned from using contract firefighters and security guards at military bases, and (3) the cost-effectiveness of contracting for these services. Federal agencies have been encouraged since 1955 to contract with the private sector for goods and services, also known as outsourcing. In 1966, the Office of Management and Budget (0MB) issued Circular A-76, which established the federal policy for the government's performance of commercial activities. In a 1983 supplemental handbook, 0MB established procedures for determining whether commercial activities should be contracted. In 1996, 0MB revised the supplemental handbook to streamline and improve the A-76 decision-making process.