I wouldn't go so far as to say that outside contractors are writing those RFP's, and turning around and winning them,
It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens a lot.
often times, the particular govt office/personal have a working relationship with a contractor, or have done business with them in the past [..] it may be the most effective way to accomplish a task
I've been on both sides of this issue and it's difficult to navigate, like you imply. Do you pick the low-bid firm who is likely to screw up the project, resulting in increased costs down the line? Or do you pick the more expensive firm who will do the job right the first time, but may subject you to "fraud, waste and abuse" criticisms?
It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens a lot.
often times, the particular govt office/personal have a working relationship with a contractor, or have done business with them in the past [..] it may be the most effective way to accomplish a task
I've been on both sides of this issue and it's difficult to navigate, like you imply. Do you pick the low-bid firm who is likely to screw up the project, resulting in increased costs down the line? Or do you pick the more expensive firm who will do the job right the first time, but may subject you to "fraud, waste and abuse" criticisms?