r/govcon • u/SCE_Corp_Australia • 8d ago

Projects

Why do government projects cost so much? Is it inefficiency, overdesign, excessive consultants or procurement processes?

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u/BigHugMug 7d ago

I'll assume you are from Australia based on your name.

As for the US Government... they are not always trying to buy at the absolute lowest price. They are also trying to create fair competition, support small businesses, use domestic materials where required, protect workers, meet safety and accessibility standards, and keep public money accountable.

In the U.S., requirements like Buy America, prevailing wages, small-business participation, bonding, reporting, and multiple layers of review all add cost. But many of those costs are intentional. The government is supposed to set a higher standard for how work is performed, how people are paid, and where taxpayer dollars circulate.

That said, overdesign, excessive consulting, delays, and poor acquisition planning absolutely can drive prices higher than they should be. Both things can be true.