Recoding America[1] is an excellent book about this problem, but it extends a lot further than just contractors charging inflated rates. The government itself has a culture that is so averse to trying new things and compliance with existing policy that it's actually dangerous to the careers of civil servants to do anything innovative, because that is one of the only things they can actually be fired for.
The solution she proposes effectively would be an expansion of the US Digital Service (which the author spearheaded) into something that approximates the British civil service, which is actually highly functional and effective.
If you actually care about this problem and have a spare Audible credit it's worth a listen.
The solution she proposes effectively would be an expansion of the US Digital Service (which the author spearheaded) into something that approximates the British civil service, which is actually highly functional and effective.
If you actually care about this problem and have a spare Audible credit it's worth a listen.
[1] https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250266774/recodingamerica