DOGE cut federal IT contracts. Don’t count on the government to pick up the slack

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has completed its cuts to federal job roles and consulting firms, and is now targeting IT service providers supplying systems and services to federal agencies. The General Services Administration (GSA) has sent letters to IT vendors, asking for proof that their contract pricing is competitive and can't be performed by government employees. The move aims to bring more digital services in-house, as federal tech needs are often less complex than what vendors deliver. However, critics argue that DOGE has not built anything in-house and has laid off staff with the necessary expertise. The UK's GOV.UK model, which was built in-house, could be a working example for the country to follow. The UK model has won multiple awards and has been recognized as a core function of a modern state. Experts warn that slashing consulting contracts without ensuring adequate in-house expertise is a concern, and that having governments build and maintain digital infrastructure is essential for governing capacity, national security, and economic security. Bringing services in-house won't work unless the government builds the teams to do it well. The US is not the only country rethinking digital public services, as it's a pattern visible around the world.