Government Contracting Culture

[Tom Odom]

Can't comment on the "red headed step children" remark. DSS appears to have a reputation for professionalism.

David,

That remark is about standard FSO attitudes towards RSOs; the same tendencies are shown with regards to GSOs and communicators. All part of State's inner culture--rather similar to pilots and non-pilots in the Air Force.

Standards are high indeed in the DSS. As an outsider with freinds in the DSS, there is a sense of confusion/wannabe something else that emerges when you talk to DSS types.

Some--not all---seem to want to be more than a security specialist; the worst tend to want to get involved as intelligence operators as in generating intelligence when they are intelligence consumers.

Others are so focused on the primary mission--protection--that they ignore the political situation. A very close friend of mine who had dual security duties with the DSS and Blackwater types in Baghdad said this showed in their overly aggressive tactics--and yes he was there when the Blackwater shooting that caused such a stir broke out. To their credit DSS recognized that contract standards were going to have to be enforced in the field afterwards.

It is a difficult job and they do it well.

Tom

[DavidvsTheWorld]

Mr. Odom - What do you think some of the positive improvements to contract standard enforcement which State has made? What do you think are some areas in which they might improve?

Why do you think "some" of "the worst" tend to want to be collectors? Is this a common trend? Any theories as to why this is the case, or why the occupational confusion?

I also sent you a PM with some follow up.

[Tom Odom]

Mr. Odom - What do you think some of the positive improvements to contract standard enforcement which State has made? What do you think are some areas in which they might improve?

Why do you think "some" of "the worst" tend to want to be collectors? Is this a common trend? Any theories as to why this is the case, or why the occupational confusion?

I also sent you a PM with some follow up.

the main thing on the contract standards was the decision that DSS would have a supervising agent riding at least periodically along with more stringent certification of ROE. the other thing was a greater emphasis on context as in situational awareness and understanding, notably so protective details would not do the road warrior run and run over everyone when in unnecessary.

On the collector thing, I always saw it as a macho man complex--wannabe agency or whatever or just want to show off. DSS is not the only agency subject to the "cowboy" complex. I had a fellow DATT who was supposed to be low key out in Goma demanding his "Israeli LBE" and a US flag for his truck. I told if he needed LBE or a US flag, he was f+$#ING up. Turned out he was and he went home.

Tom