DIIG Current Issues No. 17: Contracting for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

The U.S. government has spent $153B in 2008 dollars on contracts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and their neighborhoods since fiscal year (FY) 2001, according to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). In June 2009, 194,000 contractors were working for the U.S. government in Iraq and Afghanistan, compared to 190,000 U.S. troops. At least 1,200 contractors have been killed in the two wars. These facts exemplify the United States’ reliance on outsourcing in Iraq, Afghanistan and the surrounding countries. The bulk of these contracts take place in Iraq, involve logistics orinfrastructure, and are purchased by the U.S. Army.