Contracting Out Government Services - (Privatizing Government: An Interdisciplinary) by Paul Seidenstat (Hardcover)

About the Book

Privatization of government services in the United States has accelerated in the last two decades, especially at the state and local levels. This work focuses on contracting out--the most widely used method of privatization. Contributors from academia, consulting firms, government agencies, and private providers discuss the why and how of contracting out and examine the results of contracted services, including quality and cost measures of performance. Some chapters apply economic theory to contracting out. Others examine recent case studies of contracting out initiatives.

The book begins with a thoughtful essay on the theory of privatization and examines the recent record of use in state and local governments. Section 1 takes an overview look at contracting out. Section 2 examines contracting in the criminal justice area as well as examples of contracting in such diverse areas as trash collection and the operation of golf courses. The final section looks in depth at the mechanics, obstacles, and effects of contracting. The book points out the pluses and minuses of contracting out and points to the lessons that can be learned from the recent history of this privatization technique.

Book Synopsis

Privatization of government services in the United States has accelerated in the last two decades, especially at the state and local levels. This work focuses on contracting out--the most widely used method of privatization. Contributors from academia, consulting firms, government agencies, and private providers discuss the why and how of contracting out and examine the results of contracted services, including quality and cost measures of performance. Some chapters apply economic theory to contracting out. Others examine recent case studies of contracting out initiatives.

The book begins with a thoughtful essay on the theory of privatization and examines the recent record of use in state and local governments. Section 1 takes an overview look at contracting out. Section 2 examines contracting in the criminal justice area as well as examples of contracting in such diverse areas as trash collection and the operation of golf courses. The final section looks in depth at the mechanics, obstacles, and effects of contracting. The book points out the pluses and minuses of contracting out and points to the lessons that can be learned from the recent history of this privatization technique.

Review Quotes

?After reviewing the theory behind contracting out, this volume includes specific studies of a variety of contracting experiences in such areas as juvenile programs, community corrections, local detention facilities, vehicle maintenance, solid waste disposal, hospital administration, and golf course management.?-Public Administrative Review

?The role of government in the market place has been subject to many changes since World War II. The overriding movement that has occurred since the 1980s has been in the direction of less dependence on government and more reliance on the private sector of the economy. The application of this trendin the US as been less drawmatic, as this collection on contracting out government services shows.?-Public Administration and Management

"After reviewing the theory behind contracting out, this volume includes specific studies of a variety of contracting experiences in such areas as juvenile programs, community corrections, local detention facilities, vehicle maintenance, solid waste disposal, hospital administration, and golf course management."-Public Administrative Review

"The role of government in the market place has been subject to many changes since World War II. The overriding movement that has occurred since the 1980s has been in the direction of less dependence on government and more reliance on the private sector of the economy. The application of this trendin the US as been less drawmatic, as this collection on contracting out government services shows."-Public Administration and Management

About the Author

PAUL SEIDENSTAT is Associate Professor of Economics at Temple University. A specialist in public finance and public management, he has authored and coedited several books, including Educational Choice and Privatizing Education (Praeger, 1994) and Privatizing Transportation Services (Praeger, 1996).