$456 billion for Department of Defense in 2023, which apparently all went to other countries since it certainly wasn't used for our border. $303.2 Billion for civilian agencies, including money for illegal activities not spelled out in the Constitution. (https://www.gao.gov/blog/snapshot-government-wide-contracting-fy-2023-interactive-dashboard)

Here's how it's supposed to work: Federal managers decide they need a product or service, and create a Request for Proposal. Contractors put together proposals and have them in by a certain date. The federal managers pick the best proposal.

Here's how it actually works: Federal managers are doing unconstitutional crap that is not even needed. They could do the job themselves but they are too stupid. Huge government contractors control the whole game, and put heat on to have the RFP created through their contacts at the top of government agencies. Then they use the federal "8A" program, which is set-aside contracts for "minority and women-owned businesses." They don't even COMPETE for the contracts. I shit you not. The contract is handed to the 8A company, who is bribed to subcontract it to one of the huge federal contractors who are complete assholes. The contract needs to show that there are some personnel involved, so the contractor or subcontractor has some dudes in India call people who have the right buzzwords on their job board resumes. The dudes in India have no idea what is involved in the job. A "project manager" hires some people, and the "project manager" has no idea what is involved in the job. In the meantime, the subcontractor and contractor get an hourly rate on top of what the contractor employee is making. No one has any idea what they are doing or why, but a huge amount of taxpayer money disappears over many many months, which is the point of the exercise.

Not that I have any personal experience with this or anything. No sirree...