AFL-CIO union chief questions High Road contracting policy

Several observers have said the High Road policy is also notable in that it attempts to use federal procurement as a tool of social policy, opening the door to further politicization of the federal buying process. In addition to the unions, the bipartisan group of senators, including Joe Lieberman, Collins and Tom Coburn, that normally collaborates on contracting and other good government efforts would likely oppose any legislation that attempts to implement High Road policies. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut has said she may introduce a High Road bill if the White House does not introduce the policy in the coming weeks.

Burman believes most of the High Road polices could be implemented without any legislative action but said the normal process would include collecting input from a variety of sources, holding hearings and allowing time to review possible unintended consequences. Orszag assured Collins personally last month that her office would be briefed before any changes are introduced.

“I would think that with something like [the High Road policy] that would be a major shift in how government does contracting, it would require some clear analysis that demonstrates the benefits of [the proposal],” Burman said.

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