Comments on a Bill Cited as "Defense Production Act Amendments of 1979"

If enacted, the purpose of the Defense Production Act Amendments of 1979 is to ensure that Federal procurement decisions will not be influenced by a procurement official's anticipation of private sector employment or other compensation with a Government contractor. Between 1969 and 1973 at least 1,400 high-ranking individuals have left the Department of Defense to accept employment with military contractors, and about 27 percent of these persons were in conflict of interest situations because of their employment. GAO questions whether "switching sides" is limited solely to acquisitions officers, or whether post-employment problems can exist for other types of Federal employees, such as lawyers, regulators, auditors, etc. It is apparent that the proposed legislation is causing much controversy.