I haven't got enough knowledge of the subject to contribute directly to this thread, but I do have to say (from personal experience) that I have some doubts about the way that some independent contractors carry out Government tasks.
Quite a few years ago, I applied for a job with a firm which (under a Government contract) mentored the long-term unemployed to help them find work. As, at that time, I was 'long-term unemployed' myself, I assumed that my application would be received sympathetically.
The guy who interviewed me for the job clearly didn't know what he was doing but he repeatedly told me how important it was for their staff to ensure that their clients received prompt and meaningful feedback from employers, even when they didn't get the job.
I then waited 10 months (for an organisation which was dedicated to the concept of 'prompt and meaningful feedback') to send me a one line letter telling me that I'd not got the job!