Survey: Contractors by the thousands work in intelligence

As many as 37,000 contractors are working as intelligence analysts, technology specialists and mission managers, according to a Washington Post story on a new report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Most of the contractors work in the Washington area and have been hired since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The report says each contractor costs the government about $207,000 annually, compared to $125,000 for salary and benefits for a civilian government employee.

The survey found that about 27 percent of the contractors were involved in intelligence collection and operations; just fewer than 25 percent were working in information technology services, about 20 percent were in analysis and production and another 20 percent were in administration and support functions.

Agency officials told the Washington Post that contractors are most often needed for their unique expertise that could not be found in the government.