It is always marketed as a cost savings but in most cases if you analyze the specifics in detail, the cost savings are minor.
One exception is for instance, building highways and bridges. The amount of specialized equipment and expertise needed is beyond the scope of government entities. Consider if a state had one large bridge over water and had to retain and maintain a 200 ton floating crane in order to be prepared to work on that one bridge when it became necessary. The cost would be outrageous. But a contractor who works on those types of bridges frequently for different governments and private entities could make serious money while owning it.
I biggest problem I saw at a State Highway Agency using consultants for design and inspection was the fact that the consultants had no real loyalty compared to the state employees.
One exception is for instance, building highways and bridges. The amount of specialized equipment and expertise needed is beyond the scope of government entities. Consider if a state had one large bridge over water and had to retain and maintain a 200 ton floating crane in order to be prepared to work on that one bridge when it became necessary. The cost would be outrageous. But a contractor who works on those types of bridges frequently for different governments and private entities could make serious money while owning it.
I biggest problem I saw at a State Highway Agency using consultants for design and inspection was the fact that the consultants had no real loyalty compared to the state employees.