The website states that discrepancies may exist between the data from FPDS and the numbers posted, with the latter sourced directly from agency contracting officials. To report a potential discrepancy, please direct message the @DOGE X account.
There is no public disclosure showcasing the full extent of DOGE’s cost-cutting measures. Newly released data from DOGE has omitted some of the top contracts it claimed to have terminated, including three purported $655 million cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development, which were reported by CBS News to have been inaccurately counted multiple times.
DOGE now lists nearly 800 contracts where obligations have been fulfilled, indicating that 34% of the contracts it purportedly terminated will not lead to actual savings. A White House official mentioned that DOGE collaborates with agencies to calculate savings, communicating directly with specific units and contracting officers handling individual contracts. The official noted a conservative methodology in calculating savings by deducting obligated dollars from ceiling amounts, even though the ceiling amounts for many contracts exceed the expected expenses.
DOGE claims to have achieved $55 billion in government cuts so far, a figure that is challenging to verify. The website aims to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, preventing taxpayer dollars from being squandered on questionable contracts. The site now includes an “Agency Efficiency Leaderboard” to showcase agencies’ efficiency based on DOGE’s calculations, allowing the public to observe progress.
While the website ranks agencies by efficiency, it lacks detailed information on the specific cuts contributing to the savings. Moreover, it provides limited information on terminated contracts, with some lacking clarity on the nature of the services provided.
For instance, DOGE terminated a contract with the Office of Personnel Management, claiming savings of $318 million without specifying the contract’s purpose. Another terminated contract with the National Institute of Health to Advanced Automation Technologies is cited as saving $149 million, yet the linked contract was for a different service with a much lower value.
In conclusion, DOGE’s efforts to uncover and eliminate inefficient spending are aimed at maximizing government savings, although some details regarding the terminated contracts may require further clarification.
With the same contract ID, the capped amount is just $1.4 million, which is significantly lower than the $149 million figure that DOGE has promoted on its website, as per federal procurement data. There is also doubt surrounding a contract termination linked to the financial management and IT company Centennial Technologies. The company stated to the New York Times recently that the contract was terminated last fall under the Biden administration, not by DOGE. Furthermore, 21 employees within the department, now renamed DOGE, have resigned in objection to the dismantling of crucial public services.
CEO Mani Allu from Centennial informed the New York Times that the government’s contracts database had not been promptly updated to reflect the cancellation until this month, giving the appearance of a new development. Representatives from Centennial did not provide a response to ABC News’ request for comment. Federal contract data indicates that no funds have been allocated for this contract since it was signed last summer.
In a display of commitment to transparency, Elon Musk, who has endorsed DOGE, assured during a cabinet meeting that any errors would be rectified swiftly. Musk acknowledged that mistakes may occur, but emphasized that prompt corrections would be made. He highlighted an instance where DOGE reinstated an Ebola prevention program within USAID.
At the same meeting, Musk commended Trump’s cabinet members, hailing them as the finest in history. Trump reciprocated the praise by acknowledging Musk and DOGE’s efforts to combat “theft and fraud,” underscoring the prevalence of misappropriated funds. Trump voiced his disapproval, labeling the misallocation of funds as shameful.
DOGE claimed to have managed to save $65 billion in federal funds, although verifying this amount remains challenging.
