One thing that I have learned along the way about State government is that doing something quickly is not a common trait and, doing something both quickly and well is just not the way we do business. I know a lot of State employees whom I like and respect and believe are highly competent, but there are many departments who, when you need help from them, respond like the turtles in the title of this piece.
While I always prefer things to be done right, a little speed, at least occasionally, is not a bad thing. If you like things this way, one of the things you want to avoid becoming involved with (at least with the State) is contracts. The State pay scales are such that it is sometimes hard to attract the skilled people who are needed to do a particular job. Rather that adjust the pay scales to make them competitive in the market, people at the upper levels of State government won't blink twice about signing a multi-million dollar contact for the service, ultimately paying more then they would if they adjusted pay scales. There is probably a good reason for this; it just escapes me.
The person in my department who manages contracts is very nice, extremely competent, and there is nothing negative to be said about her or how she does her job. She is very helpful at making sure that the contract is properly prepared and that all of the requirements have been met. It is after it leaves her hands that the turtle stampede begins. First, her boss reviews it (and may send it back for revision if there is something she doesn't like or for which she wants more of an explanation. Next, someone in Finance looks at it, who may also send it back. It then passes on to one of the attorneys, who again can send it back. Finally, it goes to the office of the Secretary of the Agency, where one of the Secretary's minions reviews it and, if not sent back, signs to approve it. Aside from the Department's contract person, everyone else who has to review the contract has other things to do, so this task is way down the list of priorities and, no matter how quickly I may need the contract in place, there is no required timeline for completion. I am told that, if a contract is "fast tracked" it can be completed in "only" 12 weeks. Needless to say, there are a host of unpleasant things I would rather do than put together a contract through State government.
Unfortunately, the State does not have the capability of performing all of the services that it needs, so contracting is a necessary evil. Once the contract is actually completed and in place, things are generally OK, unless the person with whom the contract is executed is an incompetent idiot (always an unfortunate possibility; people can lie to you or inflate their capability). Overall, my results have been mixed, but more good than bad. We contract with a lot of skilled, competent people. When they are not, it's less common but the results are generally more spectacular.
If you don't work for the State, but have an opportunity to provide service under the contact, it can be a very good experience. Just be prepared to deal with the herd of turtles in the beginning.
