The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, claims to be saving taxpayers money by cutting government contracts—but a recent contract cancellation at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) has resulted in $0 in actual savings.
Key Takeaways:
- DOGE canceled a $355,236 contract for leadership coaching and team-building services at NBAF.
- Despite the contract’s value, DOGE reports $0 in savings, as all funds were already obligated.
- Contractor Liz Berney, who had worked with NBAF leadership for four years, received a cease-and-desist order.
- Other USDA contracts were also terminated, raising concerns over the impact on agency operations.
While DOGE claims to be eliminating waste, critics argue that terminating pre-funded contracts does little to reduce government spending and could even disrupt critical federal programs.
NBAF Contract Canceled—With No Financial Benefit
On its website, DOGE lists the NBAF contract as canceled, claiming it as part of its cost-cutting achievements. However, the reported savings from the cancellation is exactly $0.
Why?
- The contract had already been fully funded for the fiscal year.
- Federal procurement records show it was terminated “for convenience,” meaning the money had to be spent regardless.
Contractor Liz Berney expressed frustration, saying:
“The whole thing’s kind of a travesty. It was 2024 money. I mean, it was just for show.”
Berney believes that while her role was not integral to NBAF’s scientific research, she played a key role in leadership development and ensuring collaboration between USDA agencies.
What Was the NBAF Contract For?
Berney’s role included:
- Leadership coaching for NBAF’s director and senior staff.
- Team-building and strategic planning for USDA agencies working at NBAF.
- Training sessions and quarterly leadership visits to help build a strong workplace culture.
Berney was helping NBAF integrate components of two USDA agencies:
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
Berney on her role at NBAF:
“It’s always a challenge getting them to work together, because they have different missions. My job was to help manage conflict, improve coordination, and develop strategic thinking.”
Now, those efforts have been abruptly halted—without saving taxpayers a dime.
USDA’s Response: Support for DOGE, But No Answers on Job Cuts
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has publicly supported DOGE’s cost-cutting efforts, stating:
“I welcome DOGE’s efforts at USDA because we know that its work makes us better, stronger, faster, and more efficient.”
However, USDA has not answered key questions, including:
- How many NBAF staff have been laid off?
- What positions have been eliminated?
- How will job cuts impact NBAF’s ability to meet critical milestones?
Concerns are growing that these cuts could delay NBAF’s research and biosecurity efforts—a crucial issue for Kansas agriculture and national food safety.
Is DOGE Cutting Waste or Just Making Cuts for Show?
While Trump and Musk champion DOGE as a government efficiency revolution, cases like the NBAF contract cancellation highlight concerns about how effective these cuts really are.
The Bigger Problem:
- Canceling contracts after funds are obligated doesn’t save money.
- USDA job cuts may impact critical agricultural research and biosecurity.
- DOGE’s savings reports lack transparency, with some terminations labeled as cost-saving despite showing $0 in actual reductions.
Berney on DOGE’s approach:
“Something doesn’t make sense. Of all places to cut money, NBAF is on a very tight timeline. It just doesn’t add up.”
If DOGE continues to prioritize flashy cost-cutting announcements over meaningful efficiency improvements, its credibility could be at risk.
