Federal department slashes millions in contracts, including $230K for ‘Brazilian forest and gender consultant’

Major Contracts Terminated: A Shift in Priorities at the USDA

In a significant move, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced on Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated nearly 80 contracts, totaling more than $132 million. These contracts, which were active under the Biden administration, included a range of initiatives, from consulting services for gender and diversity programs to international development projects. Among the terminated contracts are notable examples such as a $229,000 deal for a Brazilian forest and gender consultant, a $29,000 contract for a Central American gender assessment consultant, and a $91,000 contract focused on training and economic opportunities for women in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Additionally, smaller but notable expenditures include $33,000 for a neighborhood electric vehicle utility van and $11,000 for renting a conference room in Hawaii for a biodiversity meeting. These cuts are part of a broader effort to reassess and streamline government spending under the new administration.

Rollins emphasized that this action is just the beginning, as over 1,000 additional contracts are still under review for potential termination. The decision follows a comprehensive review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which uncovered $1.9 billion in taxpayer funds that the Biden administration had allocated in ways deemed "misplaced." Rollins praised DOGE’s efforts, stating, "I welcome DOGE’s efforts at USDA because we know that its work makes us better, stronger, faster, and more efficient. I will expect full access and transparency to DOGE in the days and weeks to come." This collaboration signals a clear shift in priorities for the USDA, with a focus on reducing what the administration perceives as wasteful spending and reallocating resources to more critical areas.

Cutting DEI and Diversity-Related Programs: A New Direction

One of the most notable aspects of the terminated contracts is the significant reduction in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related initiatives. Rollins has been vocal about her intent to shift the USDA’s focus away from DEI programs, issuing a memo to rescind all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs. Instead, the department will prioritize unity, equality, and meritocracy. This move has already led to the cancellation of 948 employee trainings, 758 of which were exclusively focused on DEI topics. Other terminated trainings covered subjects such as environmental justice and gender ideology. The decision reflects a broader philosophical shift within the administration, which has come under criticism for its approach to DEI initiatives.

Among the terminated contracts, several stand out for their focus on diversity and inclusion. For instance, a $374,000 contract for a diversity, equity, and inclusion onboarding specialist was cut, alongside a $254,000 contract for diversity dialogue workshops. These cuts have sparked debate, with supporters of the move arguing that such programs were unnecessary or overly politicized, while critics contend that they were essential for fostering an inclusive workplace culture. The USDA’s decision to eliminate these initiatives marks a significant departure from the practices of the previous administration, which had prioritized DEI as a key component of its policy agenda.

Media Contracts and Subscription Cuts: Reducing Extraneous Expenses

In addition to cuts in consulting contracts and employee trainings, the USDA has also targeted media and information services for cost savings. The department has terminated nearly $277 million in media contracts, including subscriptions to POLITICO Pro, a news and information service widely used by government agencies and lawmakers. POLITICO Pro provides resources such as legislative tracking, which had been utilized by both federal agencies and private sector organizations. While POLITICO noted that the majority of its subscribers are in the private sector, the White House has made it clear that reducing government spending on such services is a priority. The termination of these contracts is part of a broader plan to curtail what the administration views as extraneous expenditures, with the aim of reallocating funds to more critical areas.

The decision to cut media subscriptions has raised questions about the role of information services in government operations. Supporters argue that these subscriptions are a luxury the government cannot afford, while critics warn that reducing access to such resources could hinder the ability of federal agencies to stay informed and make data-driven decisions. The move reflects a broader trend within the administration to scrutinize every dollar spent, with a particular focus on services deemed non-essential.

Workforce Optimization: Redefining Roles and Responsibilities

Beyond cutting contracts, the USDA is also taking steps to optimize its workforce. Rollins has announced plans to eliminate positions that are no longer necessary, as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency. In addition to reducing staff, the department is requiring employees to return to the office, ending the era of remote work that became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. The USDA is also relocating employees to the nation’s heartland, a move aimed at bringing the department closer to the communities it serves. These changes are part of a larger strategy to reshape the USDA’s workforce and ensure that its resources are being used in the most effective way possible.

The focus on workforce optimization reflects a broader philosophy within the administration, which emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and a return to traditional work models. While some employees may view these changes as inconvenient or disruptive, the USDA contends that they are necessary to ensure the department is operating at peak performance. By requiring employees to work in person and relocating them to regions more directly impacted by agricultural policies, the USDA hopes to foster a more connected and responsive organization.

Implications and Reactions: A New Era for the USDA

The USDA’s decision to terminate these contracts and implement sweeping changes to its workforce has sparked a mix of reactions. Supporters of the move argue that it is a necessary step toward reducing government waste and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. They applaud the administration’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, highlighting the role of DOGE in uncovering misplaced funds and streamlining operations. Critics, on the other hand, have expressed concern that these cuts will have far-reaching consequences, particularly for programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. They argue that these initiatives are essential for fostering an inclusive workplace culture and ensuring that underserved communities have a voice in agricultural policies.

The termination of media contracts has also raised eyebrows, with some warning that reducing access to information services could hinder the USDA’s ability to stay informed and make effective decisions. The move to cut POLITICO Pro subscriptions, in particular, has been seen as part of a broader effort to limit the flow of information within government agencies, a trend that has drawn criticism from transparency advocates.

As the USDA continues to implement these changes, the focus will remain on whether these efforts truly lead to greater efficiency and accountability, or whether they result in unintended consequences that undermine the department’s ability to serve the public. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the USDA is entering a new era under the leadership of Secretary Rollins, one defined by a commitment to reducing waste, streamlining operations, and prioritizing what the administration views as the most critical needs of the American people.