Represent ..., says Pentagon in memo to employees as it terminate $5.1 billion in IT contracts with Accenture, Deloitte, others

The Pentagon has announced the termination of IT service contracts worth $5.1 billion, impacting major consulting firms such as Accenture and Deloitte. The decision, outlined in a memo by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is part of a broader effort to cut costs and improve internal efficiency within the Department of Defense.
The memo describes the contracts as "non-essential spending on third-party consultants" for services that could be performed by Pentagon employees. Hegseth emphasised that the move would eliminate wasteful expenditures and lead to an estimated $4 billion in savings. He stated, "These terminations represent $5.1 billion in wasteful spending and nearly $4 billion in estimated savings."
The Pentagon aims to prioritise its internal capabilities and reduce dependency on external firms for routine support services. Hegseth framed the decision as a crackdown on inefficiencies, asserting that the department's personnel are capable of handling the tasks covered under the canceled agreements.
The termination of these contracts marks one of the most significant steps taken under Hegseth's leadership to streamline defense operations. It reflects a shift toward leveraging in-house expertise and minimising reliance on external consultants, aligning with the administration's goal of reducing government spending.