DOGE uncovers massive VA contract for ‘salary survey data and analysis' — says it canceled it, saving millions

Fox News - Apr 15th, 2025
Open on Fox News

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has canceled a $15.3 million contract deemed 'unreasonably priced' by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The contract, which cost the VA $3.9 million annually for salary survey data and analysis, has been replaced by a market price of $5,000, resulting in an $11.1 million savings over the contract's lifetime. This move is part of a broader effort to reform how the VA operates under the leadership of VA Secretary Doug Collins. The decision aligns with recent efforts to redirect more resources towards health care, benefits, and services for veterans by cutting administrative costs and workforce numbers.

The VA's decision to cancel the contract comes amid criticism and scrutiny of the department's spending practices, highlighted by DOGE's revelations of exorbitant expenditures on minor tasks such as website modifications. Elon Musk, associated with DOGE's reform initiatives, has faced criticism for the group's aggressive approach to federal government size reduction. These reforms, defended by Secretary Collins, are significant as they mark a shift in prioritizing veterans' care and services over administrative overhead, emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in government operations.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant look at government efficiency efforts, focusing on the Department of Veterans Affairs' cost-cutting measures. It offers specific figures and quotes to support its claims, contributing to its clarity and engagement. However, the story's accuracy is undermined by several unverified claims and a lack of diverse perspectives, limiting its potential impact and balance. The article would benefit from more robust sourcing and transparency, particularly regarding financial details and the roles of involved entities. While the topic is of significant public interest, the lack of in-depth analysis and exploration of potential consequences reduces its overall effectiveness in informing and influencing readers.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that are partially supported by available information. The cancellation of a $15.3 million contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a central claim, with the details about the contract's cost and savings needing verification. The article states that the contract was replaced by a significantly cheaper service, but specifics on how this new cost was determined are lacking. Additionally, the claim that the VA dismissed over 1,000 employees to redirect resources needs further corroboration. The mention of Elon Musk as the 'de facto DOGE leader' is a significant claim that requires confirmation, as it could impact the perceived credibility of DOGE's actions. Overall, while the article provides some factual details, several claims remain unverified, affecting its overall accuracy.

5
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the VA, particularly focusing on the cost-saving measures and reforms being implemented. However, it lacks a balanced representation of other viewpoints, such as those of the employees affected by the dismissals or critics of the cost-cutting measures. There is an absence of opposing perspectives or potential criticisms regarding the impact of these actions on the quality of services provided by the VA. The article could benefit from including a wider range of views to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, making it relatively easy to follow. It organizes information logically, starting with the main claims and providing additional details about related actions by the VA and DOGE. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, particularly regarding the financial aspects and the roles of various entities involved. The inclusion of quotes and specific figures helps to enhance clarity, but the lack of context for some claims could lead to confusion among readers.

6
Source quality

The article cites the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the VA as primary sources, which are relevant authorities on the subject. However, the reliance on a single social media post from DOGE for significant claims suggests a need for more robust sourcing. The article would benefit from additional sources, such as official press releases or statements from involved parties, to corroborate its claims. The mention of Elon Musk's involvement with DOGE lacks attribution and could undermine the credibility of the information presented.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context about the VA's actions and the role of DOGE, but it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the reported savings and the decision-making processes. The basis for the claim that the contract was 'unreasonably priced' is not fully disclosed, and there is no explanation of the criteria used to determine the new service cost. Additionally, the article does not address potential conflicts of interest or biases, particularly regarding the mention of Elon Musk, which could affect the perceived impartiality of the information.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doge-uncovers-massive-va-contract-salary-survey-data-analysis-says-canceled-saving-millions
  2. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-terminate-585-non-mission-critical-or-duplicative-contracts/
  3. https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/03/03/after-review-va-scales-back-plans-for-contract-cancellations/
  4. https://www.va.gov/budget/docs/summary/fy2024-va-budget-in-brief.pdf
  5. https://doge.gov