A lot of those firms are. tied to a PO. The way the majority of GSA contracts work is anyone in govt with funding can hire from a list of approved firms (hundred of thousands on the list). You don't need to prove you are the best qualified for the job. You rep and warrant you are fully qualified. No need to put contracts out for bid. The problem is when someone wants to hire a corrupt firm or use it for pass-through money/kickbacks, the process is easier. Plus they may not be the most qualified. Joffe was likely selected for this work because there was an agenda and he was known to be willing to bend the rules (contract initiated in 2014). He possibly was spying all along. For who, not sure. It wouldn't surprise me if Hillary had a hand in this contract