I recently lost a federal contract, ostensibly due to a private conversation I had at a dinner party. I had expressed concerns about a policy change, and it appears someone in attendance reported my comments to my contracting officer. Three months later, my contract renewal was denied – without explanation. The experience has left me shaken, and I'm compelled to speak out.
When your livelihood depends on government contracts, the notion of free speech becomes a luxury you can ill afford. If expressing private doubts about policy can lead to career repercussions, are we truly living in a free country?