As a basic element, when contractors are embedded within government departments, we should never fall prey to the notion that we are all the same when we're in the same working environment. Always be mindful of the fact that these individuals have a different incentive, a different role. Therefore, when they are being made privy to information, you must be mindful of the fact that these are not employees; these are private contractors who are incentivized to continue to win government business. To protect the fairness of the process, you must always maintain this at the heart of all decisions and in how you include them in discussions and interact with them. There's a reason they're defined as consultants and not as employees.
On February 27th, 2024. See this statement in context.