Second, outsourcing can make up for lack of personnel or specialized skills in an agency. The workload of designing and building new facilities ebbs and flows, but the workforce changes slowly. As such, government agencies frequently contract out because they can't afford to keep a large enough workforce to handle peak periods. Also, specialized projects, like earthquake retrofits, come along rarely for the typical government agency. Private contractor, on the other hand, may do similar projects all over the country, giving them a wealth of experience that many state employees lack.
Governments also contract with the private sector to speed implementation of projects.
Contracting allows agencies to get projects moving and complete them faster. Studies by the University of Oklahoma and by the American Institute of Architects have shown that state which allow agencies to contract some infrastructure projects and do others in house have far shorter total construction cycles. Projects get finished, and people can start using the new road, bridges, schools, etc. Other states' experience and all credible research tell us that state agencies and local governments need to be able to contract with private firms when it makes sense if our infrastructure is to keep up with our economy. The effects of one judge's aberrant decision effect us all.