Which of the following statements best characterizes the government's spending on federal contracts in recent years?
A) The amount of spending on federal contracts has remained the same since 2000.
B) The amount of spending on federal contracts has decreased steadily since 2000.
C) The amount of spending on federal contracts has increased significantly overall since 2000, but for the first time in 13 years, spending on outside contractors declined in 2011.
D) The amount spent on federal contracts declined between 2000 and 2005 but has dramatically increased since 2005.
E) The amount spent on federal contracts increased between 2000 and 2005 but has dramatically decreased since 2005.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement that best characterizes the government's spending on federal contracts in recent years is that the amount of spending on federal contracts has increased significantly overall since 2000, but for the first time in 13 years, spending on outside contractors declined in 2011. This is supported by data from the Federal Procurement Data System, which shows an upward trend in federal contract spending from 2000 to 2010, with a decrease in 2011. Option A is incorrect because it suggests that the spending has not changed, which is not true. Option B and E are also incorrect as they suggest a steady decline in spending, which is not supported by data. Option D is incorrect as there was not a significant decline in spending between 2000 and 2005 as suggested.

Which of the Following Statements Best Characterizes the Government's Spending