One question I have not seen answered, or even asked, is why are they even hiring IT consultants at all? Doesn't the House provide computing and IT services for members and their offices? I mean, it seems like they would. Congress has its own security force, a librarian and staff, commissary, gym, and all these other services. Surely they have an IT service too.
If nothing else, I would expect any engagement with contractors to go through some non-partisan office of the Congress rather than each member on their own initiative.