UPDATE: Outsourced Passport Contract - $570 million

So who exactly did the passport snoops hired by Condi's State Department really work for?

Stanley, Inc. based in Arlington, VA

It seems they have a "Code of Ethics"

Code of Ethics: Our values provide the foundation for our business practices and standards. By living up to our values and the highest ethical standards, we ensure that our company will flourish for years to come. Conducting our business ethically shows our customers, employees, communities, and industry partners that we are intent on delivering on our promises and that they should expect only the best.

Um, right.

Here is their press release from the day they got this fantastic gig.

Stanley Awarded $570 Million Contract to Continue Support of Passport Program: Over 15-Year History of Providing Passport Services Continues

ARLINGTON, Va., March 17 PRNewswire-FirstCall -- Stanley, Inc. (NYSE: SXE), a leading provider of systems integration and professional services to the U.S. federal government, today announced that it was awarded a five-year, $570 million contract to continue support of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs/Passport Services Directorate. Services include production, operational and business process support training, procurement, administration and evaluation of critical supplies, and facilities management support at the four Passport Centers and 14 Passport Agencies nationwide along with the Headquarters' support offices.

full release here

Fortune Magazine called them one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, it seems.

Well sure.

That's because you can apparently do whatever the fuck you please and there are few bosses to keep you in line.

Congratulations Stanley, Inc.!

You are the winners of this week's

"Blackwater Medal for Corporate Turpitude and Outsourced Cronyism"

This of course begs the question...

Senator McCain, will your administration continue the GOP practice of outsourcing important federal jobs even where the privacy of U.S. Citizens is at stake?

The American People deserve a little "straight talk" about the impact of GOP outsourcing of our government.

Since he too was a victim of this incompetence, I certainly hope he has an opinion on the matter.

UPDATE:

NBC News contacted a Stanley, Inc. spokeswoman this afternoon, and informed her that two sources had confirmed that employees at her firm were involved with the scandal. The spokeswoman would only comment: "We've been directed by the State Department to direct all media calls to them."