I wonder how this works. Are the citizens involved when the requirement is analysed. When the scope of work is decided. When the technical specifications are drawn up. When the bids are evaluated. When the terms of the PO are discussed. If not, how can they waltz in when it is time to pay and say, "No, we don't like this work". If the work is shoddy, it isn't always the contractor's fault. What if the engineer drew up bad specs. And she had to because finance didn't give her adequate funds.

Anyway, a step in the right direction I suppose. I hope vendors weren't always vilified. Unless you respect your vendors, you're never going to get quality work.