Summary

The Defense Department (VBS) is spending significantly more money on external consultants and service providers than it did just a few years ago. In 2023, these expenses amounted to 186 million francs – an increase of 41 million compared to 2022. The internal audit office criticizes this development and calls for a reduction. It warns of structural dependency on external experts and potential conflicts of interest in direct contracts up to 150,000 francs.

People

  • Martin Pfister (VBS Director)

Topics

  • Public Finances & Expenditure Control
  • Administrative Efficiency & Staff Reductions
  • Compliance & Audit Processes

Clarus Lead

The Defense Department procures significantly more services through external consulting mandates than other federal offices. The internal audit documents an increase from 145 million (2022) to 186 million francs (2023). This is relevant for decision-makers because it raises questions about cost-saving efficiency and the long-term knowledge-building capacity of the administration. VBS Director Martin Pfister instructed in January that all audit recommendations be implemented within six months.

Detailed Summary

VBS spending on external services and consulting mandates has increased by over 40 million francs in a single year. These contracts encompass digitalization projects, legal assessments (for example, regarding F-35 procurement) and translations. The internal audit office confirms that contracts are awarded according to legal requirements, but criticizes the overall strategy.

A central issue: The VBS is becoming increasingly dependent on external specialists. The audit therefore calls for targeted knowledge transfer – specialized expertise should be developed more internally. Another point of criticism is the so-called "Convention 150": The military administration may award direct contracts up to 150,000 francs without involving internal procurement specialists. The audit warns that individual contracts could appear to be acts of favoritism or personal connections.

Department heads, however, emphasize the pressure to reduce personnel costs – many projects would not be feasible without external partners. VBS Director Pfister has ordered strict implementation of all recommendations.

Key Findings

  • 186 million francs (2023): VBS spending on external mandates – an increase of 41 million in one year
  • Internal audit calls for reduction and knowledge transfer rather than further dependency on external consultants
  • Direct contracts up to 150,000 francs raise questions about transparency and conflicts of interest

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality: Which cost categories are included in the 186 million – will the scope and composition of the dataset be published for 2024?

  2. Savings Effect: If the VBS saves on personnel costs by hiring external consultants – how is the overall cost savings documented, and over what time period do staff reductions pay off?

  3. Dependency Trap: The audit warns of structural dependency. How does the VBS plan to concretely measure knowledge transfer and ensure that internally developed capacity is not cut again?

  4. Convention 150: What substantive criteria justify the creation of an exception zone for direct contracts up to 150,000 francs without oversight by central procurement specialists – and how are potential conflicts of interest ruled out?

  5. Benchmarking: How high are the consulting rates at other federal offices (EDA, BAFU, BAG), and are there sectors that operate with significantly lower rates – if so, why?

  6. Implementation Monitoring: VBS Director Pfister has set a six-month deadline. Who monitors compliance, and what consequences are there for non-compliance?

Sources

Primary Source: SRF Heute Morgen – Radio Report "Excessive Costs for External Consultants: VBS Spends Over 186 Million Francs" (17.02.2026) – https://download-media.srf.ch/world/audio/HeuteMorgen_radio/2026/02/HeuteMorgen_radio_AUDI20260217_RS_0042_3c4101ac5b8a417dba086bcac8628460.mp3

Verification Status: ✓ 18.02.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model.
Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 18.02.2026