Isn't using private contractors for intel gathering an inherent security threat?
Even more than privatizing other aspects of government, which at worst, will lead to corruption and shitty service, with intel contractors, if they are doing such a poor job or commit such a major screw up that their bought politicians can't cover for them, they could easily have an ace up their sleeve: dirt on the people trying to disconnect them from the government teat.
Certainly any company doing work for the NSA would have that capability.
And those most upset about the Snowden or Stratfor leaks should be reconsidering contracting with Booz Allen or Stratfor--but a little file on their calls to their mistress, rentboys, offshore accounts, or even the frequency of their calls with some of their less savory donors might stop them from taking the obvious action.
Haven't our politicians profoundly compromised our national security in terms of internal threats by outsourcing this function to companies whose sole loyalty is to their own profits?