Federal Spending Guides
In-depth, data-driven guides to understanding how the U.S. government spends money and who receives federal contracts. All data from USASpending.gov.
Overview
Where Do Your Tax Dollars Go? A Complete Federal Spending Breakdown
Follow a dollar from your paycheck to its final destination — defense contractors, Medicare providers, Social Security recipients, and interest on the national debt.
Read guide →How It WorksHow Government Contracts Work: From Solicitation to Award
The step-by-step process of how the federal government buys goods and services — competitive bidding, evaluation criteria, award types, and how to track the money.
Read guide →Deep DiveThe Biggest Government Contractors: Who They Are and What They Do
The top 20 federal contractors receive over $200 billion per year. Who are they, what do they provide, and how did they grow so large?
Read guide →