Reports detail problems with contractors

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department reports its use of private contractors has increased dramatically in four years.

The amount paid to contractors quadrupled to $4 billion a year, The New York Times reported. Most of the money goes to Blackwater USA, DynCorp International and similar companies that provide security services in Iraq.

The department released two reports Tuesday that found problems with its handling of contractors.

One, by a review committee, suggested there should be more U.S. officials in Iraq monitoring contractors. The panel found that the use of guards from Blackwater and other companies has been counterproductive, because they have acted in a way that undermines U.S. goals.

An audit of the DynCorp contract said records showing the monitoring of funds going to the company are in "disarray."

The contractors have come under increased scrutiny since a Sept. 17 incident in which Blackwater guards fired at Iraqi civilians. Iraqi officials said 17 were killed.