The government is being decimated from within. Civil servants have it easy (great pay and benefits), and many are just along for the ride. Too often, federal jobs go to those who are not the most qualified, nor based on merit, but because they have a connection or friend within the area of consideration. The same goes for promotions. Then there are those who just flat out get paid for subpar performance, and management has no means to terminate them.
Because of this, there is no innovation, just "they way it's always been done." There is no hard work, just an easy road to retirement. There is no competition, just those who know the right people. There is no incentive to excel, just the usual business every day.
Stop paying top dollar for people to be less than average.