Obama, an outspoken critic of the CIA, must now work closely with the agency. His nominee for Director of the CIA may indicate a troubled relationship lay ahead.
U.S. government use of surrogates is routine, though CIA outsourcing has declined. In the wake of reports citing Blackwater, ex-officials note some needs for contracting.
Reports on CIA use of contractors have raised questions on U.S. government outsourcing of intelligence work and other functions. How information is used also is changing.