Which type of privatization allows the government to retain control?

Service contracting represents a type of privatization where the government maintains a significant degree of control over the service being provided. In this arrangement, the government typically contracts with a private entity to deliver specific services while still overseeing the quality and performance of those services. The government sets the standards, and performance metrics, and often retains the authority to monitor and evaluate the contractor's work.

This is particularly advantageous because it enables the government to benefit from private sector efficiency and innovation while still ensuring that public interests and standards are upheld. The ability to retain control helps safeguard the delivery of essential services and allows for accountability, as the government can enforce compliance with its regulations and expectations.

In contrast, franchising often involves transferring more operational control to the franchisee, while divestiture leads to the complete transfer of ownership and control to a private entity. Competitive bidding is a process for selecting contractors but does not inherently define the level of control retained by the government once a contract is awarded. Thus, service contracting is distinct in its balance of privatization and governmental oversight.