Much of that extra money, of course, is paid to the politicians who steer contracts.

Some government officials, practiced in steering contracts to cronies, had supervisory interests of their own.

But I suspect it will get into the double-digits of billions, especially since contributors can steer contracts to their own nationals.

That leaves the Bush administration free to shape Iraq's new constitution and steer contracts toward favored companies.

The utilities have also been reluctant to spend on foreign equipment, steering contracts to affiliates instead.

The kickbacks, the court ruled, were made to them for using their influence to steer financing and contracts to the developers and the other man.

Several city departments have been accused of steering contracts to his campaign contributors.

Many developers make their real profits by pocketing a big part of a project's construction costs, steering contracts to builders in which they hold stakes.

Ms. Druyun later admitted to steering contracts to Boeing to help her get a job with the company.

Public officials were indicted for illegally steering public contracts to specific private companies.