Because Section 841 applies only to DoD, Sopko compiled a list last year of 43 companies and individuals, including ZMTL, identified as affiliated with terror groups who were either seeking or had U.S. contracts in Afghanistan. But earlier this year, the Army rejected all of Sopko’s 43 referrals, claiming it would be unfair to ban them from contracting based on classified evidence that cannot be shown to the accused.

Describing what he called “the absurdity” of the Army’s newfound respect for due process, Sopko pointed out the contrast to how the U.S. is waging the war: “We can probably attack them via drone on Monday and we’ll issue them a contract on Tuesday.”