I have family who work in alphabet soup agencies. Not only is this common, it is almost expected.

The US has a class of nobles. Our host would never be allowed into say the upper reaches of the FCC, but if you are connected by class, marriage, and club membership you are let in.

That is human nature. You go with who you know. Same reason why in the three industries I have worked in, I tend to go back to the same vendors. I know them, they can get the job done, and they know that I will pay my bills .