[EvanPlaice]

The issue is, product development in the DOD is a high risk low reward proposition. It puts the careers of individuals who have dedicated their careers to the government on the line.

Nobody gets a merit boost for successfully fielding a new tactical system. If they do a good job, their accomplishments are dismissed as 'business as usual'. If things don't go well, it could irreversibly tarnish a lifetime of hard work and dedication.

The bureaucracy barriers are in place to protect people's careers. The 'move fast and break things' mindset will never be accepted when somebody's career is on the line.

Contracting fills the gap because if things go bad, blame can be shifted to the contracting organization. It's not uncommon for contractors to continue picking up new work despite a trail of failed projects. They're just 'playing the game'.