[thearn4]

This is still how the aeronautics portion of NASA operates. Though since it is the direct successor to NACA, I think its unsurprising.

[pfdietz]

I mean, to some extent, the non-aeronatics part also has some of this. SpaceX picked up propulsive landing and friction stir welding expertise from NASA, to name just two things. (This is not to imply there is anything underhanded about this.)

I think the way to make this work would be to ease transition of technical experts to/from private industry, carrying the know how in their heads.