Non-Traditional Commercial Defense Contractors.

摘要

There are many benefits to the federal government when commercial products can be used to meet requirements that include access to the latest technology, faster delivery, lower prices, integration of the defense and commercial industrial bases, access to commercial support services, and elimination of the need to fund the development and support of unique items. In recognition of these, Congress enacted the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) in 1994, establishing a preference for commercial-sector goods over specially produced ones, as long as the government s needs were not compromised. It was one of many initiatives enacted in the 1990s designed to entice new commercial entrants into the federal marketplace, especially at the Department of Defense (DoD), and was generally hailed by both industry and government leaders. The use of commercial contracting practices allowed commercial companies to enter the government marketplace and provide products to both commercial and military customers, using common product lines and workforces. Internal investments to develop commercial products benefitted both commercial and military customers and created a larger production base with lower prices, due to economies of scale. The research and development for these products was paid for by these commercial companies, which freed up funding for the DoD to pursue other priorities.