What\u27s the New Look in Space Procurement?

Procurement procedures for today\u27s space programs require a new, creative approach somewhat different from the procedures used in the procurement of military items. In military procurement we are now involved in new concepts such as total package procurement, life cycle costing, and contract definition . Some of these new concepts are proving to be highly successful , while others are being questioned . However , they all share one commonality -- a cradle-to-grave sequence. In contrast to military procurement, space procurement presents a new set of problems caused by lack of experience, low volume production, unknown environments. Also, there is a recent trend in the military to emphasize post delivery obligation on the seller which may prove to be both expensive and dangerous. There is a real concern in the aerospace industry that this trend in the military toward post delivery obligation may eventually move into the field of space procurement