[Organic Panic]

I have a small manufacturing company and produce aircraft parts. Aircraft parts are already expensive for commercial and general aviation with their requirement. A part I can literally make in 10 minutes will require 10 hours of paperwork and documentation. Add another 5 for packaging. I got my first military contract 3 years ago. That same 10 minute part can take 20 to 30 hours just to get out the door. I have to cover that cost. So when peopl wonder why a simple gear would cost so much don’t get too angry too quick.

[Boiling point]

I agree. I have been a contractor on military bases before and the red tape and hours of documentation is nuts. We had an electronic panel get doused with steam when a pipe burst in a jet engine test facility. After drying out the panel contents and testing for functionality, they asked for someone in our company to sign off and be responsible for the $100 million dollar test if the boards didn’t work. Because the electronics had never been tested against long term effects of being sprayed down with steam, the only way we could sign off was if the entire panel was replaced with new boards at a cost of $6000 in parts alone.

[Cheerio]

You are exactly right. I remember years ago reading an analysis of why P3-C Orion Sub-chaser aircraft toilet seats cost hundreds of dollars (I think it was $600 back then) - it was ENTIRELY because of the USN requirements imposed on the procurement, including all the paperwork and manuals - yes manuals for a toilet seat!!!

AND the USN would not just allow the supplier to deliever them - they kept making changes throughout the period of performance for the contract.