This story does not surprise me at all. As a consultant to the Federal government, I’ve had direct, first-hand knowledege of how purchasing and planning works. Vested interests of large contractors and the civil service/contractor revolving door ALWAYS overrule doing what is right.
Apparently they are not very popular.
http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,157978,00.html
http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003577.html