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To: mvpel

ummm you may be incorrect there as LMMCO supplies the main air search radar system for said destroyers... among other components.


3 posted on 10/27/2011 6:21:18 AM PDT by SouthernBoyupNorth ("For my wings are made of Tungsten, my flesh of glass and steel..........")
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To: SouthernBoyupNorth
You're right. Most moderate and all (?) large programs have multiple defense contractors working on them. Either directly as teamed partners or as subcontractors. So any program impacts (funding, requirements churn, schedule, or delivery changes) tend to ripple out to anywhere from a few to a few dozen contractors.

I don't think this (putting more risk on contractors) will help. The DoD is already infamous for changing requirements (in large and small ways) mid-stream. Putting more risk on the contractors means they will do one of three things, or some combination of them.

One, accept the risk. Some, particularly the smaller companies, will lack the reserves to absorb problems and will fail and/or get gobbled up by the bigger outfits with deeper pockets. We'll see more businesses fail, and a (re) concentration of capability back into a handful of the big companies. I don't think this is a good thing.

Two, they'll simply charge more - higher overhead rates, more "cushion" in their bids to protect themselves. Net effect, the government pays more. Also not a good thing.

Three, they'll "lawyer up" and negotiate a contract change (including cost increases) for every little thing not specified in excruciating detail in the contract. Net effect, everything costs more, development slows down. The DoD says "no" to more changes/advances rather than pay for them. You end up with a slower, costlier development cycle with more overhead (lawyers and contract types), and a less capable product with less of a technological advantage over our enemies. All not good things, again.

4 posted on 10/27/2011 6:45:06 AM PDT by ThunderSleeps (Stop obama now! Stop the hussein - insane agenda!)
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To: SouthernBoyupNorth
ummm you may be incorrect there as LMMCO supplies the main air search radar system for said destroyers... among other components.

I believe that the Lockheed Martin SPY-4 radar is being dropped in favor of the AMDR, which is being bid now.

7 posted on 10/27/2011 9:03:32 PM PDT by mvpel (Michael Pelletier)
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