When buying in these quantities, the price difference isnt that great,
I believe they are contracting all of it, not necessarily taking orders on it. I also don’t believe the amounts, if looked at annually over the history of purchases, is that great. (ie, I don’t buy the scare mongering).
I think it is one of two things.
1. Interrupt the supply chain to limit civilian purchases.
2. Government agencies with the attitude, if spending $1 billion dollars is good, spending $2 billion dollars is better.