7. Mission
This is an important element, and I need to think about that for a bit.
Mission is vitally important for those at the tip of the spear.
Given that government at the macro level generally screws up in spectacular fashion, I’m somewhat reluctant to include “mission” as a vital part of the decision making process.
Consider this: the “mission” of the poobahs might be entirely different than the “mission” of the operators; e.g., awarding contracts to favored businesses might result in some severe compromises that the operators have to make do with.
I am reminded that the airplanes I flew while in the Navy and Navy Reserves were built by the lowest bidder! We used to joke about it.
Just sayin’ mind you. Still thinking about it.