This article is a case study that explores the issue of prototyping and pre-determination in the definition of requirements.  The government’s challenge in soliciting a requirement is in meeting the FAR requirements for competition among possible sources or justifying the decision to limit competition.  The process of determining the best course of action for such...

In the commercial marketplace the question of profit usually is not a subject for discussion when buying a product.  As consumers we accept an inherent principle that market place competition drives suppliers to the lowest price.  We don’t care how Amazon can beat Walmart on the price of a toaster oven.  We also don’t care...