"Bob Noel" wrote:

The point was that it is disingenuous for Congress to be surprised
at cost growth. Congress itself causes cost growth through funding
profiles that are idiotic for both development and production, through
reduction in total production numbers,

The reductions in total production numbers for the F-22 came from the
Air Force's attempting to keep total project cost below ever-advancing
limits. They started out at 750 airplanes; it's less than half that
now.

and the acceptance of unrealistic initial cost estimates.

No question that many absurd weapons programs get farther than the
should. There appears to be no accountability for Defense Dept.
"salesmen" who tout these systems to Congress at bait-and-switch prices.

Accountability for congressmen who keep these balls of money rolling is
in the hands of the voters, so we ultimately have ourselves to blame.
Of course, many people stay in congress precisely because they are able
to keep the defense pork flowing to their states and districts.

If you want to be even more astounded, check
out the federal acquisition regulations. An adeversary would be
severely
challenged to make our acquisition system less efficient and more
wasteful
than it is currently.

I've done many contracts administered by the Navy and the Corps of
Engineers. Believe me, I understand the incredible ways they can find
to make everything more expensive and difficult.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM