I think we're talking past one another here. The attitude I have is one of skepticism with regard to defense companies and their ability to do what they say they can in a timely fashion. I'm also skeptical that anyone's prior service outweighs their loyalties when selling a product for their new employer. That just means I don't put added weight to what someone at the company is saying because they wore a flt suit way back when. One solution to said skepticism is for the DoW to stop signing contracts that allow us (us being the end users and taxpayers) to get bent over by companies. Or, as you said, force honest assessments from companies and hold thier feet to the fire. DoW bares half the blame in my opinion when it comes to our acquisition woes. I think a lack of skepticism on the part of DoW decision makers, specifically when dealing with the primes, is part of what has put us in this vicious cycle. Skepticism from my view does not mean scoff the newcomers and go back to the primes. DIUx is a prime (pun intended) example of where I'd like to see us moving w.r.t acquisitions. Trust but verify, is all I'm saying when it comes down to it.