The 863 Program took much of its shape from the American research system used by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense: the government appointed panels of experts, who drew up research priorities, called for bids, and awarded contracts.

NEWYORKER: Green Giant

The three most common categories of people to make it to the top of the defense acquisition system civil servants, military officers and politically-appointed academics generally have less experience with the business world than just about any other group of adults you could name.

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