These features of the procurement process were designed with a specific intent, and few people would argue with the laudable goals they seek to encourage.  Yet, one of the side effects of these requirements is that they make the process slower, more complex, and harder for smaller and more nimble firms to participate in.

In other words, the procurement process works largely as it was built to work, but its design makes a lousy tool for acquiring technology.

A great metaphor for pretty much all the challenges we face as the manufactured economy gives way the knowledge-based one.

Remember, folks, it's not the toughest and biggest that survive...