Link to the NLPC article: Space Launch Deal Puts Spotlight on Revolving Door | National Legal and Policy Center
-
Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
I work for the Air Force - I'm a government civilian. I'm also a Contracting Officer Representative (working on behalf of the Contracting Officer) on a multi-million dollar contract.
I am *forbidden* to work for a contractor within at least a year of terminating my government employment - and I can go to jail if I violate that.
Even though I'm not on the source selection committee for the follow-up contract (I was in the running) - I am EXTREMELY restricted on what I can say and to whom. I can't make promises and promises can't be made to me. These would be violations of Federal Law!
This guy could be in a LOT of trouble.
I am *forbidden* to work for a contractor within at least a year of terminating my government employment - and I can go to jail if I violate that.
Even though I'm not on the source selection committee for the follow-up contract (I was in the running) - I am EXTREMELY restricted on what I can say and to whom. I can't make promises and promises can't be made to me. These would be violations of Federal Law!
This guy could be in a LOT of trouble.
One year is nothing and promises don't need to be made. Simply you could say 'we really value your expertise and hope you'll consider working for us one day' and have the person take a year off before getting a large pay day.
Elon tweeted another article: Contracting officials new job raises questions
"SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and a watchdog group are questioning whether a former senior Air Force contracting official acted inappropriately by taking an executive position with a private contractor just months after awarding a multibillion-dollar rocket-launch contract that greatly benefits his new employer."
"SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and a watchdog group are questioning whether a former senior Air Force contracting official acted inappropriately by taking an executive position with a private contractor just months after awarding a multibillion-dollar rocket-launch contract that greatly benefits his new employer."
SpaceX Versus The Air Force: The Other Side Of The Story - Forbes
Someone trying to justify ULA over SpaceX. He is at least knowledgeable and upfront in that he gets grants from ULA for his think tank and works for Lockheed.
The comments are universally calling him on his crap.
Someone trying to justify ULA over SpaceX. He is at least knowledgeable and upfront in that he gets grants from ULA for his think tank and works for Lockheed.
The comments are universally calling him on his crap.
chickensevil
Active Member
Not related to this thread, but useful post all the same. This would actually impact SpaceX on their Dragon Mk2 front... which is depressing... because they have what seems like a really great product and solution. I am glad that Musk has already stated that even if they don't get the NASA funding they will push forward with the Mk2 regardless, it will just have to be at a much slower pace.
Last edited:
SpaceX will eventually shame Congress into giving them the contract. This tactic was pretty successful over the Air Force contract. It becomes too obvious when Congress is paying five to ten times more than is necessary for their buddies and contracts. Congress can do these backroom deals until it hits the national news and then they have to step up to reality.
chickensevil
Active Member
True, and especially given who that messenger is... He grabs everyone's attention when he says something. I only wish that Neil deGrasse Tyson was as compelling at pissing Americans off at Congress and the Government to get them to stand up against some of the more terrible things, because he has been fighting for space exploration and increased funding for a very long time.
chickensevil
Active Member
That last word is the important one -- "flights". The Air Force agrees that the last 3 flights have been successful. But there are still further hoops to jump through before the Air Force actually certifies the rocket for launching its payloads.
But... but... the Falcon 9 might not be expendable!
I guess if the landed vehicle is sold for scrap, that might count as "expending" it. Then they could buy it back and re-use it for anyone other than the air farce.
chickensevil
Active Member
lolachampcar
Well-Known Member
yet another example of an effort to determine how much graft can be placed on a functional system before it ceases to function....
We have corrupt people in charge of the purse strings.
We have corrupt people in charge of the purse strings.
Politics at its worst
“In the interest of full disclosure and accountability, we request that NASA publicly release all anomalies and mishap information, un-redacted, so that Congress can gain a better understanding of what has occurred and ensure full transparency. Because the development of the vehicles and capsule in question were funded by NASA dollars, we request that you provide Congress with the information you have on the various aspects of risk and reliability from these programs, including contractual, management, technical, manufacturing, cost, schedule and safety”, wrote Coffman and Gardner.
Coffman Presses NASA for Transparency on SpaceX | Representative Mike Coffman
“In the interest of full disclosure and accountability, we request that NASA publicly release all anomalies and mishap information, un-redacted, so that Congress can gain a better understanding of what has occurred and ensure full transparency. Because the development of the vehicles and capsule in question were funded by NASA dollars, we request that you provide Congress with the information you have on the various aspects of risk and reliability from these programs, including contractual, management, technical, manufacturing, cost, schedule and safety”, wrote Coffman and Gardner.
Coffman Presses NASA for Transparency on SpaceX | Representative Mike Coffman
Erm... how is that unreasonable? One can doubt whether Congress is mentally equipped to understand such a report, but this is exactly what they ought to be doing for *every* dollar they spend, not just NASA. O, what I'd give to see such a skeptical eye turned toward the Pentagon, social programs, health care, high-speed rail, and all these other "investments".
Similar threads
- Article
