The headline is interesting. It states that Colt is ‘on the outs’, implying they are ‘in trouble’ with the DoD, but the story does not explain what, if anything, they did wrong. Based on what I can find on-line it appears Colt’s current contract for M4s is set to expire some time in 2013 and the DoD wants to have a ‘new’ combat rifle ready for production by the time that happens.
Is it really all that unusual for the military to seek a successor to the M4 after almost 20 years in production? And is it really all the surprising that Colt might want a piece of the action (hence the lobbyist)?
It certainly does not appear that the DoD is terminating Colt’s current contract early or anything like that, so I am not sure what ‘on the outs’ is supposed to mean.
It's the lefty definition of competition.
If you are "in" there is no competition, just a long string of contracts.
If you are out {heaven forbid} you will have to compete, both via product and price.
The military, should end up with a better weapon at a lower price.