Open Source is probably not the right model - because this gear is very complicated, only a few entities can possibly be involved. The 'best software in the wo

Open Source is probably not the right model - because this gear is very complicated, only a few entities can possibly be involved. The 'best software in the world' is often written by some dude, at home, working when he wants, possibly in his pajamas, possibly collaborating interactively with other people. Software often does not need experience or teams, just intelligence, creativity, assertion. Although experience helps. This kind of gear, or anything physical really, 100% requires the experience of various kinds. If we had a really competent industrial board that understood medical technology, we could feasibly put together a kind of 'shared IP' contract very quickly. Bidders could be quickly approved, sign up, get the plans, and start making according to specific terms. Just because we're in a panic doesn't mean there can't be standards & controls - they just have to be rapid and risk-adjusted. It could be a win-win-win even in a time of the pandemic. I have little faith in our governmental leaders for the most part. It's not that they're not smart, it's that I don't think they generally have operational wherewithal to make decisions, push stuff through in such a crude and cold manner. Surely they are some, but you need a critical mass of them, and political backing as well.