I think the gap between your perspectives comes from the existence of lobbying and the bid process not being open. Further, there is less competition because t

I think the gap between your perspectives comes from the existence of lobbying and the bid process not being open. Further, there is less competition because the previous control over the entire industry that NASA enjoyed prevented many possible competitors to LM or Boeing from getting off the ground. Of course there is a wide array of subcontractors involved in NASA projects. I don't think anyone who accuses NASA of being inefficient thinks that NASA workers do all the manufacturing, etc.