You're under the impression that a) these projects are meant to succeed, and b) merit in developing the solutions is important in the selection. As far as the

You're under the impression that a) these projects are meant to succeed, and b) merit in developing the solutions is important in the selection. As far as the people who are actually in charge are concerned, the important outcome is to spend (thus justify) their budget, and to be seen to take action. As for selection, it's about shmoozing the right people, who you know, and navigating labyrinthine government conditions that have more to do with bureaucratic ass-covering and factory production schedules than software.