[geeks] I'm bored

[Eric Dittman]

> In a lot of cases of outrageous spending, it's a matter of the gov't
> specifying unrealistic requirements rather than the contractor milking a
> contract.  I've seen contracts where the screws have to be manufactured
> with a thread separation within 1 um (micrometer) of spec.  Home Depot
> doesn't sell them at that spec., or at least doesn't certify it, so the
> contractor has to spend money making or verifying screws.

There are usually good reasons for tight specs.  You usually
have to look at the system as a whole, and where the system
will be used, and who will be maintaining the equipment in
the field, to understand why such narrow tolerances are
required.
-- 
Eric Dittman
dittman at dittman.net
Check out the DEC Enthusiasts Club at http://www.dittman.net/