Alternate Trajectories
Pseudo-governmental corporate instrument organizes shuttle operations and raises capital in the form of bonds
A December 2002 report by the RAND-sponsored Space Shuttle Competitive Sourcing Task Force outlines a variety of competitive sourcing alternatives for shuttle operations. In all options, a new independent safety assurance office links the government and contractor.
FOUR OPTIONS FOR CONTRACT RESTRUCTURING
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ENHANCED OUTSOURCING
Increased outsourcing; unchanged NASA-contractor relationship -
FUNCTIONAL CONSOLIDATION
Contract divided; smaller, more numerous contracts -
DUAL PRIME CONTRACTORS
Separate contracts for hardware development and operation -
SINGLE PRIME CONTRACTOR
One company with multiple subcontractors
TWO OPTIONS FOR PRIVATIZING
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STRUCTURAL
Limited oversight of human space flight company operating shuttle and procuring flight equipment -
HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION
Nested contracts support several vehicle operators, mimicking an airport
SPACE AUTHORITY OPTION
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