craft. (DoD, iii) The first computer and the computer networking are also attributed to research conducted under the guise of the military. These are but a few of the numerous different types of technology that has been transferred to the private sector from military research. Other examples exist of transfer from the private sector to the military, as well, through collaborative efforts.In looking more specifically at the costs and benefits of the methods by which the military funds R&D, more costs and benefits become apparent. One of the biggest costs of the contracts and grants is that they have proved too restrictive to attract industrial firms that are recognized technological leaders. (Wong, xiii) The DoD has specific accounting-related and other regulations that deter companies from desiring to bid on contracts. DoD has tried to remedy this situation by reforming its regulations to some extent as well as implementing a website that handles contract-related issues, cutting back on paperwork and increasing communication. The acquisition cycle by which the DoD procures many of its goods has several costs and benefits associated with it. One such cost deals with the process in general. The further a concept gets in the cycle, the larger the sunk cost become. Due to this nature, the likelihood of a concept being scrapped or reworked at the more advanced stages is less. So a technically-flawed, or a piece of equipment that does not meet important parts of the original performance specifications may not be abandoned because of the enormous costs it has already accrued. This can lead to more money being poured into the item for renovation and retooling later, as well. At each step of the process there are costs that are inherent. At the concept formulation stage, the original requirements outlined may be unrealistic or unnecessary, causing vast costs further in the process. In all three remaining stages, there is every ince...
