NASA's dependence on contractors is faulted by Columbia Accident Investigators.

From: Set-Aside Alert | Date: September 5, 2003 | Copyright information

NASA's dependence on contractors for most space shuttle operations is "a mistake," a member of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board said as the board released its report on the disaster that killed seven astronauts.

The report placed no blame for the accident on the prime contractor. United Space Alliance LLC, a company co-owned by Boeing and Lockheed Martin. But the board ripped NASA for lax oversight of USA's work and for flawed communications between government and contractor personnel.

"The Board believes that deficiencies in communications ... were a foundation ...

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