Danny Deger @ Nasaspaceflight.com forum on Ares I selection in ESAS (I don’t know if this is true, I have little knowledge about the matter):
The Ares data isn’t just ITAR, it is Sensitive But Unclassified as it should be to not expose criminal conduct. Yes that is right, all data that exposes any criminal conduct must not be exposed to any one for any reason at NASA or you will be fired.
And it doesn’t matter if Ares I won the sellection during ESAS, ULA [GL note: this was Lockmart & Boeing at the time] had to be allowed to bid – especially for cost data. I can’t say in strong enough words cost estimates ALWAYS come from the contractor. Doing internal cost estimates without a bid then letting a sole source contract is a felony under Federal Acquisision Regs.he sellection during ESAS, ULA had to be allowed to bid – especially for cost data. I can’t say in strong enough words cost estimates ALWAYS come from the contractor. Doing internal cost estimates without a bid then letting a sole source contract is a felony under Federal Acquisision Regs.
This was in the past. At present, the Augustine Panel is just mulling on which heavy lifter to build – even when panel member Jeff Greason showed none is necessary. But that option is not in the panel’s list. Why? Because it seems irrationality rules the world of most panel members. That’s how decisions are made: stupidly.
There will never be spacefaring or progress with such bad leadership.