Bitcoin’s Cryptographic Foundations
How Far Are We from Quantum Computers That Could Threaten Bitcoin?
Quantum Hype vs. Reality
Why Bitcoin Is Resilient to Quantum Advances
Preparing for the Future: Bitcoin’s Ability to Adapt
Quantum Threats Aren’t Just a Bitcoin Problem
The Bottom Line: Bitcoin Is Built to Evolve
Quantum computing often raises concerns about Bitcoin’s future, with some fearing that these powerful machines could one day compromise its security. Here’s why bitcoin investors, holders, and the like can remain confident.
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This is the first article in the Common Bitcoin Myths and Misconceptions Debunked series.

Quantum computing often raises concerns about Bitcoin’s future, with some fearing that these powerful machines could one day compromise its security. While the concern is understandable, a closer look reveals that quantum computing is far from posing any immediate threat to Bitcoin. Here’s why bitcoin investors, holders, and the like can remain confident.
Bitcoin’s security relies on two main cryptographic tools:
Quantum computing’s theoretical threat to Bitcoin lies in the possibility of breaking these cryptographic tools. Specifically, the two algorithms most often cited are:
However, while these threats are theoretically possible, quantum computing is far from achieving the power needed to execute them.
Current quantum computers are decades away from being able to break Bitcoin’s encryption.
To break ECDSA within an hour would require approximately 317 million physical qubits. Today’s quantum computers have around 100 qubits. Even if the timeline were extended to five years, it would still take around 6,000 qubits to crack ECDSA.
Similarly, while Grover’s Algorithm could theoretically reduce the effort needed to crack SHA-256 from 2^256 operations to 2^128, this still represents an astronomically large number of computations.
For context, Google’s latest quantum processor, Willow, has just 105 qubits. According to physicist Sabine Hossenfelder, practical applications of quantum computing are "about 1 million qubits away" and remain decades from reality. When it comes to breaking cryptographic code, the requirement jumps to 13 million qubits or more.
Based on Moore’s Law, it’ll likely be at least a decade or longer before quantum computers threaten Bitcoin in its current state.
See the graphic below for an illustration of the possible timelines for quantum advancement according to Moore’s Law.
Even Google’s much-hyped claims of “quantum supremacy” have faced skepticism. IBM has pointed out that the same calculations could be achieved using classical supercomputers in reasonable timeframes.
Kevin Rose, a former senior product manager at Google, noted that while Willow’s 105 qubits represent progress, it’s a far cry from the 13 million qubits needed to break Bitcoin’s encryption.
Bitcoin’s design gives it built-in advantages against attacks:
These features mean that even if quantum computers could break all of Bitcoin’s encryption tomorrow, not every wallet would be vulnerable. In addition, the network can react to emerging threats in real time.
If quantum computing does eventually threaten current cryptography, Bitcoin has options:
 
As Satoshi stated, SHA-256 is much stronger than most other cryptographic algorithms, meaning that quantum computers pose an even bigger risk to other critical web infrastructures.
Quantum computing doesn’t only challenge Bitcoin—it threatens all cryptographic systems, including:
This shared risk is driving global research into post-quantum cryptography. The world is aware of the potential threat and is actively developing solutions.
Bitcoin is uniquely positioned to implement a solution due to its decentralized nature and built-in incentive structure. If a new threat emerged that could weaken the security of the trillions of dollars stored in the network, users would respond swiftly, pouring energy and resources into strengthening the network. By contrast, re-building and re-starting a global bank’s infrastructure, for example, could take much longer than executing a soft fork in the Bitcoin code.
Quantum computing remains in its infancy, with the technology needed to challenge Bitcoin’s security likely decades away. In the meantime, Bitcoin’s adaptability, strong cryptographic foundation, and decentralized governance position it to meet any challenges head-on.
Quantum FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) shouldn’t overshadow Bitcoin’s resilience and potential. While quantum computing advances, so will Bitcoin’s ability to evolve and remain secure.
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Elon Musk came out against Speaker Johnson going forward with stopgap government funding bill: ‘This bill should not pass’
WASHINGTON — Elon Musk, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, came out against Speaker Mike Johnson going forward with a stopgap government funding bill on Wednesday, saying, "This bill should not pass."
Johnson was asked about the Tesla CEO's post during an interview on "Fox & Friends." He appeared to not worry about Musk's post influencing the ability of the funding bill to get through both chambers ahead of a partial government shutdown deadline at the end of the day Friday.
"I was communicating with Elon last night. Elon and Vivek [Ramaswamy] and I are on a text chain together and I was explaining to them the background of this. Vivek and I talked last night about midnight, and he said 'look I get it.' He said, 'We understand you're in an impossible position,'" Johnson said.
Johnson said Musk and Ramaswamy, the two DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) leaders, are aware of the tough spot the speaker is in with a slim majority and Democratic control of the Senate and White House. DOGE is an outside-of-government (or private) operation.
"We gotta get this done because here's the key. By doing this, we are clearing the decks, and we are setting up for Trump to come in roaring back with the American first agenda. That's what we are going to run with gusto beginning Jan. 3 when we start the new Congress," he said.
Johnson urged for Congress to pass this funding bill "so we don't have a shutdown."
The measure will fund the government through March 14, 2025, at current spending levels.
"We get to March where we can put our fingerprints on the spending. That is where the big changes start," Johnson said.
SEE MORE: 'Total dumpster fire': Republicans fume over speaker's spending plan days from shutdown deadline
The push comes as Republicans and Democrats scramble to pass a bill before government funding expires Friday night.
Johnson, whose speakership has been characterized by beating back criticism from his far-right flank, had originally promised a clean bill that would solely extend current levels of government funding to prevent a shutdown. However, natural disasters and headwinds for farmers, necessitated additional federal spending.
In the end, the bill included $100 billion for recovery efforts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and another $10 billion for economic assistance for farmers.
Johnson at a press conference said his hands were tied after "acts of God" necessitated additional money.
"It was intended to be, and it was, until recent days, a very simple, very clean [continuing resolution], stopgap funding measure to get us into next year when we have unified government," he said. "We had these massive hurricanes in the late fall, Helene and Milton, and other disasters. We have to make sure that the Americans that were devastated by these hurricanes get the relief they need."
Still, Republican spending hawks cried foul, accusing Johnson of stocking the bill with new spending without any way to pay for it and keeping the bill's creation behind closed doors.
"We're just fundamentally unserious about spending. And as long as you got a blank check, you can't shrink the government. If you can't shrink the government, you can't live free," Texas Rep. Chip Roy said.
Musk, too, mocked the size of the bill.
"Ever seen a bigger piece of pork?" he posted on X, along with a picture of the bill stacked on a desk.

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President-elect Donald Trump has proposed dissolving the Federal Department of Education, a long-standing initiative by libertarian-leaning conservatives who want to bring education back to the states. This has many possible consequences for schools around the nation that receive federal funds from the Department of Education, a key issue argued by both sides. However, abolishing the Department of Education will require overwhelming support from Congress and will likely prove to be a difficult feat for conservative lawmakers.
 
The United States Department of Education was founded in 1979. Federal funding for education increased in the 1970s as a response to social changes, especially for programs that support minority groups. At the same time, the department faced criticism from conservative leaders. Ronald Reagan rallied for the end of the Department of Education during the beginning of his administration, believing that it was unnecessary to administer national education programs. However, Reagan backed down from the initiative as a result of little support from Congress. Eradicating the Department of Education has since become a top priority of Project 2025, an initiative by the conservative Heritage Foundation. 
 
Trump has named Linda McMahon, a former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) executive as his pick for Secretary of Education. McMahon was also the former administrator of the Small Business Association in the cabinet during his first administration. Despite being criticized for not having an extensive background in education, McMahon will be leading Trump’s efforts to reduce federal involvement in education. McMahon is a staunch supporter of parental authority and school choice, echoing Trump’s statement on his website to “once again fundamental right of parents to control the education, healthcare, and moral formation of their children.” Conservatives have long used this in combination with the wider argument against left-leaning ideology in the education system, especially concerning gender and race. In response, some proponents of abolishing the Department of Education would like federal educational programs to be moved to different departments, such as the Department of Treasury. Critics also aim to solve administrative issues from the Department of Education. Federal funding tends to favor districts instead of schools. For example, according to the FUSD, “[Special Education] Revenues are allocated based on the Average Daily Attendance (ADA) of each district and the actual enrollment count of special needs students.” 
Despite these issues, defenders of the Department of Education fear reductions in funding and programs for K-12 schools across the nation, particularly for disadvantaged student areas. An example is Title I, a federal program that provides support to students who have not met the standard for academic achievement. In the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD), Title I supplements funds for schools such as Kennedy High School, Robertson/Vista Alternative High School, and Walters Middle School. Federal funding, while only making up a small percentage of FUSD’s total funding, is especially important amidst the district’s budget crisis. Many are also concerned that abolishing the Department of Education will exacerbate the national teacher shortage as a result of lower wages and benefits. 
Trump and other conservatives have been outspoken about eliminating the Federal Department of Education, believing that it has been ineffective in administering funding and an overreach of the government. It is unclear whether Trump will be able to gather enough support from Congress to eliminate the department as a whole, but many are expecting reductions in federal funding. Amidst these speculations, parents, educators, and students are worried about how these changes will impact schools on an individual level. 
 
The Newspaper of Irvington High School

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OWN’S HIT DATING SERIES “READY TO LOVE” SETS ITS SIGHTS ON SINGLES IN PHILADELPHIA FOR ITS MILESTONE 10th SEASON
– Season 10 of Ready to Love Premieres Friday, February 7 @ 8 PM ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network –
– For the seventh consecutive season, Ready to Love ranked as the #1 cable program in its time period with African-American Women –


(Los Angeles, CA) – OWN’s hit dating series, READY TO LOVE, returns on Friday, February 7 at 8pm ET/PT with an all-new season bringing 20 eligible singles to Philadelphia. Hosted by comedian and actor, Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles, the dating series explores the real-life romantic rollercoasters of successful and striking men and women in their 30s and 40s as they search for authentic relationships. Each week, the series follows couples as they embark on budding romances, hoping to transform them into lasting loves, all while navigating the twists, turns, and challenges presented by Tommy.
“As we enter READY TO LOVE’s milestone 10th season and celebrate it as the longest-running dating series on OWN, we owe this remarkable achievement to our loyal fan base, whose unwavering support has made this journey possible. It’s an honor that OWN remains a welcoming home and premier destination for celebrating the journey and beauty of love and relationships,” said Tina Perry, President, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. “We are proud to work alongside the creative genius of Will Packer, who skillfully operates behind the scenes, and the king of curveballs, Tommy Miles, who keeps the cast on their toes and energized in front of the cameras.”
“READY TO LOVE reigns as my longest-running television series, and with 7 successful relationships over the course of 10 seasons, with a few babies and “I Dos” sprinkled along the way, we are the most successful Black dating experience in all of television,” said producer Will Packer. “We have found an audience at OWN dedicated to watching love connections form in an authentic way that both singles and couples can relate to as they follow along the journey week after week. Sometimes with sadness, sometimes with joy – but always with heart.”
“This season, we’re on a mission to find singles in Philadelphia who are serious candidates for meaningful, real connections that are both healthy and productive – in leading to love and happiness,” said host, actor and comedian, Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles. “Watching these singles turn the City of Brotherly Love into the city of romantic love is one of the best joys I can imagine. I have hosted this series for 10 seasons and this upcoming season promises some very special moments as we discover who is truly ready to love.”
The new season of READY TO LOVE will debut on February 7. Below is a rundown of the first episodes of the season.

The First RTL Wedding
Premieres Friday, February 7 at 8pm
To kick off the new season, the singles are introduced to the first Ready to Love Wedding with a union from the Washington D.C. season that gives everyone a glimpse into a hopeful future of forever. But as half of the eligible singles attend the first of two mixers, one man’s nonstop joking and one woman’s quirky ways could send them home the first night.

We Got Some Chocolate, Y’all!
Premieres Friday, February 14 at 8pm
A fresh set of 10 singles meet at the second mixer, joined by two familiar faces. A love potion fills the air as one cast member wows with travel tales, and a Philly fireman keeps it hot.

All Together Now
Premieres Friday, February 21 at 8pm
Nineteen eligible singles are ready to mingle and meet for the first time when Tommy sends the survivors of Mixers one and two to a comedy club. New connections are made, old connections are tested, and with the women in power, one man is sent home.

Poly Pool Party
Premieres Friday, February 28 at 8pm
Tommy encourages the guys to let the ladies see a more personal side of them by inviting them into their homes or place of business.

Tommy’s Philly Block Party
Premieres Friday, March 7 at 8pm
Tommy invites the singles to turn up at a Philly block party. New revelations jeopardize a relationship, some are making bold moves, and pressures and tensions rise when motivations are questioned.

The Nudist
Premieres Friday, March 14 at 8pm
The women return to power and are tasked with dating their secondary connections.

Join the conversation using #ReadyToLove and follow OWN on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube for exclusive content.

READY TO LOVE is produced for OWN by Will Packer Media and Lighthearted Entertainment.
About Will Packer Media
Led by Hollywood producer Will Packer, Will Packer Media is a first-of-its-kind production and branded content company focused on the New American Mainstream audience, with an urban millennial core. In partnership with Discovery, Inc. and Universal Pictures, the company produces episodic scripted and unscripted series across television and digital platforms, compelling content for brand clients, and short-form digital content for millennial audiences. Will Packer’s films have earned more than $1 billion, with ten opening at number one at the box office.
About Lighthearted Entertainment
Lighthearted Entertainment creates ground-breaking, unscripted content for television and digital platforms around the world, and is fiercely committed to translating the team’s creativity, energy and ideas into content that taps into the zeitgeist of popular culture. The company is led by co-owners and Presidents Rob LaPlante and Jeff Spangler.
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network 
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey’s heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the channel.  OWN is a leading destination for premium scripted and unscripted programming from today’s most innovative storytellers. OWN connects with its audience wherever they are, inspiring conversation among a global community of like-minded viewers on social media and beyond. Launched on January 1, 2011, OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. Access OWN anytime on http://WatchOWN.tv or across mobile devices and connected TVs. 

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: 8 Details You Shouldn’t Miss – IGN First  IGN
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By Laurie Pine
Professor Murzaku met and conversed with Pope Francis. (Foto ©Vatican Media).
 Ines A. Murzaku, Ph.D., professor, Department of Religion, director, Catholic Studies Program, and founding chair, Department of Catholic Studies, was invited to attend the International Congress on the Future of Theology: Legacy and Revisioning, organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education and held December  9-10, 2024 at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.  
Murzaku was deeply inspired by the observations presented by Pope Francis to launch this remarkable gathering that convened theologians, scholars, researchers, deans and rectors from across the globe to reflect on the rich theological heritage of past generations and to reimagine its trajectory for the future. She found this gathering even more memorable as she was able to engage one-on-one with the Holy Father.
 
 Sharing her reflections, Murzaku said,
I was profoundly moved by the Holy Father’s address and the insights he shared with our group. He likened theology to light—a force that works quietly and humbly to illuminate the Gospel of Christ. Just as light cannot be contained, theology too must transcend the confines of books and academic discourse; it must be lived and enacted in the world. In our time, the world urgently needs the guidance and illumination that theology can provide. 
Murzaku explained that Pope Francis emphasized the necessity for theology to be both practical and transformative, fostering an authentic and dynamic friendship with God. He highlighted the importance of rethinking how we think, underscoring that our modes of thought shape not only our decisions but also our will and capacity for creativity. The Pope described how original thinking, characterized by a wide heart and imagination, inspires innovation and courage, while narrow, rigid and insular thought stifles progress.
 
Reflecting on traditional theological methods, she said that Pope Francis remarked on the limitations of outdated approaches, calling them “museum-like” and “bookish.” He encouraged theologians to reimagine their discipline as a guiding companion for those seeking meaning and truth, especially during pivotal moments in life. He challenged theology faculties to broaden their outreach, making theology accessible and relevant to all, particularly to those grappling with theological questions in midlife.
 
She noted that Pope Francis observed that
Middle age is a unique and significant phase of life …It is a time when professional and personal stability may be accompanied by profound challenges—failures, fading youthful dreams, and emerging existential questions. These moments can leave individuals feeling lost, abandoned, or at an impasse—a midlife crisis. Theology, in such times, can serve as a compass, helping to renew their search for meaning. Let theology become a welcoming space, an open house, where seekers can rediscover their path, ask questions, and find both answers and the courage to seek anew. 
The International Congress explored critical themes such as the geographical and cultural diversity of theology, the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives (including music, literature and science), and theology’s engagement with the Church, society and the wider world.
 
One particularly compelling theme for Murzaku was the role of women in theology and related disciplines. Pope Francis candidly acknowledged that “an all-male theology is an incomplete theology,” underscoring the need for greater inclusion and diversity in theological scholarship and praxis. This recognition marks an essential step toward addressing the Church’s ongoing challenges in this area.
 
The Holy Father concluded with a visionary appeal for theology to “help rethink how to think,” advocating for a discipline that moves beyond oversimplifications and embraces complexity. He affirmed that, by fostering this rethinking, theology will once again shine as it ought—serving as a beacon of truth within the Church and across diverse cultures, guiding humanity in its quest for meaning and understanding.
 
“What a tremendous experience for Dr. Murzaku to participate in the International Congress and having the extreme honor to once again meet and converse with Pope Francis,” noted Reverend Gerald Buonopane, Ph.D., vice provost, academics and Catholic identity; and senior lecturer, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He added, “By doing so Dr. Murzaku spotlights Seton Hall University to the global theological community. The words of the Holy Father that theology is not confined to ‘books or academic discourse’ but needs to be lived out in the world ring true here at Seton Hall by the University’s infusion of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.”
 
In closing, Murzaku shared, “There is much to unpack in the Holy Father’s message, requiring both time and thoughtful reflection. I am deeply grateful to have attended and heard his call firsthand. For me, true theology speaks to both the mind and the heart, harmonizing intellect and compassion—which I believe to be an imperative to which all educators are called.”
 
Read the Address of the Holy Father to Participants at the International Congress on the Future of Theology: Legacy and Revisioning here.  
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National, 17^th November 2023: It is not often that we realise that when you we are amidst nature, we grow and that living good does not come at the cost of doing good. Signature Packaged Drinking Water is proud to introduce #OneWithNature campaign that brings to life philosophy of “Live Good. Do Good,” an invitation to a vibrant way of life. The campaign encourages individuals to embark on a journey that celebrates nature in its true essence through two beautiful films featuring Bollywood Star Ayushmann Khurrana, Ace Musician Sneha Khanwalkar and celebrity Chef Amninder Sandhu.
In the films, Sneha, known world over creating rhythms from organic sounds of nature creates a harmony for all to jive in, Chef Amninder, concocts a delectable feast with locally sourced, natural ingredients. Bringing all of them together is Ayushmann representing each one of us, who are on a journey of discovery of embracing the lifestyle of Living Good, while doing good. We also see each one of them embracing the act of plogging to leave zero waste behind and give back the land as pristine as they were found.
Staying true to the commitment of walking the talk, Signature Packaged Drinking Water is proud to have executed the shoot of these films while being Carbon neutral. Each aspect and element, ranging from plastic, food and electricity management was carefully planned to ensure minimal carbon footprint and to offset the same, in partnership with Life First foundation, 900 trees were planted in Moga, Punjab. Signature is also committed to the cause of Mangrove Replenishment in Odisha with IGSSS, helping restore the mangroves across 61 acres in 5 villages across the coast over the next 3 years.
said, “Over the past year, Signature Packaged Drinking Water has dedicated itself to the cause of encouraging conscious living through various initiatives. Starting from our inaugural season of Signature Green Vibes to our ongoing Mangrove Replenishment project, aimed at revitalizing the mangroves along the Odisha coastline, we’ve been actively working to walk the talk when it comes being Living Good & Doing Good. Through our latest campaign, ‘One with Nature,’ we invite each one of you to join us on this journey and embrace a lifestyle that nurtures our well-being while giving it back to Nature.”
Varun Koorichh, Vice President Marketing at Diageo India
“Having spent my formative years in Chandigarh, I nurtured a deep affinity for nature. We were constantly taught to follow mindfulness so embracing an eco-conscious lifestyle came naturally to me. Being part of this experience was truly exhilarating! I believe that today’s generation can enjoy life to the fullest and still be conscious at the same time. I also strongly believe that recognizing our connection with nature is the key to unlocking happiness. Signature Packaged Drinking Water’s vision of blending fun and sustainability is truly admirable. Together, we are empowering everyone to make a positive impact and follow the ‘Live Good. Do Good’ mantra.”
Bollywood star and Brand ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana
Signature Packaged Drinking Water also invites each one to Signature Green Vibes, a festival with nature – an immersive celebration of indie-folk music, farm-to-table cuisine, DIY workshops, set in green locales. A festival that practices leaving no trace behind by ensuring each element used in the festival is absolutely reusable. Visit https://shorturl.at/DQZ06  for more information about the festival in your city.
About Diageo India
Diageo India is the country’s leading beverage alcohol company and a subsidiary of global leader Diageo Plc. The company manufactures, sells, and distributes an outstanding portfolio of premium brands such as Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India. Headquartered in Bengaluru, our wide footprint is supported by a committed team of over 3000 employees, 37 manufacturing facilities across states and union territories in India, a strong distribution network and a state-of-the-art Technical Centre. Incorporated in India as United Spirits Limited (USL), the company is listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India. For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com.
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How to Achieve Government Efficiency in Space
Four years ago, in the flurry of activity during Donald Trump’s transition into the White House, an innocuous decision was made by the incoming President. This decision revealed his instincts as a successful businessman, and it emphasized the value of competition as a lever to secure a more efficient supply chain at the best value for the customer.
At the time, the military’s vaunted F-35 fighter program was facing the usual overruns that routinely plague complex weapon systems. With practically no background in defense on either side – acquisition or operations – Trump directed the program to quickly devise a second source program to use as negotiating leverage. The rest is history – today there is competition in that sector, to the benefit of the taxpayer, the warfighter, and our allies. The F-35 program itself is the better for it, encouraging better pricing that will bolster Congressional support for the procurement of more sixth generation fighters.
This same instinct of rewarding efficiency, common to any successful business leader, must be elevated to be a core component of the Space Force’s identity. Especially as the President credited with creating both the Space Force and NASA’s Artemis mission returns for his second term.
CEOs and economists know that the threat of competition is what keeps businesses lean and efficient. Maintaining healthy competition among competent suppliers drives innovation, thereby increasing value to a company’s shareholders and customers. Vertical integration can sometimes reduce transactional bureaucracy, but when continuous competition is foremost in business planning, a culture of efficiency endures. This of course requires hard work and even harder thinking, especially if a sector has devolved into a monopoly serving a monopsony – a market with one supplier serving only one buyer.
The government retains the mindset that industry consolidation will lead to greater efficiencies, which will benefit the customer. However, history has shown that it does not, and it never has. It only leads to greater market capture in the monopsony by a single company, with the ultimate customers – the taxpayers and warfighter – paying more for decreasing efficiencies and less innovation.
The government’s current acquisition system for space needs a generational overhaul. To define system requirements and award a contract typically spans well over two years, meanwhile today’s space systems and services are readily available and made from off-the-shelf componentry. How can we pivot to continuous competition quickly, without further bloating the Space Force with even more bureaucratic processes? Simple: assess only two factors as award criteria in a competition: performance against mission and cost.
If a proposed solution, both in technical performance and schedule, meets the requirements defined in the RFP, then it passes the first criterion. From those which pass the first criterion, the government awards a fixed price contract to the lowest cost solution, and pays for it only upon delivery. Prime contractors must bear the burden of risk and do so under fixed price contracts. If only one bidder successfully passes the first criterion for a fixed price contract, performance specifications should be reconsidered to ensure more bidders may enter the competition. If any supplier fails to deliver, they must not get paid. Space procurement should no longer be any different than most other commercial transactions. This new administration, hellbent on efficiency, should no longer consider reimbursing a company that cannot deliver on its commitments.
At the same time, there must also be a continuous approach, where streamlined methods are developed to promote fairness while avoiding vendor lock, a pitfall that emerged from vertical consolidation in the 1990s, most egregiously in the fighter jet and rocket sectors.
Eighty percent of the other service’s budgets are for personnel, operations and maintenance, not the acquisition of systems and services. The Space Force is the complete opposite, where only 20 percent is for personnel and operations. The other 80 percent is programmed for the acquisition of systems and services and must be continuously competed.
Continuous competition also prevents staleness at all levels, ensuring a continuous reevaluation of what does and does not work. This not only includes the product or service being acquired, but also the government’s plans and strategies that might bring them to market. A key cause of the stale nature of traditional primes is not a lack of innovative people, but because the government does not reward innovation in their RFPs.
A culture of continuous competition would also encourage private capital to investigate alternative solutions while rewarding new, optimized partnerships and technological innovations. It naturally dispenses of inefficiencies and retires obsolete capabilities, while the government forms new offices and agencies just to identify them.
Finally, and most importantly, a competitive culture will reinforce a mindset essential to countering the cunning and ambitious threats in space. A key part of that mindset involves training our Guardians to think, act, and win like champions, and to unleash the private sector and its superior technology to secure our space future against peer competitors like China.
The key to lasting efficiency in government space acquisitions is not a clickbait headline of program cuts, though those can be helpful and in many instances are long overdue. Rather, enduring efficiency in the space domain will come from creating a permanent culture of continuous competition that rewards efficiency and delivery over political or bureaucratic backscratching.
Philosopher George Santayana famously observed that “those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” We must never again convince ourselves that consolidation around a single supplier, like we did with fighters and rockets, will lead to efficiencies. We cannot forget lessons of that era which we paid for in the decades that followed. Instead, we must do the hard work to ensure continuous competition becomes a normal part of Space Force culture. If we do, we will not only make space more efficient today but also guarantee a path for a prosperous future, rather than a mess that a president will have to dig our country out of.

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