The U.S. Navy and Air Force are poised to cancel two nearly complete software projects that took 12 years and well over $800 million combined to develop, work initially aimed at overhauling antiquated human resources systems, so that other firms can have a chance to win similar projects. Commenting on the cancellations, Franklin Turner said that “there is a very real sense that we are in the regulatory Wild West with this administration – and it should come as no surprise that the traditional limits of ‘normal contracting’ are repeatedly going to be pushed and pressed in this environment.” He notes that it is legal for the government to terminate any contract “for convenience,” but said the Pentagon would be on the hook to reimburse the companies for wind-down costs plus take on the cost of any new replacement project.
8.19.2025