Regarding government's speed, two things.
I was absolutely blown away by the speed of the Air Force. They agreed to a price and sent a check within weeks of seeing the vehicle. I thought, what's got the bee in their bonnet? But it's there.
Second is the sole source statement. It is chiefly competitive bidding that drags out governments response. Perhaps you remember the huge earthquake in California some years ago that destroyed the highway system in that locale. The government (Pete Wilson presiding as I recall) suspended bidding rules and almost immediately hired contractors who could and did work all day and all night. It was inspiring to me.
As far as budget, there is an operating budget; they have money; the agencies just decide how to spend it. When you see agencies place orders, and Torvec form some alliance to fill them, there will be lovely fireworks. (Don't even get me started of the shorts, come this scenario.)
Well, that's my take anyway.
