How did NASA shift its relationship with partners like SpaceX regarding spaceflight hardware?

Outsourcing the service, like transporting cargo or astronauts, rather than purchasing hardware outright.

The relationship between NASA and SpaceX highlights a necessary evolution in procurement philosophy. For a long time, government agencies often designed and built their own hardware through large contractors, a process frequently criticized for being slow and extremely expensive. Recognizing this inefficiency, NASA transitioned to a new model where they outsourced the necessary *service*—such as moving cargo or astronauts—instead of purchasing the hardware outright and managing the complex development process internally. This meant NASA became a customer, exemplified by programs like the Commercial Crew Program, rather than remaining the sole developer, a model SpaceX fit well due to its rapid iteration cycles and lower operating costs.