What results from NASA having to navigate congressional oversight and stringent governmental contracting rules?

Inertia that stifles rapid adaptation

As a federal agency, NASA is necessarily constrained by complex requirements stemming from public accountability, governmental contracting regulations, and oversight from bodies like Congress. These mechanisms are crucial for ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds and maintaining exceptionally high safety standards. However, the byproduct of this necessary structure is inertia. The need for meticulous documentation, long review cycles, and annual budgetary battles creates an environment where swift, continuous adaptation—which is essential for revolutionary technology development—becomes significantly hampered compared to private entities.