Government mission managers consistently complain about the lack of innovation and competition from industry.  Do they, however, take the elevator down a floor and talk to the people in their own offices who create a ceaseless parade of acquisition rules that contribute mightily to the situation?  Contractors complain about the costs new requirements put on their businesses, yet industry used to be much more effective at communicating its concerns with policymakers.  The answers to improving participation and innovation in the government market aren’t complicated, but all sides need to do a better job of speaking – and listening – to each other if desired outcomes are to be achieved.  Reducing acquisition rules, especially those that have nothing to do with the performance of a government contract, is an obvious place to start.  Yet to do that, officials at the appointee level in the executive branch and senior legislators need to stop pushing their own agendas and take time to understand, once again, that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, even if they want the FAR to say so.  Kudos to the FAR Council on this front for setting up a listening session for December 4^th.  We recommend that they invite/coerce their bosses from OMB and key Hill staff to attend.  Rules that do remain should be better tailored to meet specific circumstances.  Not every company should have to invest in “super, ultra, plus” security requirements if they’re selling office furniture, tools, or a host of other commercial items. Communication between industry and government simply has to get better, and by this we mean “real” communication.  It’s still shocking, and not a little disappointing, to see political appointees address experienced industry groups with a pre-packaged recitation of platitudeness talking points.  Talk about a wasted opportunity – and sending a clear message that you’re going to do what you want without taking much input.  Industry must tune up its messaging, as well.  It’s great to tell someone what they want to hear, but sometimes they need to be told what they need to hear, even if that creates potential tension. As far as we know, neither side has been imbued with the ability to read each other’s minds. A better acquisition system is achievable if each side wants it bad enough that they actually communicate effectively.