Don`t recall ever posting a 9-12 month timeframe to get a military contract rolling. In fact, it`s just like a purchasing decision for any of us; if you`ve the money (funding allocated) and need it NOW, you can get it NOW (with proper approvals and waivers). Since 1996, with the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, the DoD is able to act more like a commercial entity. There are still source selection criteria for large contracts (in an effort to keep things ``fair``), and the ISO certification requirement, and a requirement to be registered in the DLA contractor data system, security requirements as applicable, etc., but things can be done fast or slow depending on urgency of need. I worked on a contract with the Navy in the late `70s where a contract requirement was to be able to deliver (anywhere, and I mean anywhere) a stocked item within 24 hours (key words=stocked item). However, this is an indicator of how things can happen really fast based on need. Allocated funding is always a big issue, except in highly covert programs (where the money is virtually always there).

With something like ATCO`s product and ``position``, things can happen really fast (the initial contract was probably set up to allow follow-on orders with same T&Cs). As for an EDIG Kino/digE derivative, more hurdles (like getting an agency head, e.g., Sec of the Army, to sign-off on waivers), but how bad do they want it, how many do they need, and for what purpose? Could be made to happen in days, or years.

Hope this helps.

SGE