The thing that blows my mind, is you hear over and over again about Billions of dollars being spent on large software projects for the government that seem fairly simplistic that ultimately fail.
The NSA is accomplishing some pretty impressive things, what are they doing differently?
Hiring mathematicians and computer scientists instead of MBAs and public policy people.
Probably also not having to follow government contracting rules (lowest bidder, preferring minorities and veterans) because who would have the authority to review their purchases?
Spending tons of money didn't help when DoD was trying to field DIHMRS. The military still runs on an ancient COBOL-era payroll system because they can't successfully develop and field a replacement, despite some billions in wasted $$$.
The NSA is accomplishing some pretty impressive things, what are they doing differently?