I think that a good model to follow would be that of the Hong Kong Govt Air Service.
Still under Govt control but run obstensively as a civil organisation. I understand that their procurement programme consists of going out and buying the stuff they need off the shelf.........it would never catch on here.
Mind you the money on research and development on many of these items would have been paid for out of other Govt pockets. I wonder if that factor is taken into account when calculating the cost of UK Mil SAR.
Do those in the civil sector buy off the shelf or are they involved in paying for any research and development?