The decision to commission the construction and launch of a satellite system is a multi-year strategic decision for any entity, whether commercial or governmental. Unlike many noncustomized procurements, even ones of similar expense, the procurement is only the initial phase, and after a satellite construction contract is signed the parties embark upon a multi-year collaborative journey to keep the program on schedule, on budget, and within the original performance requirements. Additionally, numerous other complicated, high risk, and/or interrelated program elements must be procured, including the launch services, ground systems, handsets, insurance, tracking telemetry and control, and various forms of ground support and back-office systems.