But ways of streamlining the pre-construction phase and improving procurement techniques on major transport infrastructure projects are being looked at.

BBC: Planning shake-up unveiled

For example the committee has decided to look at the "landscape" of defence procurement - or to put it another way, at why so many major weapons programmes seem to go over budget and over-time, while often failing to deliver the promised capabilities.

BBC: A Year On Part 2: The old lags flourishing in Commons

The White House expects a major battle with lawmakers from both parties over Defense Secretary Robert Gates's effort to overhaul defense-procurement policies and cut short production on the F-22 advanced fighter jet and the Army's Future Combat System.

WSJ: Coming Next: The Act II Blueprint