I was in the Army for 10 years in a MOS that used sidearms, 95B. We were still using 1911's when I went in and units in my MOS received some of the first M9 pistols. The only range time with our "new" pistols was during qualifications twice a year. Outside of qualifications getting onto a range to practice was next to impossible. This was in the 90's so funds were tight for the military so most non essential functions were reduced or cut out completely.
But even with the shortage of funds we could have still easily afforded the ammunition costs to practice throughout the year. Instead of having "Range Month" for all of September, ration so much a month to let those who want to practice on their own time do so.
Every September it was the same thing in the Army, range day 5 days a week just burning through ammunition as fast as we could so we could ask for more only to end up shooting that up or even burying it instead of actually using it for something useful.
. Gotta love that Sig QC. 
). But I think in some cases the full blown procurement process is followed to maintain the environment of fairness when dealing with vendors that also might be competing in something that matters, like the SAW.
