Most government bidding processes are, in and of themselves, a high barrier to entry.

Much of this is by design because the companies with the government influence to fix the problem are the ones who created it.

Yes, definitely.

Most government bidding processes would be improved by simplifying them drastically. Eg highest bidder wins. Instead of the beauty contests with lots of different factors that need evaluation by politicians.

The article claims it isn't economic to transport salt >150 miles over land.

So at the very least, you have to buy a salt mine in the right location. Maybe even start a new one, if the existing monopolists own them all.

Not exactly a low barrier to entry IMHO :)

Well, they should focus on reducing barriers to entry.

> The article claims it isn't economic to transport salt >150 miles over land.

The higher the excess profits, the bigger that radius gets.