Not just that, but you'd think that they could work with Sony to come up with a DoD-spec version that had lower cost, but cost the same (without the manufacturer subsidy). Then Sony might be willing to support them.
The OP alludes to the wasted controllers, and surely the DoD could help Sony save money on those. But there are other components that they wouldn't care about. The actual video and audio output is useless and could be excluded. Does the device come with Blueray? That could be replaced by an off-the-shelf DVD drive to save a bunch of money. Maybe swap in a rack-mountable case, which wouldn't save money for Sony, but would be more attractive to DoD.
The OP alludes to the wasted controllers, and surely the DoD could help Sony save money on those. But there are other components that they wouldn't care about. The actual video and audio output is useless and could be excluded. Does the device come with Blueray? That could be replaced by an off-the-shelf DVD drive to save a bunch of money. Maybe swap in a rack-mountable case, which wouldn't save money for Sony, but would be more attractive to DoD.