Anyone researched how defense contractors pick suppliers lately?

Both methods have a place here, but honestly interviews are your foundation — procurement officers in defense are notoriously guarded on surveys and response rates tank fast. I'd do 10-15 in-depth interviews first to map the decision criteria, then use a targeted survey (conjoint works well) to quantify priorities across a broader sample. LinkedIn outreach to supply chain directors at Lockheed, Raytheon tier-2s has worked better for me than panel recruitment in this space.