GSPC will not approve a well because 77 was a failure. sole...

GSPC will not approve a well because 77 was a failure. sole source does not need GSPC approval It really is that simple, once a decision is made, the pathway is fractious but straight forward.
If there's no money for a sole source well, the second choice becomes obvious. Otherwise, GSPC will just cause much wasteful expense and what little money they have will be wasted.
If the GSPC issues need to be resolved before anything is done, it's game over, no money, no well, law suit and residual liability that will hang over the company.
get in or get out. simple. IMHO, MD needs to grow a pair.