Random Source Animals "Unnecessary"?

The National Research Council (NRC) concluded in a report released May 29 that it is not necessary for researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health to acquire “random source” dogs and cats from dealers that purchase and resell animals because alternative sources are available to meet NIH-funded research needs.

While I would agree that the term "not necessary" may be accurate, as alternative sources are indeed "available", in this world of extremely limited research dollars, will the NIH always be willing to pay ~$1,500+ per animal rather than ~$25? Of course, the genetic and pedigree information assured by purpose-bred suppliers is of significant value in many studies, there are other basic science studies where it is not.

My own M.S. research, due to environmental chamber size constraints, required me to use dogs much smaller than the standard beagles currently available. Is the NRC overstepping?