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Small business qualifier Michael Bianco in New Bedford, MA won a maximum $32.3 million firm fixed price contract for Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) backpacks. MOLLE is a modular quick-release backpack with removable compartments and components, plus a fighting load vest that can accept removable pockets for the Rifleman, Pistol, Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Gunner, and Grenadier configurations. Its modularity allows individuals to tailor their load and configuration to meet mission needs. As an earlier DID article on the MOLLE pointed out, it has been modified since its debut in response to feedback from the field.

This is an indefinite delivery/quantity type contract exercising option year two on behalf of the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, and this firm has won similar contracts before. Proposals were Web-solicited and seven responded. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA issued the contract (SP0100-04-D-4184-0007), and the date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2007 – better get sewing, Michael!