$114M Option to BAE for MOLLE Gear

MOLLE gear options(click to view) BAE Systems Specialty Group in Jessup, PA recently won a maximum $114 million firm-fixed price US Army contract for modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE). Work will be performed in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Kentucky, Tennesse, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. This contract is for the first term option period, with 1 more 1-year option period remaining. The original proposal was Web solicited with 6 responses, and this option will expire on May 2/10. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) in Philadelphia, PA manages this contract (SPM1C1-08-D-1080). Modular Light-weight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) is a modular quick-release backpack with compartments and components that can easily be clipped on or removed, 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. MOLLE has been modified over the years in response to Army feedback from the field, but the US Marines replaced it entirely with their own ILBE (Improved Load Bearing Equipment) packs, in the wake of negative after-action reviews.