US SOCOM: Pimp Our Rides, Make Them Boring
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Sometimes, Special Operations forces need to move around in highly protected vehicles, like their customized, blast-resistant RG-33 and M-ATV MRAPs. Other times, it’s better to blend into the background and disappear, using vehicles that wouldn’t look out of place on your home street. Armoring vehicles like that is a steady civilian business in places like Brazil, South Africa, and parts of Asia and the Middle East. It’s also the subject of a maximum $44.6 million contract from US Special Operations Command.
Aug 22/11: Ultra Armoring, L.L.C. in Kings Mountain, NC receives a 1-year indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity firm-fixed-price contract, to provide “non-standard commercial vehicles.” That begins with a $23.5 million task order, triggered by “Combat Mission Needs Statement 168”. Work will be performed in Shelby, NC, and is expected to be complete by August, 2012. This contract was awarded through other than full and open competition, justified under IAW 10 U.S.C. 2304c2, “Unusual and Compelling Urgency,” as implemented by FAR 6.302-2 (H92222-11-D-0027).
