Belgium’s Council of Ministers recently approved a series of defense investments worth approximately $1.2 billion, covering Iltis jeep replacements, Pandur armored reconnaissance vehicle upgrades, the acquisition of two second hand M-class frigates from The Netherlands, and an Armored Infantry Vehicle Program that is still up for bid.
In late 2003, the Government approved a defense blueprint that called for an in-depth modernization of the Belgian armed forces toward smaller, more flexible and better equipped forces capable of rapid deployment. These decisions mark the first stages of this modernization drive, which is estimated to involve a EUR 2 billion commitment. Recent operations carried out by the Belgian military in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Democratic Republic of Congo and, in recent months, again in Bosnia Herzegovina have also influenced these decisions.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has chosen an in-house option for the outcome of the 2002 Future Defence Supply Chain initiative, which was set up to improve the performance of the Defence Supply Chain. This will involve a major reorganisation of how equipment and supplies are stored and distributed. These efforts are part of a package of measures that include other defense support elements and facilities in the UK.
Alternative models of in-house provision were compared with a potential partnered solution, for which proposals were sought from industry. Two consortia: Defence Logistic Solutions (DLS: BAE Systems, AgustaWestland and TNT); and Defence Supply Chain Solutions (DSCS: Devonport Management Ltd and Exel) were invited to submit proposals, but in the end neither was accepted.
O’Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Co. in Fairfield, OH received a $78 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the M1114 Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (DAAE07-00-C-S019). Most of these vehicles are destined for service in Iraq.
Work on this contract will be performed in Fairfield, OH and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, MI issued the modification. In calendar year 2005, the US DoD has issued $425.8 million worth of M1114-related contracts and modifications.
General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactics Systems Engineering Technology in Orlando FL received a firm fixed-price letter contract with a cost ceiling of $7 million for approximately 1,550 “Acorn” Systems and accessories. The Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division has a requirement to procure Acorn Systems, which will provide critical force protection measures to patrols within Afghanistan.
This contract was awarded by authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304c2, Unusual and Compelling Urgency, and was not competitively procured. When queried, General Dynamics replied that “because of the intended mission of the system, no additional information is available about it.” Nevertheless…
