Those Expensive 360 Degree MRAP Lighting Kits

Kit on Cougar

On May 30/08, the Pentagon announced a pair of MRAP-related multiple-award small business contracts worth almost half a billion dollars if all options are exercised. Working through the Navy Electronic Commerce Office, the US Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA is buying 360 Degree Lighting Kits for the US military’s MRAP blast-resistant vehicles, using an indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract.

IBIS TEK in Butler, PA received a ceiling amount $158.1 million contract with options that would bring the cumulative ceiling value to $474.2 million. Work will be performed in Butler, PA, and is expected to be complete by May 2011 (M67854-08-D-5046).

LOM in Chicago, IL received a ceiling amount $149.7 million contract with options that could bring the cumulative ceiling value to $449.2 million. Work will be performed in Suwanee, GA and is expected to be complete by May 2011 (M67854-08-D-5010).

Both winners will be using the same $475 million or so pool of funds, and official responses to DID indicate that up to 10,000 kits will be ordered. Thanks to US Marine Corps Systems Command, a picture of a preliminary IBIS TEK install can be seen above. Based on these figures, however, the cost of these lighting systems appears to be about $45,000 per vehicle.

Spain Issues Multiple Contracts to Upgrade Transport Fleet, Fighters

EAV-8B Matador

In December 2006, Spain’s Minister’s Council has authorized a number of aircraft contracts in addition to their Eurocopter-related plans, creating more maritime patrol aircraft, expanding the transport fleet slightly, modernizing its EAV-8B Harriers/Matadors, and buying engines and spares for its CH-47 heavy-lift helicopter fleet. The total value of these contracts is over EUR 130 million.

In June 2008, the Harrier modernization contract was announced by EADS. DID offers details below regarding the upgrade’s elements, scope, and final cost.