USA Issues MRAP-II Solicitation

New participants?(click to view full) The USA has moved very slowly to give its forces mine-protected vehicles, but when it finally did move, the move has been dramatic. The $8.4 billion, 7,774 vehicle, 5-service (Army, Navy, USAF, Marines, SOCOM) MRAP Program has seen FY 2007 funding rise to $4.9 billion, and as of July 31/07, 5,621 orders have already been issued for MRAP CAT-I MRUV patrol vehicles and the larger CAT-II JERRV squad vehicles. With over 70% of orders already placed, an additional Army request in the works, and Explosively-Formed Penetrator (EFP) land mines upping the ante in Iraq, a next step was needed. That next step appears to be underway. A July 4/07 Federal Business Opportunities notice was the first step, and had this to say: HMMWV, IEDed(click to view full) “Marine Corps Systems Command intends to issue a competitive solicitation for the purpose of selecting additional qualified producers of Mine Resistant and Ambush Protection (MRAP) vehicles for the Marine Corps and other Joint Forces. The actual end quantity is subject to change based on ongoing discussions regarding quantities required by various Joint Forces Organizations, however total estimated vehicle requirements are in excess of 20,000 vehicles… The solicitation (MRAP […]