USA’s ULCANS Contract: Up to $1.73B for Multi-Spectral Camouflage Nets (updated)
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The U.S. Army has awarded a pair of contracts for the production of Ultra Light-Weight Camouflage Net Systems (ULCANS). The ULCANS system used by the U.S. Army consists of one hexagonal and one rhomboidal screen, available in both woodland and desert version. It features a simplified interconnect system and effective snape disrupters. These multi-spectral camouflage nets offer improved concealment for vehicles and field positions by masking visual, thermal, near infra-red and broadband radar signatures.
Contracts have been issued to camouflage specialists Saab Barracuda LLC and GMA Cover Corporation. The entire contract is potentially worth $1.73 billion over ten years.
Saab Barracuda LLC has been the sole supplier of the ULCANS net systems to date. In 1997 the company received the first 5-year ULCANS contract worth $160 million, which was followed by a second 5-year contract in 2003 worth $240 million. Production currently sits at about 10,000 ULCANS units per month.
Saab recently received a $20.2 million delivery order for more ULCANS nets.
The second contract brings a new supplier into the mix. GMA Cover Corp’s first delivery order is also for $20.2 million, and they will manufacture ULCANS in their Port Huron, MI facility as a second source for the multi-spectral camouflage nets. While GMA’s parent is a Canadian company, the Port Huron facility and our ULCANS production is in full compliance with all ‘U.S.-only’ stipulations. Indeed, GMA will also expand manufacturing operations at that plant to include the hiring and training of staff for the specialized, technically sophisticated production of the ULCANS system.
Updates
June 26/08: Base-X in Fairfield, VA received an $8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order against Federal Supply Schedule Contract GS-07F-0173J for Ultra Light Camouflage Net System (ULCANS) in both Desert Marpat and Woodland patterns
Work will be performed in Fairfield, VA and is expected to be complete in December 2008. All funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is awarded as a result of a full and open competitive unrestrictive solicitation by the Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA (M67854-08-F-3024).
