thedrifter
02-17-07, 09:04 AM
Marines Seek Views on Vehicle
General Dynamics' Design Has Problems
By Renae Merle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 17, 2007; D03
The Marine Corps is asking contractors whether they could do any better than General Dynamics has done developing a go-anywhere troop vehicle, a $12 million craft prone to breakdowns and technical glitches.
The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is supposed to be launched from ships, carrying troops to the battlefield at speeds of 30 knots on water and 45 mph on land. But after 10 years of development, recent tests have shown that it breaks down on average every 4 1/2 hours and has software problems.
While the Marine Corps hasn't decided to cancel General Dynamics' contract, it is researching whether another company could provide an alternative design for the vehicle or some of its troubled systems, said David M. Branham, spokesman for the program. Companies have until Feb. 26 to respond to a solicitation, which the service posted earlier this month, he said.
According to the solicitation, the Marine Corps is looking for information from "industry leaders who develop and produce track combat vehicles that can provide an alternative design concept of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle."
The fresh look follows significant increases in cost estimates for the program, from $8 billion to $12 billion, that triggered greater Pentagon oversight. The Marine Corps has already spent $1.7 billion.
Losing the work would be a blow to General Dynamics, which is headquartered in Falls Church. A Navy study faulted the company's handling of the project, saying General Dynamics appeared more interested in commencing production than troubleshooting the technical problems.
General Dynamics said it remains confident about the program, asserting that the vehicle can still meet "key performance parameters" set by the Marine Corps. "We are working in conjunction with the Marine Corps to meet the reliability requirements," said spokesman Rob Doolittle.
The amphibious vehicle is among a growing cluster of military programs that have faced repeated cost increases and technical problems and are drawing criticism from Congress.
"This is the way the government should work, because if a contractor isn't performing up to par, the government should look elsewhere," said Todd Bowers, defense investigator for the Project On Government Oversight, a watchdog group. "The only question is: Why did General Dynamics continue to receive award fees when it wasn't meeting the government's requirements?"
The Marine Corps has said General Dynamics received $80 million in bonuses on the contract. A decision on the program's future is expected in March.
Ellie
General Dynamics' Design Has Problems
By Renae Merle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 17, 2007; D03
The Marine Corps is asking contractors whether they could do any better than General Dynamics has done developing a go-anywhere troop vehicle, a $12 million craft prone to breakdowns and technical glitches.
The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is supposed to be launched from ships, carrying troops to the battlefield at speeds of 30 knots on water and 45 mph on land. But after 10 years of development, recent tests have shown that it breaks down on average every 4 1/2 hours and has software problems.
While the Marine Corps hasn't decided to cancel General Dynamics' contract, it is researching whether another company could provide an alternative design for the vehicle or some of its troubled systems, said David M. Branham, spokesman for the program. Companies have until Feb. 26 to respond to a solicitation, which the service posted earlier this month, he said.
According to the solicitation, the Marine Corps is looking for information from "industry leaders who develop and produce track combat vehicles that can provide an alternative design concept of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle."
The fresh look follows significant increases in cost estimates for the program, from $8 billion to $12 billion, that triggered greater Pentagon oversight. The Marine Corps has already spent $1.7 billion.
Losing the work would be a blow to General Dynamics, which is headquartered in Falls Church. A Navy study faulted the company's handling of the project, saying General Dynamics appeared more interested in commencing production than troubleshooting the technical problems.
General Dynamics said it remains confident about the program, asserting that the vehicle can still meet "key performance parameters" set by the Marine Corps. "We are working in conjunction with the Marine Corps to meet the reliability requirements," said spokesman Rob Doolittle.
The amphibious vehicle is among a growing cluster of military programs that have faced repeated cost increases and technical problems and are drawing criticism from Congress.
"This is the way the government should work, because if a contractor isn't performing up to par, the government should look elsewhere," said Todd Bowers, defense investigator for the Project On Government Oversight, a watchdog group. "The only question is: Why did General Dynamics continue to receive award fees when it wasn't meeting the government's requirements?"
The Marine Corps has said General Dynamics received $80 million in bonuses on the contract. A decision on the program's future is expected in March.
Ellie