DynCorp International, Force Protection Industries [GD], Oshkosh Defense [OSK] and McLane Advanced Technologies yesterday unveiled a new joint venture, Mission Readiness, to compete for a potential $3 billion-plus contract for logistics support for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
In June, Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command (LCMC) issued a request for proposals for Contractor Logistics Sustainment and Support (CLSS) for the MRAP family of vehicles (FOV). The five-year contract is valued at a total of more than $3 billion, if all options are exercised.
In source selection, the Army is restricted from discussing specifics on the contract until an award is made.
Mission Readiness is a standalone company exclusively dedicated to bringing its collective 170 years of team experience in the manufacture and logistical support of land vehicles, the companies said in a statement.
“There is no job more important than keeping our troops safe and mission-ready,” said James Grazioplene, Mission Readiness CEO. “Mission Readiness is 100-percent focused on ensuring that the warfighter will have the vehicles they need for the fight, every day.”
Mission Readiness provides a best value, low risk, technically superior, global solution for TACOM Lifecycle Management Command (LCMC) through the team that blends the expertise, experience and commitment of its four large partners, the statement said. Mission Readiness’ effectiveness and reliability are proven: collectively, the team currently supports 94 percent of the MRAP FOV in-theater defined as Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait, as well as the continental United States, with a footprint of more than 17,000 personnel on the ground.
“In the past year, the Department of Defense message from (then-DoD acquisition chief, now deputy defense secretary) Dr. Ashton Carter to industry has been loud and clear: be leaner and more efficient,” said DynCorp International chairman and CEO Steve Gaffney. “Through this team we’ve answered that call for efficiency and enhanced the value to the government. We pulled together the absolute best providers of MRAP FOV support in an innovative, standalone company that keeps costs to the customer at a minimum while maximizing customer focus.”
Michael Moody, president of Force Protection Industries, said: “Force Protection takes great pride in the vehicles we have built and in the life saving performance of the RCV (route clearance vehicles) and MRAP fleets in general. We look forward to helping to sustain these vehicles as vital components of our Armed Forces for many years to come by helping to provide essential, best value total life cycle support services.”
The President of Oshkosh Defense John Urias said, “The Mission Readiness team will deliver superior MRAP design and production expertise and extensive in-theater sustainment experience to the Warfighter. Together, we can offer new levels of MRAP performance to Warfighters–supporting an expanding range of critical missions, and ultimately getting them home safely.”
Drayton McLane, chief executive officer of McLane Advanced Technologies, said: “Technology-driven solutions are essential for streamlining operations, saving money and sustaining a military prepared for the future. The industry knowledge and technology experience within The Mission Readiness team will manage fleet resources efficiently, keep costs under control, and enable Military readiness.”
The MRAP FOV includes the basic MRAP vehicle family used for Military Police, Convoy Escort and other missions; RCV; United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) vehicles; Marine vehicles; and vehicles operated by the Air Force and Navy.