A Stryker moves out to a new patrol base near Kandahar, Afghanistan. The Army has given defense contractors details for its desired next generation of combat vehicles. (photo by Chris Maddaloni / Army Times)
NASA let down legions of breath-holders who were convinced an alien roll-out would happen on Thursday. But do not be disappointed. The Army has unveiled a document thought by many to be a mythical concoction, or at least one that would remain hidden deep in the bowels of the Puzzle Palace, never to be seen by mere mortals. But now we know it does exist: The Ground Combat Vehicle’s Request for Proposal.
All kidding aside, there were no surprises contained in the RfP, though the long wait and recent fiscal fallout made some question whether it would come to pass. As expected, the Army has four non-negotiable imperatives regarding the GCV design: Force protection against a classified list of threats, a nine-soldier capacity, capable of full-spectrum operations and delivery within seven years.
The Army wants to keep costs under $10.5 million with a sustainment cost of $200 per operational mile. Proposals can be tracked or wheeled. Industry has until Jan. 21 to submit proposals.
This latest development is a significant step forward following the Future Combat Systems debacle. Still, it would have been cooler if the RfP would have been delivered by leprechauns riding golden unicorns.
