US Army cancels USD 45Bn Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle contest.

The U.S. Army plans to launch a new tender to replace the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, but with different bidding parameters, as only General Dynamics submitted a qualifying bid.

M2A3 Bradley, the IFV to be replaced by an Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (Picture source: U.S. Army)

“Based on feedback and proposals received from industry, the Army has determined it is necessary to revisit the requirements, acquisition strategy and schedule before moving forward,” the Army said in a statement released on Jan.16. The statement did not mention that only General Dynamics submitted an eligible bid. The Army disqualified a Raytheon-Rheinmetall team because it was unable to get its German-made KF-41 Lynx fighting vehicle to the United States by Oct. 1. SAIC and Bradley-maker BAE Systems did not submit bids, Marcus Weisgerber reports on DefenseOne.

After several failed attempts to buy new combat vehicles, the Army tried to fast-track the Bradley replacement, which it calls the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle. But the speed helped contribute to its demise. ”It is clear that a combination of requirements and schedule overwhelmed the industry’s ability to respond within the Army’s timeline.” Bruce Jette, assistant Army secretary for acquisition, logistics, and technology, said.

The Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle was to replace the M2 Bradley with a more modern vehicle that could be driven remotely. Replacing the Bradley remains the U.S. Army’s No. 2 acquisition priority.