MOBILE PROTECTED FIREPOWER it is an important threat that requires a stronger capability. That’s why I think they’re looking at a very aggressive fielding schedule - to make sure that they can address the need should the call arise and field a modern solution that meets that requirement. A&M: To do this, SAIC is suggesting that the Army should take a new acquisition approach. What are the benefits of a new acquisition approach from an industry perspective in the Army? Mr. Scanlon: One of the mantras of acquisition reform going back to the 1980’s was “fly before you buy.” As the Army now looks at major modernization programs, they are focused on getting full, working prototypes into the hands of the users before they lock in a requirement. With this model, the Army can significantly increase their confidence that the program requirements are right, and they can lean on industry to come forward with mature, production-ready technologies. Those two attributes are certainly going to allow the Army to field a system much quicker than the normal, historical 8 to 10-year development and production timelines you would have on a major modernization program. SAIC is poised to deliver in this new environment. Our approach is to look at what is available now that is not developmental. It’s an approach that we’re very comfortable with, and as I mentioned
earlier, given the fact that our two major subsystems – the chassis and turret – are in hot production, we can surge to meet Army production requirements now and into the future. A&M: Where is the bid sample being integrated and how’s it going so far? Mr. Scanlon: We are leveraging the active production lines of our partners at STK in Singapore and CMI in Belgium. SAIC has integrated these subsystems into our MPF design at our vehicle integration facility in Charleston, South Carolina. The bid sample integration and testing are going extremely well and we are excited to submit the vehicle to the Army for evaluation.
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SAIC is currently testing its MPF program prototype, also known as a bid sample, at the Nevada Automotive Test Center. SAIC’s MPF solution marries ST Kinetics’ next-generation Armored Fighting Vehicle chassis and CMI Defence’s Cockerill Series 3105 turret. (SAIC photo)
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March/April 2018 | Armor & Mobility | 31