Caiman MRAP orders likely finished

The Marine Corps announced a contract award to Armor Holdings (now a subsidiary of BAE). By all appearances, the contract represents an extension of the contract for Caiman MRAP vehicles accounting for training and support services.

Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle, Division, Armor Holdings, Sealy, Texas, is being awarded a $50,218,798 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0002 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5030) for the purchase of Prescribed Load List (PLL) sustainment parts, Authorized Stockage List (ASL) sustainment parts, MRAP University Training, new equipment training and logistics demonstration support. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and work is expected to be completed October 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
(Defenselink.mil)

The Caiman reportedly has better off-road capabilities than the other MRAP designs purchased by U.S. armed services, which may help explain the Marines' interest.

BAE had other MRAP designs prior to its purchase of Armor Holdings and reports offer no indication that BAE will continue to push the design. Most likely the slightly more than 1,000 Caiman vehicles will be the only ones to serve with the U.S. military.

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