Military procurement

MISSING IN ACTION: THE SUPPLY GAP IN IRAQ
Many Missteps Tied to Delay in Armor for Troops in Iraq
By MICHAEL MOSS Published: March 7, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/07/international/middleeast/07armor.html?hp&ex=1110258000&en=4c8f9c351e1cfaa3&ei=5094&partner=homepage

A Must-Read for Those worried about provision of American troops in the field. Defense Dept. officials claim shortages of armor--Body and Vehicle--were finally made up in January, but shortages remain and will worsen as field operations wear equipment. The Problem can definitely be identified as Defense Dept. Procurement procedures, and these have not been addressed properly. Letting of Contracts operate on a Start and Stop basis because Operation budgets are not created to fund Contracts, so the Head of Procurement cannot simply re-order as needed. Preference to personal associates and Bush Supporters still influence Contract awards, even when Suppliers show incompetence in Contract fulfillment. DoD Military procurement still overfavors complex high-Pricetag innovations, instead of proven Safety products. American troops still endure Wounds and Death.


British Military Contractor to Buy American Supplier
By ANDREW ROSS SORKIN and TIM WEINER Published: March 7, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/07/business/07defense.html


BAE Buys Bradley Vehicle Maker for $4 Bln
By REUTERS Published: March 7, 2005
Filed at 9:57 a.m. ET LONDON (Reuters)
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/business/business-arms-udi-bae.html


BAE to Buy Rival United Defense for $4B
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: March 7, 2005Filed at 12:24 p.m. ET
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/business/AP-Britain-BAE-United-Defense.html

The Author wishes for Yesteryear Presidents who were not Corporate Executive Republicans, where the Federal Government would forestall Sales of American military supply components. BAE will attain a Windfall maintaining Bradley Fighting Vehicles in the field, with Bradleys scheduled to be in American military complement until 2030; don't ask the individual Cost of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, or the average vehicle maintenance bill over a normal 9-year operational life. The Author couldn't tell, but can assert it is over 60% of the original Cost of the Vehicle; repair and maintenance costs are traditionally over 50% Profit. Then there is the little item consisting of the Author's knowledge that BAE favors Weapons sales to China. It is a minute step from Weapons sales to technological transfer, and only a slightly larger step to provide technological knowledge of the weaknesses of currently-used Weapons systems. It does not make the Author smile in being aware that United Defense(the bought American entity) also makes missiles and Smart shells for the American military. lgl