Ground Combat Vehicle: Army Issues Request for Proposal for Next-Generation Infantry Vehicle

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Army has outlined four non-negotiable imperatives for the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) project, including a full-spectrum operations capability, on-time delivery within seven years, and an affordability target of $9-$10.5 million per unit in fiscal year 2010 dollars. The Army is seeking proposals from industry to build a vehicle capable of carrying a nine-soldier squad, with a focus on infantry combat. The new request for proposal (RFP) replaces the previous one released in February 2010, which was canceled in August.

Key Takeaways:

  • The four imperatives for the GCV project are non-negotiable and include a full-spectrum operations capability, on-time delivery within seven years, and an affordability target of $9-$10.5 million per unit in fiscal year 2010 dollars.
  • The GCV is expected to be capable of carrying a nine-soldier squad, with a focus on infantry combat.
  • The vehicle must meet the Army's growth requirements and have open architecture requirements that are non-negotiable.
  • Industry has until January 21 to submit proposals, with the Army expected to reach milestone decision A on the GCV by April 2011.
  • The GCV is expected to be fielded in 2019, with the first unit equipped with the vehicle in 2019.
  • The Army initially plans to produce 1,874 GCVs, with the first production vehicle expected to roll off the assembly line in early April 2018.
  • The GCV program was established after the Manned Ground Vehicle component was cut from the Army's Future Combat Systems program in June 2009.

Statistics:

  • Affordability target: $9-$10.5 million per unit in fiscal year 2010 dollars.
  • Operation and sustainment cost: $200 per operational mile in fiscal year 2010 dollars.
  • Number of GCVs planned for production: 1,874.
  • Timeframe for first production vehicle: Early April 2018.
  • Timeframe for first unit to be equipped with GCVs: 2019.

Sources:

  • U.S. Army
  • "Ground Combat Vehicle: Army Seeks Proposals for Next-Generation Infantry Vehicle" by C. Todd Lopez (November 30, no specified year)
  • "Ground Combat Vehicle Fact Sheet" (no specified date)