Army Restructures Future Combat Program

[UpInArms]

http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2005/04/05/ap1926810.html

The Army announced Tuesday it is restructuring the business side of its $107 billion Future Combat Systems program in an effort to increase government oversight and control costs of the Boeing-managed effort.

In the next decade, the Army intends to field a series of new vehicles and sensors, all linked together by a battlefield computer network.

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Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Tuesday, "I am looking forward to seeing precisely how the Army implements its stated commitment to ensuring that the interests of the taxpayer are preserved."

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The General Accounting Office, Congress' auditing and investigative arm, reported last month that the estimated cost of Future Combat Systems had increased dramatically, from $80 billion to more than $107 billion, since 2003. That will be paid over many years.

...more...

[Rose Siding]

1. Can't wait to see if the FCS vehicles are armored

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The Future Combat Systems (FCS) program is designed to replace the Army's heavy tanks and battlefield equipment with a lightweight, high-tech mix of manned and unmanned vehicles. Chicago-based Boeing Co. is managing the program under what is known as "other transaction authority," or OTA, rather than a normal procurement contract.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28493-2005Apr5.html