U.S. Army Considers Changing Acquisition Strategy for Small-Caliber Ammunition

摘要

Facing soaring demand for small-caliber ammunition, the U.S. Army is turning to industry to dramatically increase the production of rifle and machine gun rounds. The plan is for the Army to select a "lead systems integrator" that will coordinate the procurement of ammunition from multiple domestic and offshore vendors. The LSI proposal is intended to diversify the suppli- er base at a time when the Army is consuming large quantities of small-caliber ammunition. Critics contend, however, that by including foreign vendors in the mix, access to ammunition and reliability could be compromised by shifting political circumstances.