Expeditionary Fire Support System

[thatguy96]

Just an update. The 2008 version of the last GAO report I cited has just come out. The Full-Rate Production Decision is planned for May (delayed from last year).

Some of the text:

Other Program Issues

Operational testing revealed several safety, reliability, and performance issues. For example, there were safety concerns regarding instability with the ammunition trailer (which could cause harm to personnel riding in the rear seat). In addition, the EFSS vehicle could not carry the recommended combat load; the radiator was unable to sufficiently cool the engine and transmission during operations; the compressor was not robust enough to support the air ride system and central tire inflation system; and the vehicle had problems starting at higher altitudes. These issues led the operational testers to determine that EFSS was operationally effective with limitations and suitable with limitations. The testers characterize the EFSS as a “niche capability,” which must operate within a small performance envelope.

The Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee requested that the Marine Corps delay the EFSS full-rate production decision that had been scheduled for September 2007. This decision is now planned for May 2008 and the program office is revising the test plan to support validation of the corrections required for the identified limitations.

Finally, the program office recently authorized additional limited production before reaching agreement on the scope and price of the work. Under this undefinitized contract action, the contactor is authorized to begin work before reaching a final agreement on contract terms. We have previously reported that these types of arrangements provide little incentive to the contractor to control cost until the terms of the work are finalized. The program office expected to reach agreement on the terms of work between the end of 2007 and January 2008.