BAE Systems Receives $10 Million General Services Administration Contract for Outer Tactical Vests

Business Wire,  June 12, 2008  

Tags: BAE Systems Plc., U.S. General Services Administration

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PHOENIX -- BAE Systems has been awarded a $10 million contract from the General Services Administration for Outer Tactical Vests (OTV) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War On Terrorism. The OTV, when combined with Small Arms Protective Insert plates, provides advanced protection against fragments from mines, grenades, mortar shells, artillery fire, and from rifle projectiles.

"This award provides the Iraqi military forces and other regional allies with an individual body armor system designed to protect against threats found in the region," said Sean Martin, director, business development of Individual Equipment for BAE Systems. "The OTV allows for greater interoperability with U.S. coalition forces through its modular vest design which incorporates MOLLE equipment attachment points."

BAE Systems has manufactured more than 334,000 OTVs since the product's inception in 2003. Over 155,000 Improved Outer Tactical Vests, an advanced version of the OTV fielded to the U.S. Army, have been manufactured by BAE Systems to date. Production for the OTV will be completed at facilities located in Tennessee and Alabama with deliveries scheduled for completion by June 2008.

BAE Systems employs nearly 675 individual equipment employees at its Tennessee and Alabama facilities and combined, has over 186,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space at these locations. The Individual Equipment business unit is a world leader in the development and manufacture of individual warfighter and tactical systems for militaries and homeland security forces. Operating 12 factories with over 2,300 employees around the U.S., Individual Equipment manufactures head-to-toe integrated survivability products including body armor, vests, hydration systems, assault packs, helmets, flotation collars, parachutes, air crew ensembles and other protective products.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded PS15.7 billion (US$31.4 billion) in 2007.

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