SAIC takes on Battelle over $170M special operations contract

Science Applications International Corp. is protesting an award to Battelle Memorial Institute over a $170 million contract to outfit commercial vehicles for special operations missions.

Technically, the U.S. Special Operations Command  contract goes by the very government speak name of NonStandard Commercial Vehicles.

Battelle won the contract in July and SAIC is raising objections, claiming that it should be the winner.

At first, you think that outfitting SUVs and pickup trucks with armor and stronger suspensions is odd work for companies better known for higher-end technology work.

But the vehicle business is an important line of work for both SAIC and Battelle.

Battelle has been working on similar contracts for 11 years and has a manufacturing facility in West Columbus, Ohio. According to its webpage, the company began working on tank armor during World War II.

For SAIC, it currently is building a prototype for a new amphibious combat vehicle for the Marine Corps.

Under this contract, the prime will take Toyota Land Cruisers, Toyota Hilux trucks and Ford Ranger trucks and add protective armor, heavier suspensions and other modifications to support communication equipment, infrared lighting and other items needed for operations.

The contract is for five years with a two-year option.

SAIC filed its protest Aug. 2. A decision from GAO is expected Nov. 10.