DOD: Handheld Radios Mature, Manpack Radios Face Major Risk

摘要

The Pentagon's decision to buy thousands of handheld radios that did well in tests but only 100 backpack-sized radios reflects "significant risk" facing the latter system, according to an acquisition decision memorandum signed by Frank Kendall, the Defense Department's No. 2 acquisition official. Inside the Pentagon reviewed a copy of the June 17 "for official use only" memo, which details the plans and cost goals behind Kendall's decision to approve low-rate initial production for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit (HMS) program. General Dynamics is the prime contractor. The Defense Acquisition Board met May 18 to consider the Army's request to move ahead with the program. In approving milestone C for the HMS program and entry in the production and deployment phase, Kendall's memo authorizes the Army to buy up to 6,250 Rifleman radios - which represents 3 percent of the total planned buy.