Rep. Kilpatrick Announces U.S. Army Award of $430 Million Contract to General Dynamics Land Systems

Lawmaker Instrumental in Securing Funds to Increase Job Security for Michigan Workers and Troops’ Safety

October 5, 2009 -- Detroit, MI — Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI-13) today announced that General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights has been awarded a $430 million contract from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC).

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Under the five-year contract, General Dynamics Land Systems will provide manufacturing and engineering services to assist TARDEC with its core focus areas, including system engineering, intelligent ground systems, vehicle electronics and architecture, and software.

General Dynamics Land Systems provides critical support to the U.S. Army’s vehicle programs, including the Stryker Medical Emergency Vehicle, which was designed, researched, developed, and constructed in Sterling Heights. The Army’s highest-priority production combat vehicle program and the centerpiece of the ongoing Army transformation, the Stryker has an integrated armor package that protects soldiers against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocket propelled grenades, and a variety of infantry weapons. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Kilpatrick secured $312 million for the Stryker, which ensured continued employment for 2,594 Michigan workers.

“Our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan depend on the Stryker. It has proven to be the most effective way to transport wounded soldiers to medical facilities quickly and safely,” said Congresswoman Kilpatrick. “The fact that General Dynamics Land Systems has been selected to receive a major contract of this size is a testament to the proficiency, precision, and reliability of the dedicated Michigan citizens who work there. I applaud the employees and President Mark Roualet for their continued commitment and leadership.”

Congresswoman Kilpatrick is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. She is also a member of its Defense Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Departments of the Army, other branches of the military, and other defense agencies. The subcommittee oversees the Defense Department’s annual budget, which is the largest appropriations bill in the federal government.

Source: Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick