U.S. Army considers changing acquisition strategy for small-caliber ammunition.

• Author: Tiron, Roxana
• Position: Up Front

Facing soaring demand for small-caliber ammunition, the U.S. Army is turning to industry to dramatically increase the production of rifle and machine gun rounds.

The plan is for the Army to select a "lead systems integrator" that will coordinate the procurement of ammunition from multiple domestic and offshore vendors. The LSI proposal is intended to diversify the supplier base at a time when the Army is consuming large quantities of small-caliber ammunition.

Critics contend, however, that by including foreign vendors in the mix, access to ammunition and reliability could be compromised by shifting political circumstances.

So far, the plan to have a commercial integrator has strong support and commitment from top leadership, Lt. Col. Matthew Butler, the product manager for small- and medium caliber ammunition at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., told National Defense.

Currently, the Army-owned facility in Lake City, Mo., operated by Alliant Techsystems, is the only entity in the United States capable of producing a large volume of small-caliber ammunition. ATK won a contract four years ago to supply the U.S. military with all of its 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50 caliber rounds. The Army is the single manager of conventional ammunition for all services.

"We have a requirement that exceeds our organic base, which is the government-owned plant," Butler said. Current combat engagements and training for operations have been earing through the supply.

Lake City produces 1.2 billion rounds a year, but the Army estimated that troops would be using at least 1.5 billion rounds annually for the next several years. Ultimately, the service has to be ready to respond to a potential surge of 2 billion rounds a year, Butler said.

By selecting an integrator, the Army is planning to complement the yearly production with at least another 300 million rounds, for five years. A prime contractor would assemble qualified domestic and foreign sub-contractors.

Meanwhile, there is an ongoing discussion about upgrading and expanding the capabilities of the Lake City plant so that more ammunition can be produced should the need arise. Part of the government strategy is to restore some production lines that were closed and add new equipment, said Richard Palaschak, director of operations for the Munitions Industrial...