By Ann Roosevelt
ATK [ATK]’s Armaments Systems business unit continues its move into the global marketplace, winning a $21 million contract to supply non-standard weapons for Afghanistan, the sector president said.
“It’s ATK’s first real foray in small arms in the company’s history, Mark DeYoung told Defense Daily at the Association of the United States Army annual conference Oct. 6.
It’s part of our strategy,” he said. “We have real expertise in supply chain management…where it’s very risky for a lot of companies. It is low risk for us because of our core capabilities, supply chain management, contract and quality management.”
On Oct. 5, the Defense Department announced the $21 million, firm-fixed price- contract for 10,697 non-standard weapons, 66,874 AK-47 magazines and 16,050 spare parts.
ATK will be managing a team from the United States to Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, and Pakistan, the contract announcement said.
The contract will be completed by the end of May 2010.
The weapons contract was preceded by a $105 million firm-fixed-price contract with options for non-standard ammunition for Afghanistan and U.S. Forces. It will be completed by Sept. 30, 2012.
With the small arms contract award, without delay ATK begins working with the supply chain, putting in place production schedules, contracts, purchase orders and delivery dates, while ensuring volume and quality work.
The weapons and ammunition contracts both have very aggressive schedules and deliveries, DeYoung said.
“ATK prides itself on being nimble, creative and responsive to the customer requirement,” he said. And, the broadened strategy requires Armaments Systems to be receptive and aware of emerging opportunities and requirements.