"So one of the least important factors as they said in the RFP would be the price; that is what became the most important factor," Dorsey said.
I recommend readers click through the link to read the whole thing.
Ultimately, the question of whether SIG Sauer's P320 handgun will meet Army requirements seems, at the moment, moot. In the face of a 13-year-long procurement process, a suite of already mature competitors, and a $100 million dollar price difference between the bids of the two companies, Glock's argument for a continuing competition seems thin. There certainly is an argument that Glock's offering was indeed superior, especially given that Glock was evidently able to satisfy both full-size and compact requirements with a single configuration. However, this must be weighed against the consequence of more time, effort, and money spent to procure a weapon that may not be substantially better than the one already selected. If the Army has made a truly grievous error in procurement, or if there was foul play, then certainly the results of MHS should be re-examined. If, on the other hand, the US Army selected the best deal out of several satisfactory pistol offerings, then re-opening the competition seems unnecessary.
I've no dog in this fight. I've never been in the military, but I have paid taxes. I've owned Glocks; I've owned Sigs. I've no financial interest in either company.
I like them both, sufficiently.
If the Army has made a truly grievous error in procurement, or if there was foul play, then certainly the results of MHS should be re-examined. If, on the other hand, the US Army selected the best deal out of several satisfactory pistol offerings, then re-opening the competition seems unnecessary.
Sometimes it's all on which I focus.
But, recent events have come to pass involving others, which puts things in perspective.
My friend and former boss, John, with whom I recently re-connected on FB, has had it rough. When I knew him back in college, he had it 'all'. Former Marine, married to a beautiful woman, a nice house. I had none of these things. During the subsequent years, he lost his marriage, his home, his livelihood.
Sometime in the interim, he rejoined the Service, the second time the Navy!
After his discharge he lived on the streets for eleven years!
Sadly, he is battling a slow leukemia. And just found out that his heart is failing, AND, he has lung cancer!!!
In another part of the Republic, Brigid's father may be on his way out. He is a WWII AAC veteran, and still lives in Brigid's childhood home. He recently contracted pneumonia, often deadly for older folks. His next birthday he will be 97. If he makes it.
Here are two fine men. They have served their country. Raised decent and proper children. One of whom is a dear friend.
And here I am whining.
I am currently in an undisclosed location (paid for by J's homeowner's insurance). A hotel, enabling us to get a hot shower and stay out of the repair zone while the insurance adjuster, contractors, plumbers, et al fight it out for repair of the one bath in the house with a shower. Because of a ceiling leak.
I worry about the minutiae. Having to use part of the deductible funds to 'secure the room', for example.
But, while I am ill, it doesn't appear lethal.
Be grateful for that which you have.
Most of you know this is a bad time of year for me.
I've not happily celebrated this holiday for years. I remember prepping my daughter on Friday for school, making certain she had something green on.
It would be awesome if everyone wore RED Shirts every Friday in honor of our military who are deployed. WE as American citizen's need to keep our Veterans and Military close to our heart and in our prayers.
H & K's New Guns!
Heckler and Koch has just announced a few additions to their polymer pistol lineup. Known as the VP9 in the United States and SFP9 in Europe, H&K is adding the much awaited long slide SFP9 L and compact SFP9 SK variants to the current SFP9/VP9 offerings. Digging a little deeper, you'll find a Maritime model as well as an Optics Ready model.
A few interesting features: One, there's an option for either a push button or paddle magazine release. Two, optional 20 round magazines. Three, an optional manual safety lever.
Obviously we need to dig deeper into the specifications for other hidden gems. But the announcement will obviously elate H&K fans everywhere.
They are H & K pistols, not known for their customer service. Do we really want specialty firearms we cannot get repaired, should they need it?