GM Defense awarded State Dept. contract for next-gen armored SUV

The U.S. State Department awarded GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, a 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity full-rate production contract to deliver the next-generation heavy-duty armored sport utility vehicle supporting the department's diplomatic security service.

GM Defense will deliver OEM-integrated "HD SUVs" under the contract with a ceiling value of $300 million. GM Defense was awarded an initial task order through the IDIQ contract for vehicles, training, and engineering services valued at approximately $25 million. This contract follows the development and validation contract awarded in 2021 that delivered prototype vehicles for comprehensive testing and evaluation.

The newly designed GM Defense HD SUV incorporates protective armor into the original design and manufacturing process, diverging from current aftermarket, tear-down, and rebuild practices. According to GM, the new approach provides superior vehicle performance while improving efficiencies in build and lead time, resulting in faster vehicle delivery to the end user. GM Defense also offers additional benefits through a manufacturer's warranty and extended vehicle lifespan that delivers value compared to the current multi-stage aftermarket armoring process, according to the OEM.

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"This is a very important program for GM Defense, as it showcases our ability to leverage the proven commercial platforms and world-class engineering and manufacturing processes of GM to provide a first-of-its-kind vehicle for the Department of State," said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. "Everyone on our team has committed to partnering with the State Department to ensure we deliver the best vehicles to support their mission. We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing this exciting new platform to other U.S. government and allied defense and security customers around the world."

GM Defense's HD SUV solution uses many commercial off-the-shelf parts, including the body, exterior, propulsion, interior, and brakes. The vehicle includes a new body-on-frame chassis and suspension designed to support increased weight and performance requirements. Advanced manufacturing tools and techniques will continue to support low-volume production of the new chassis and frame to meet all customer requirements.

GM Defense hosted Department of State leaders in July at Summit Point Training Facility in West Virginia for a half-day of briefings and demonstrations of the newly designed HD SUV prototype. The engagement included driving demonstrations, showcasing the vehicle's handling and maneuverability.