Statement by Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) on the Army's FMTV announcement
February 12, 2010
“I am highly disappointed by the Army’s decision. It’s the wrong decision for Sealy, and the wrong decision for the men and women who for 17 years have built the FMTVon time and on budget and contributed to our military’s success on the battlefield. It’s the wrong decision for our soldiers who depend on these vehicles. And it’s the wrong decision for taxpayers who, I believe, will pick up the tab for cost overruns because the awardee will not be able to produce the same quality FMTV for the price it promised in the bid.
“Also disturbing is there appears to be a trend in this administration to move jobs out of Texas, whether it be cutting NASA’s human space flight program or BAE’s FMTV production. It is my sincere hope that the entire Texas delegation will work together to keep jobs in Texas.
“In my numerous discussions with the Army it is clear their decision was based purely on cost, despite significant doubt within the business and defense communities that Oshkosh’s bid is realistic. To this point, the Army failed to order an independent cost analysis that would have determined whether Oshkosh could build the FMTV for the price it quoted. Further, the Army ignored the glaring facts that Oshkosh’s facilities are deficient, as determined by the GAO. It is truly unfortunate that the Army has turned a deaf ear to the factsdespite our numerous conversations directly with the Army on these issues.
“Once BAE weighs its options I will support whatever course of action it decides is prudent. Meantime, I will continue to work with BAE and its workforce to explore future options. This is as an opportunity for Sealy, Austin County and this entire region to diversify and strengthen its economy. My staff and I have already begun coordinating efforts between BAE and the business community including the Greater Houston Partnership to identify options that will keep Sealy’s state of the art facility in operation.”