ICE Acquires $7.2M in Canadian Armored Personnel Carriers
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced a substantial investment for new armored vehicles, acquiring a total of 20 units for $7.2 million. These personnel carriers will be supplied by Roshel LLC, a Canadian company based in Ontario. The purchase highlights the agency’s commitment to enhance operational safety and efficiency.
Details of the Acquisition
ICE will allocate precisely $7,234,926.20 from taxpayer funds for this procurement. The armored vehicles in question are designated as Roshel Senator Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs). They boast advanced features designed to protect occupants in high-risk situations.
Specifications of the Armored Personnel Carriers
- Model: Roshel Senator STANG 4569 Level 2/B7 ERV
- Protection Level: STANAG 4569 compliant, capable of withstanding blasts equivalent to 8 kg of TNT
- Ballistic Protection: CEN B7, effective against .50 caliber rounds
- Engine: 6.7 liter V8
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Seating Capacity: 12 occupants
- Special Features: Military-grade tires, hydraulic breaching ram, perimeter gun ports, escape hatches, optional night vision, video surveillance, and chemical protection systems
Justification for Sole-Source Purchase
The sole-source justification issued by ICE’s Office of Acquisition Management indicates that Roshel was selected due to its ability to meet precise delivery timelines and technical specifications. Other U.S.-based companies consulted either lacked sufficient inventory or required extended timeframes for delivery.
Responses from U.S. Competitors
Responses from potential U.S. suppliers included:
- Alpine Armoring: Up to 15 vehicles, with limited availability
- CITE Armored: 20 vehicles, but requiring 180 days for completion
- DGM LLC: Capable of 20 vehicles without a reliable timeline
- Lenco Armored: Could provide only three used vehicles within 30 to 60 days
Implications and Criticism
The decision to purchase these armored vehicles has sparked public scrutiny. Critics question the need for such expenditures given ICE’s existing public debt and accountability issues. Craig Holman, a government affairs expert, voiced concerns about the rationale behind the purchase, emphasizing the increasing disapproval of ICE’s operational tactics among the American public.
Furthermore, the allocation of funds toward a Canadian manufacturer stands in contrast to the administration’s proclaimed “America First” policy, raising questions about prioritizing domestic businesses in government contracts.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, ICE plans to reassess its procurement strategy and explore other potential manufacturers capable of meeting its requirements. This approach aims to enhance competition and minimize reliance on single-source contracts, thereby potentially benefiting American businesses in the future.
