Army plans five-year CROWS contract

The Army has begun a competition for companies to supply the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station for five years under a contract that could be worth nearly $1.5 billion, according to a contract solicitation posted August 23.

One contractor will win a hybrid firm fixed-price, indefinite delivery contract to produce CROWS, according to the solicitation.

The winner will supply a number of CROWS variants, including the Abrams CROWS-Low Profile, Navy Mk-50, Marine Corps Amphibious Remote Weapon Station and Stryker versions, according to the solicitation. Accessory kits, spare parts and upgrades for CROWS units will be included in the contract.

Bids for the contract are due November 22.

Kongsberg Defense currently builds the CROWS, stabilized mounts that typically control machine guns on a range of systems, from light tactical vehicles to tanks. Some new CROWS include the Javelin anti-tank missile.