BAE Systems and SAIC have been awarded separate Marine Corps contracts to develop and produce new amphibious combat vehicles.

The engineering, manufacturing and development phase contracts for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) 1.1 program are worth a combined total of more than $255.5 million, the Department of Defense announced.

BAE Systems' offering, in partnership with Iveco Defense Vehicles, is an 8x8 open ocean-capable vehicle based on an Iveco platform. It is equipped with a 6-cylinder, 700HP engine and is capable of carrying 13 Marines.

"We are proud to continue our long history of providing the Marine Corps with superior amphibious capabilities," said Deepak Bazaz, director of new and amphibious vehicles at BAE Systems. "Our vehicle was designed to be fully amphibious with exceptional ground mobility and protection. Our ACV solution will provide the Marine Corps with a mature, cost-effective solution with significant growth capacity."

BAE Systems and Iveco will produce 16 prototype vehicles for testing by the Marine Corps. The testing will begin in the third quarter of next year.

The BAE Systems/Iveco award is worth more than $103.7 million.

SAIC's EMD contract -- with a value more than 121.5 million -- is for 13 prototypes, with an option for three more.

"This has truly been a monumental team effort, at all levels," said William Taylor, the Program Executive Officer Land Systems, Marine Corps. "From requirements determination, to acquisition strategy development, many organizations and even specific individuals played critical roles in ensuring that the ACV program remains on an efficient and effective path to success.

"That path has been navigated with one primary goal in mind, that of ensuring that we field the best capabilities that our Marines deserve, as quickly as possible, and at an affordable price."