U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has set aside millions for a large order of 20 armoured vehicles from Canadian defense manufacturer Roshel, which are designed to withstand bullets and bomb blasts.
Records from U. S. government procurement indicate that the department has planned a rush order valued at approximately $10 million Cdn for 20 Senator STANG emergency response tactical vehicles.
The reasoning behind the sole-source order was detailed in a partially redacted document on a U. S. federal procurement website on Nov. 26, with the contract being awarded on Nov. 28.
The procurement document states that only Roshel, based in Brampton, Ont., meets the department’s criteria for vehicles needed “to support agents in the field” and can fulfill the order within 30 days.
“Roshel is uniquely positioned to fulfil this requirement within the necessary time frame, having confirmed immediate availability of vehicles that fully meet ICE’s specifications,” said the document, produced by ICE’s Office of Acquisition Management.
“While other sources were consulted, they had limited quantities available or none could fulfil the entire requirement within the required period of performance, nor meet all technical requirements.”
This purchase was first reported by The Independent, a newspaper based in the U. K.
Roshel mentioned it has supplied hundreds of Senator vehicles to Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia, although it manufactures various types. Marketing materials from the company highlight that the emergency response vehicle’s floor includes blast protection.
The department commonly referred to as ICE is surrounded by controversy and allegations of human rights abuses as U. S. President Donald Trump aims to deport many immigrants living in the country illegally.
This order comes despite Trump’s “America-first” trade policy while he engages in an extended trade war affecting jobs and plants in Canadian steel, manufacturing, and automotive sectors.
The department dismissed other U. S.-based heavy vehicle manufacturers like Alpine Amoring Inc., CITE Armored, Inc., DGM LLC, and Lenco Armored Vehicles for not meeting all requirements or timelines.
“Delaying this procurement to pursue a fully competitive action would significantly impact operational readiness and hinder ICE’s ability to deploy mission-critical resources in a timely manner,” stated the procurement document.
Roshel, Global Affairs Canada, and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.
The document estimates that total costs for this fleet will likely reach $7,331,200 US.
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