The US Department of State has laid out ambitious plans to spend $400 million on acquiring new armored vehicles. Initially, the procurement document specifically mentioned "armoured Tesla (production units)," but this entry was later amended to omit the reference to Tesla. The modification occurred on Wednesday evening, following reports from Drop Site News. This development has sparked widespread interest, given the involvement of Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, who is known for his efforts to reduce government spending during Donald Trump's tenure.
The procurement forecast suggests that the contract for these armored vehicles is expected to be awarded by the end of September. Despite the removal of Tesla's name, the document still details purchases for "armoured sedan" and "armoured EV (not sedan)" from unnamed manufacturers. Additionally, entries for "armoured BMW X5/X7" are also included in the forecast, indicating that multiple automakers are under consideration.
Regular procurement of armored vehicles by the US government underscores the importance of maintaining security for its personnel. The amended document reflects a strategic shift in the Department's approach to sourcing these vital assets. While Tesla's involvement remains uncertain, their absence from the revised document raises questions about the potential suppliers.
Tesla and the US Department of State were both approached for comments regarding this procurement endeavor. However, no responses have yet been provided, leaving room for speculation on whether Tesla will still play a role in this significant acquisition.
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Elon Musk's influence extends beyond Tesla, as evidenced by existing contracts between SpaceX, his rocket company, and the US government for space launch services. These established relationships highlight Musk's ongoing engagement with federal agencies.