The Secret Service wants to update its fleet of presidential limousines.
According to a government website that posts federal contracts, the Secret Service is soliciting bids from a “major domestic U.S automobile” manufacturer for the job.
The posting says the government intends to award the new contract by August. “Award will be made based on best value to the government.”
According to the post, the first phase of designing the new limo – “armor development” – is already underway. This new project will include “selection and integration of final automotive components, chassis, interior, exterior, and test vehicle fabrication and automotive component testing.”
The other phases of the project, which are also up for bidding, include “automotive validation” and “production of vehicles.”
The Secret Service says they are restricting bids to “major” American domestic automobile companies who “have their primary headquarters located in the United States of America.”
“Experience with law enforcement agencies is highly preferred,” it states.
The proposal also says the government requires potential bidders to have the appropriate security clearance before being able to get more details on what the Secret Service wants.
“If the offeror does not possess these clearance requirements, they will not be provided the classified statement of work, until these clearance requirements are obtained and verified by the government.”
Time, which first reported the contract this week, noted that the current model – a Cadillac called “The Beast” – was first used in President Obama’s 2009 inaugural parade. That model replaced a 2005 Cadillac DTS model, which first appeared during former President George W. Bush’s second term.
The current model has made news before: “The Beast” last year broke down during a trip to Israel after it was mistakenly filled with the wrong fuel.