WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army has awarded a $5.8 million contract to General Dynamics Armament Systems in Saco for procurement of machine guns and related components. Under the contract terms, the Army has the flexibility of exercising options for additional manufacturing, bringing the total contract value to $36.4 million, according to U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe.

The $5,853,499.93 delivery order contract awarded to General Dynamics Armament Systems by the Army provides for procurement of 336 MK 19-3 machine guns. The contract runs through Jan. 30, 2004, and the Army has the ability to exercise options totaling $36,460,404.36. The company, formerly Saco Defense, was acquired by General Dynamics Corp. in June 2000.