Nov. 2--There was a lot of hubbub, media attention, handshakes and smiles as the Army last week announced the finalists competing for its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or JLTV, contract.

Was it really all warranted? Aside from technology development contracts to be divvied up between many parties, what was really won?

At a glance, it would be easy to underestimate the importance of still being alive in the JLTV competition. But the significance of being among the select few still trying to develop the replacement for the Humvee is huge, even for the biggest players remaining on the field.

JLTV may end up being the largest Department of Defense contract ever issued when it's all said and done. U.S. Rep. John Murtha said the contract that will result in the manufacturing of 150,000 vehicles might be worth as much as $80 billion over its life.

It's like the Super Bowl of all Super Bowls and the remaining players -- which include local companies JWF Defense and Concurrent Technologies Corp. -- are in the conference championship.

Even if their team, led by Lockheed Martin, doesn't win, JWFD and CTC will be recognized in a different manner. At the same time, two locally based companies playing integral roles for one of the finalists elevates Johnstown's status as a defense hub.

"When you're competing in this industry you really have to prove yourself, and it's not a simple process," said Ed Sheehan, president of CTC. "You have to earn your way starting with small contracts and working your way up, proving yourself every step of the way.

"Once you get to this level, there's a different kind of trust created. Your abilities and capabilities are proven and trusted and that will lead to even more work. This level of achievement will make a lot of people in our industry take a hard look at coming here to Johnstown to be closer to CTC and JWF."

Surviving this long in the competition is notable especially when you take into consideration what types of companies will be sitting on the sidelines the rest of the way. Among those not selected were prominent defense industry players such as Northrop Grumman, Boeing, DRS Technologies and Oshkosh Defense, which manufactures a full line of military ground vehicles.

Those remaining also represent the very top players in the industry. They will each manufacture seven prototypes and four trailers representing the three mission roles -- infantry, general purpose, utility -- comprising the JLTV family of vehicles

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