Rivals Burst Force Protection's Bubble

Fierce competition for a big government armored-truck deal is dimming Force Protection's (FRPT Quote) glow.

The Ladson, S.C., military-vehicle maker has been the biggest winner so far in the Army's mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles contract. But as the MRAP show goes on, Force Protection is sharing more and more of the spotlight with its rivals.

Navistar (NAVZ Quote) -- once viewed as a minor character at best -- recently grabbed the largest single MRAP order placed so far. Other players like Armor Holdings (AH Quote) and Oshkosh Truck (OSK Quote), as well as an upstart launched by Force Protection's founder, are poised to crowd the stage as well. ...