Since a lot of discussions have taken place on the corporatisation of the OFB. I thought I'll share my experience on why it wont work because, even a DPSU like BEL is not reliable and works on the same principle of Take it or Leave it.

Sometime in 2006/07 the IA decided that we have a reqmt of approx 27000 Holographic/ reflex sightsdor INSAS. The oblique was basically since only EOTech was producing holo wpn sights in the world and they had IPR. Well a few firms participated in the RFP and the trials

Notable amongst them were Boomer SP zoo of Poland and BEL Machilipatnam. While the Boomer sights were designed and mfr by them, BEL fielded the EOTech sights for the trials. Both the sights passed the trials and a decision was taken to divide the reqmt between BEL & Boomer

Why and how? I dont know. In the meantime, the DRDO also jumped in the fray and with their usual elan, told ppl that we can make these (EOTech holo sights). Somehow, the DAC was approached again for splitting the qty and an order was placed for 10000 reflex sights( Boomer)

And 17000 holo sights to be devp by DRDO & produced by BEL. Mind you, the BEL sights had not been evaluated because the initial trials, the EOTech sights had passed. Additionally, DAC approval was also obtained for no field trials of the BEL sights but only Bulk Prodn Clearance

Trials(BPC). The Boomer sights were delivered sometime in 2009/10, however, BEL sights only came into the picture in 2013. The BPC was first conducted in 2014, in which out of the 10 sights produced, 4 could not fit on the dovetail of the INSAS rifs, 3 did not start and 3 others

Which could be evaluated, flickered. So, a No of retrials were held. Failed everytime but finally got approved and inducted. Another example of how not to carry out procurement. There are many other issues in this procurement which I'm not highlighting since it may be

For many people

*Embarrassing