5.56 x 45mm Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR)

Purpose:

This is a Sources Sought as outlined in FAR Part 10.  The purpose of this Sources Sought is to accomplish market research pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10, and to identify sources capable of providing the supplies/equipment described herein.  This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment on the part of the Government to conduct a solicitation for the below-listed supplies/equipment in the future.  Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for information submitted in response to this Sources Sought, nor will it compensate interested parties for any costs incurred in the development/furnishing of a response.

Please note that a decision not to submit a response to this Sources Sought will not preclude a vendor from participating in any future solicitation.

Description of the Requirement:

The U.S. Department of State ("DOS", "Department") Office of Acquisitions Management (A/LM/AQM, "AQM") is conducting this acquisition for a 5.56x45mm short-barreled rifle on behalf of the DOS Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Physical Security Program,  Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicle Program Division (DS/PSP/DEAV).  DEAV is seeking to replace its current duty rifle to meet mission specific requirements with a single manufacturer’s modernized, wholistic, and purpose-built rifle that is safer, more cost-effective, and utilizes a more reliable operating system that is optimal for use with a suppressor.  It is the intention that this weapons system will serve the office long into the foreseeable future by providing a longer parts service life and the flexibility to perform several missions with a single system.   

Key Performance Parameters:

1. KPP 1, System Reliability.  The SBR shall have Mean Rounds between Essential Function Failure (MRBEFF) of 15,000 rounds for Class Ill malfunctions (i.e., for non-operator correctable malfunctions which cause the loss of essential functionality) and 900 MRBEFF for Class I and II malfunctions combined (Threshold). Class I malfunctions are operator clearable within 10 seconds, whereas Class II malfunctions require more than 10 seconds but less than 10 minutes (for 95% of all Class II malfunctions that occur) to clear but can be corrected by the operator with available equipment.  The SBR shall have a MRBEFF of 20,000 rounds for Class Ill malfunctions and 5,000 MRBEFF for Class I and II malfunctions combined (Objective). 

• Rationale: The Threshold value for Class I and II malfunctions reflects the reliability of the primary individual weapon family in the DEAV inventory, the M16 based family. The threshold value for Class III failures reflects industry's current capability to provide a reliable weapon system. The Objective value is based on industry's advertised capability to provide a reliable system, which has not yet been proven through government testing.

KPP 2, System Portability.  The SBR unloaded with no magazine or optics shall weigh less than 7 pounds (Threshold), less than  6.5 pounds (Objective). The SBR shall measure less than  21.5 inches in length with the buttstock folded or collapsed (Threshold = Objective).  The SBR shall measure less than 3.75 inches in width with the buttstock folded or collapsed (Threshold).  The SBR shall measure less than 2.8 inches in width with the buttstock folded or collapsed (Objective).  The buttstock, folded or collapsed to achieve the objective value, shall not interfere with the operation of the weapon.

• Rationale: A rigorous focus on limiting weight, length, and width of the SBR will ensure the resultant weapon does not prove a detriment to the individual DS Agent's mobility, the SBR’s concealability and will allow agents to be readily available to support the unit’s scheme of maneuver. The threshold weight is based on a combination of the current issued MP5K and Mk18 with side folding stock. The objective weight is based on expected weight savings of modern manufacturing. The threshold width (3.75 inches) is based on the known folded widths of the current manufactured weapons and limitations of current issued discrete carry bags.  The objective width (2.8 inches) is based on the folded length of the current issued MP5K.

3. KPP 3, System Precision in Semi-Automatic Fire.  The SBR shall demonstrate 4 Minutes of Angle (MOA) in semi-automatic fire (Threshold), 2 MOA in semi-automatic fire (Objective).  Utilizing current DS authorized 5.56x45mm duty loads of Mk262 Mod 1 & FBIT3 ammunition.  Each type of authorized rifle duty load ammunition will be tested at 100m.

• Rationale: The mechanical ability of the weapon to limit dispersion of rounds is an essential element of overall system accuracy. Weapons fired in semi-automatic mode hold tighter groups due to the delay between firings, which reduces propagation of vibration from round to round. The Threshold and Objective values are based on the testing conducted on prototype systems by the USMC's Ordnance Test Facility which validated industry's capability to provide a rifle that surpasses the M16A4's accuracy.

4. KPP 4, Terminal Ballistics Performance.  The SBR shall demonstrate the minimum requirements of terminal ballistic affects with the DS issued duty ammunition as tested against the FBI Ballistic Research Facility (BRF) protocols when fired into a target at 100m (Threshold) and 200m (Objective).

• Rationale: The mechanical ability of the weapon to impact a target is of no value if the subsequent loss of velocity reduces the terminal ballistic affects past the point of having a reasonable expectation that incapacitation of an adversary can occur. With a shorter barrel length there will be a loss of velocity as a given, however, the weapon needs to have a reasonable expectation of incapacitating adversaries or is of no tactical value.  The FBI BRF protocols are a recognized standard and the threshold range stated is the minimum distance DEAV can accept as a maximum effective range for the SBR.

Additional Performance Characteristics:  The following are system characteristics and capabilities required by the SBR.

1. Iron Sight System. The SBR shall possess iron sights adjustable by the shooter without special tools for windage and elevation. The iron sights shall enable the shooter to accurately zero at 50m and then engage point targets out to 100 meters (Threshold).  200 meters (Objective).  The iron sights shall not interfere with the use of the designated optic and shall be collapsible.

• Rationale: The SBR will primarily be employed using an accessory optic such as the Aimpoint T1 for primary target engagement.  However, the SBR must be equipped to perform its primary functions regardless of absence, failure or destruction of the attached optic.

2. Magazine Compatibility.  The SBR shall accept and function with any DS authorized 30 or 60 round magazines currently found on the DS Authorized Accessory List without degradation of performance (Threshold = Objective). 

• Rationale: The magazine is an important component to the achievement of the SBR primary mission. The compatibility of the primary magazine must be sufficient to support the establishment of dominance and maintenance of accurate fires. Compatibility of magazines within the unit allows the team leader the ability to continuously manage his assets and effect immediate cross leveling to best address the tactical situation.  Additionally, the compatibility attribute prevents primary magazine failure from causing a total loss of this capability from the unit.

3. Firing Modes. The SBR shall be capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic firing (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale:  The SBR will be employed across the range of unit missions. To address the wide variety of targets and tactical situations, the shooter must be equipped to deliver accurate fires in volume and discriminatingly against point targets.

4. Employment.  The SBR shall be employable from the standing, kneeling, sitting and prone positions as well as from a discrete concealed carry bag by the shooter in any standard protection level uniform. (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: The SBR must allow the shooter to conduct engagements in the same environments and tactical situations as the remainder of the unit. Doctrinal firing positions and carry configurations are based on operational and training experience and serve as a reasonable basis for evaluation.

5. Speed of Engagement.  The SBR will allow a trained shooter in any standard protection level uniform, to successfully complete DEAV and DS Rifle qualifications/standards with a minimum passing score. (Threshold=Objective). 

• Rationale: The SBR is an individual weapon and the speed with which it facilitates engagement of targets directly impacts the survivability of the operator, especially in close or urban environments in which targets appear suddenly and at close range.

6. Signature Reduction (Flash). The SBR shall not degrade the shooter's ability to engage targets while using night vision and thermal optics. The SBR shall minimize or eliminate the kick-up and blowback of dirt and dust particles toward the operator (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale:  The effect of blooming and muzzle blast must be controlled such that the shooter is able to engage and quickly re-engage targets without degradation of performance in attached target acquisition devices.

7. Unloading. The SBR shall be capable of being unloaded when a round has been chambered without having to fire or disassemble the weapon (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: Making the SBR a safe and empty weapon will be in accordance with the proper safety standards established in the Firearms Training Unit (FTU).

8. Sling Assisted Shooting. The SBR shall be equipped with an attachment point to allow for sling assisted shooting. The attachment point shall facilitate ambidextrous carry and not hinder rapid deployment from concealment and the engagement of short-range targets without deploying the stock for support. The attachment point shall allow the SBR to be attached to the discrete carry bag and the subsequent attachments and discrete carry bag strap shall serve as the sling. (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: The inclusion of a tactically suitable attachment point that facilitates target engagement from a sling assisted position is essential to supporting readiness of the shooter.

9. Heat Resistant Hand Guards. The SBR shall be designed to permit the shooter to grasp and hold hand guards with unprotected hands during normal operational use (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale:  The SBR must be fully employable regardless of extended firing to provide the shooter and unit with continued weapon availability throughout an engagement.

10. Collapsible or Folding Stock Deployment. The SBR shall have a collapsible or folding stock. The weapon must be capable of firing uninterrupted with the stock folded or deployed.  The deployed stock shall accommodate shoulder mounted firing in any standard protection level uniform. This stock shall be rugged enough to withstand the rigors of individual movement techniques.  The stock shall be deployable with the support hand only and without sacrificing the grip of the firing hand. (Threshold = Objective).  The stock when collapsed or folded shall not interfere with manipulation of the weapon or any controls.  (See KPP 2 for additional info)

• Rationale:  The stock and its integration with the shooter are essential elements of accurate fires.  The stock must be of a configuration that focuses on the primary conditions under which it will be employed, by the shooter in any standard protection level uniform and from a discrete carry bag.

11. Cleaning Materials.  The SBR shall be capable of being cleaned and lubricated with all DS approved standard weapon cleaners and lubricants without adverse effects to the weapon. (Slip2000, EWL, CLP) (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale:  The SBR must be maintainable within the existing DS maintenance structure.

12. Assembly and Disassembly. The SBR shall be assembled and disassembled in the field without the use of tools for normal care and cleaning. The weapon parts shall be designed so that incorrect assembly is highly improbable. All takedown pins shall be captive. (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: The operator is the first line of maintenance and the most essential element in monitoring weapon status.  The SBR must support the conduct of detailed inspection and maintenance by the operator in a simple, intuitive manner.

13. Barrel Life.   7,500 rounds (Threshold), 15,000 rounds (Objective).

• Rationale:  The SBR barrel must demonstrate the durability of withstanding multiple round firings without requiring re-barreling.   7,500 rounds are levels currently easily achieved with standard barrel manufacturing processes.

14. System Ruggedness. The SBR shall possess sufficient ruggedness to withstand use during normal operations without degrading the operational and safety performance of the system. The system shall withstand the shock of being dropped by the user or dropped from a stationary vehicle at 1.5 meters onto a concrete surface, the shock from a user performing individual movement techniques in combat, and the vibrations of being transported in standard military aircraft and ground vehicles. The SBR shall perform reliably between High Temperature- 160°F and Low Temperature-minus 25°F. (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: The SBR must remain functional in the full range of environments and conditions in which the DS agent can be expected to perform his mission.  The threshold temperature and drop is based on the standard temperature and drop tests found in the MIL-STD 810G, Test Method Standards.

15. Protective Materials (coatings). The SBR shall be corrosion, abrasion, impact and chemical resistant. (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: The SBR must remain functional in the full range of environments and conditions in which the DEAV Agent can be expected to perform his mission.

16. Ammunition Commonality. The SBR shall fire all issued DS ammunitions for duty and training to include Department of Defense Identification Code (DODIC) ammunition fired by the A059 Ball, A063 Tracer, A080 Blank, AA40 Frangible, AA53 Ball Special Match, and civilian procured Ultimate Training Munitions (UTM), Man Marker Rounds (MMR) and commercially made rifle duty ammunition (FBIT3). (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: Commonality of small arms ammunition within the unit allows the team leader the ability to continuously manage his assets to best address the training or tactical situation.   As well, there is a variety of authorized ammunitions throughout DS and any shooter can find themselves with any assortment of these ammunitions available at any given time.

17. Interoperability. The SBR shall possess a fixed 12 o’clock 1913 Military standard rail on the upper receiver and have 5 angular position MLOK Slots along the length of the handguard to be compatible with all current day/night optics and aiming devices (Threshold=Objective).

• Rationale: The variety and availability of accessories that enhance the effectiveness of individual weapons have undergone significant increase. As the benefit of assets such as optics, lasers, lights and many other systems is assessed, it becomes readily apparent any weapon system being introduced needs to be equipped to make maximum use of these combat multipliers.   The M1913 Picatinny Rail System as well as the MLOK system have become the standard for attachment of all current accessories.  The use of any other attachment system would necessitate the modification of the vast population of existing accessories to integrate with a specific attachment and would eliminate the ability of the team leader to cross-level his available assets to best address the tactical situation.

18. Compatible with any standard protection level uniform. Operation of the SBR shall be compatible with any standard protection level uniform worn by DS Agents. The weapon shall operate safely through a full cycle of operation by a shooter wearing tactical gloves (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale:  As the DS Agent's uniform is modified to support mission performance in varying environments, the SBR must remain fully functional.

19. Ambidextrous Use. Must have useable ambidextrous controls, including a charging handle, safety (90 Deg), magazine release, bolt catch, and bolt release and adequate control fencing. (Threshold = Objective). 

• Rationale:  The SBR must be useable by all DS Agents in the unit at any given time; the requirement supports this goal.

20. Weapon Controls. All controls shall be designed to permit identification and selection by sight and feel during darkness and adverse conditions.   Selection among safe, semi-automatic, and automatic firing modes shall be clear and distinct and not easily selected by accident.  DS Agents shall be able to manipulate the selection lever from safe to semi-automatic or automatic using their firing hand, without having to adjust their grip (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: The SBR must be useable by a DS Agent in all environments without resorting to visually identifying and selecting controls.

21. Unit Identification Device (UID).  The SBR shall be properly marked with a UID etching as common with current SPE marking efforts in DEAV.  (Threshold = Objective).  (Serialized components only.)

• Rationale:  The SBR must fully integrate into the existing DEAV accountability and tracking system.

22. UTM compatibility.  The SBR shall be capable of being reconfigured with a UTM kit allowing the use of UTM MMR & LBBR ammunition for training (Threshold = Objective).

• Rationale: The SBR must fully integrate into the existing training DEAV support structure to prepare DS Agents to perform their assigned tasks with their assigned individual weapon.

23. Suppressor compatibility.  The SBR shall have an adjustable gas setting to allow for the weapon to be fired suppressed during adverse conditions.  It should also be capable of attaching and removing a suppressor without the need for special tools or devices (Threshold = Objective).

• Rational: The SBR must be able to be fitted with a suppressor as mission and need dictate. 

Current Products utilized by DEAV

• Daniel Defense Mk18 complete upper receiver
• Colt Manufacturing LLC lower receiver
• LAW tactical folding stock adaptor

Objectives:

DEAV is seeking responses from industry about products that will meet or exceed the requirements detailed above.  Additionally, DOS is seeking a response from potential offerors that will provide additional detail about the following items:

1. For all products that meet or exceed the specific salient characteristics, please provide the technical specifications with the response.
2. Are there any volume discounts available to the Government?  If so, please provide additional information.
3. Would the offerors be amenable to providing loaner SBRs at no cost to the Government for internal testing over a 6-month period?

Instructions:

The Government is seeking responses from Small Business and Large Businesses to establish an effective acquisition strategy.  Responses must be limited to 10 pages or less and be submitted in Microsoft Word or Adobe Portable Document format (PDF), using Times New Roman, 12-point font. The Government will not entertain telephone calls for this Sources Sought.  The responses should include the following information:

A. Company Profile, to include:

1. All interested companies must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and not be on the Excluded Party List.
2. If a Small Business, please identify the socioeconomic category of the business (e.g., Service-Disabled Veteran Owned, Women Owned, HUBZone, Small Business, etc.).
3. Information regarding all Government wide acquisition contracts held, i.e., vehicle name, contract number, etc.
4. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
5. DUNS Number
6. CAGE Code to include National Industrial Security Program Clearance Information (if applicable).
7. Company Point-of-Contact and contact information, i.e., telephone number and email address.
8. The facility security clearance of the respondent.

B. Technical Capability, to include:

1. Summary of company’s technical capabilities which would support the requirements described herein. 
2. A list of up to three (3) contracts under which the company has previously provided supplies/equipment like those described herein.  The list shall include –
   1. Agency name,
   2. Contract number,
   3. Contracting Officer name, email address, and telephone number,
   4. Dates of performance; and
   5. Brief description of work performed, including security clearance requirements.

Submit your email response no later than Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 03:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), to Richard Crum CrumRB@state.gov and Greg Moore MooreGC2@state.gov.

Industry Discussions:

DOS representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential offeror(s).  Such discussions would only be intended to get further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements. The potential offeror(s) that are chosen for meetings would be at the complete discretion of the DOS.  Information passed during those potential meetings will be in reference to the capabilities of potential offerors.  No procurement information or strategy would be discussed.   

Questions:

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Richard Crum CrumRB@state.gov and the Contract Specialist, Greg Moore, MooreGC2@state.gov.  Verbal questions will NOT be accepted.  Questions will be answered by posting answers to the SAM website; accordingly, questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after Friday, December 6, 2024 will be answered.