Next Carbine? Not So Fast. Next M4/M4A1 Carbine Contract Goes Up for Bid. Let the Games Begin!

By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com

July 1, 2011

It goes without saying that everyone and their mother in the small arms manufacturing game wants to get that uber-juicy “Individual Carbine” contract to provide the U.S. Army general infantry with the “Next Carbine”, and/or land at least some part of the M4/M4A1 upgrade/modification/improvement contract. That would be great (and highly lucrative). But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. There’s still some delicious green milk to be squeezed out of Uncle Sugar’s bounteous small arms procurement teet.

Sorry. Anyway, the M4/M4A1 Carbine contract’s up for grabs. 70,000-100,000 guns over 5 years is the prize. If you’re a U.S. company and are willing to sign the requisite NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), you can have a look-see at the M4 and M4A1 TDPs.

So, if you think you can make an M4/M4A1 Carbine as well or better than Colt Defense, and/or you think they’ve had a bit too cushy a time of it with the M4 lo these many years, go for it. Get down with your bad self. May the best manufacturer win.

Hat tip to Defense Industry Daily (DID) for their recent piece on the situation (written by D.E. Watters).

The following is the text verbatim from the relevant presolicitation notice.

10–M4/M4A1 Carbine, 5.56mm

Solicitation Number: W56HZV-10-R-0593
Agency: Department of the Army
Office: Army Contracting Command
Location: ACC – Warren (ACC-WRN)(DTA)

Original Synopsis
Jun 14, 2011
4:04 pm

Solicitation Number: W56HZV-10-R-0593

Notice Type: Presolicitation

Synopsis:
Added: Jun 14, 2011 4:04 pm

This requirement for the M4 Carbine 5.56mm, Part Number: 9390000, NSN: 1005-01-231-0973; and the M4A1 Carbine 5.56mm, Part Number: 12972700, NSN: 1005-01-382-0953; will be awarded as a five (5) year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The contractor will also be required to provide ancillary equipment as specified by the contract. The contractor(s) is responsible for providing all materials, equipment, tooling, personnel, and facilities necessary to manufacture, test, produce, and deliver the quantities of deliverables specified by the contract.

The total estimated quantity is 70,000 to 100,000 weapons. The Government anticipates ordering 25-30% in each of years 1 and 2 and 13-17% in each of years 3 through 5. Award is intended to be acquired through best value competition restricted to the U.S. & Territories. The carbines will be produced in accordance with the M4/M4A1 Technical Data Package (TDP) and the license agreement between the U.S. Government and Colt Defense, LLC.

Technical Data for these weapons are restricted/export controlled and require submission of a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Technical Data WILL NOT BE AVAILABE UNTIL A SOLICITATION IS ISSUED. A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) form will be attached to the SOLICITATION. Any potential offeror shall submit a completed NDA to the contracting officer/specialist in order to gain access to the Technical Data.

Contracting Office Address:
ACC – Warren (ACC-WRN)(DTA), ATTN: AMSTA-AQ-AMB, E Eleven Mile Road, Warren, MI 48397-5000

Place of Performance:
ACC – Warren (ACC-WRN)(DTA) ATTN: CCTA-ADS-A, E Eleven Mile Road Warren MI
48397-5000
US

Point of Contact(s):
Amy Kilimas, 586-282-5013
amy.j.kilimas.civ@mail.mil

ACC – Warren (ACC-WRN)(DTA)

General Information

Notice Type:
Presolicitation

Posted Date:
June 14, 2011

Response Date:
August 16, 2011

Archiving Policy:
Automatic, on specified date

Archive Date:
October 15, 2011

Original Set Aside:
N/A

Set Aside:
N/A

Classification Code:
10 — Weapons

NAICS Code:
332 — Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing/332994 — Small Arms Manufacturing

Click here to read the original M4/M4A1 Carbine, 5.56mm presolicitation notice.

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