2026 5.56 Suppressor RFI 01202026.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)- RFI-01202026

Suppressors - 5.56mm/.223 caliber (Suppressors, Muzzle Adaptors and Training Suppressors)

Issue Date: January 20, 2026

Due Date: February 20, 2026

DISCLAIMER

THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

OR QUOTE. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS

A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND

THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS

ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR THE PREPARATION OF

RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS

TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.

INTRODUCTION

Response to this Request for Information (RFI) may be used to formulate final requirements and/or to identify qualified vendors capable of meeting those requirements. The description below outlines preliminary requirements envisioned for 5.56mm/.223 caliber suppressors. The preliminary requirement includes suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors (also referred to as non-lethal training aids). The information gathered from responses may be used to formulate acquisition strategies for competitive solicitations.

BACKGROUND

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducting market research and seeking information regarding available suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors which meet all the preliminary requirements of the FBI. While this RFI is not a request for proposal or quote, the FBI intends to utilize data received from this RFI to assist in formulating final requirements for an upcoming request for proposal (RFP).

The FBI requests that manufacturers of suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors review the preliminary requirements documented herein. The preliminary requirements do not necessarily represent the final specifications; rather, these highlight areas of interest and feedback from industry partners may help to shape final requirements and test protocol.

PROPOSED SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

The FBI is seeking suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors that meet the following characteristics:

1. Compatible with the FBI’s existing fleet of carbines chambered in 5.56 NATO.1

2. The suppressor shall have a low back pressure or high flow rate design, which allows gasses to exit or vent the suppressor through ports separate from the bore.

3. The suppressor, when installed on an FBI carbine and fired with FBI service ammunition, shall provide a decibel (dB) reduction no less than 10 dB.

4. The suppressor shall exhibit minimum shift suppressor shift.2

1 The FBI utilizes semi-automatic direct gas impingement carbines with an 11.5” barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO. FBI barrels have either a 0.066” or a 0.073” gas port. The feed ramps are of an “M4” design, and the muzzle is threaded 1/2x28. The buffer is an “H.” Handguards in use include the Geissele MK 4 rail, the Geissele MK 16 rail, and the Colt 10.5” EPR II handguard.

2 Suppressor shift is the change in the point of impact when firing the weapon suppressed versus unsuppressed.

5. The suppressor shall have consistent repeatability.3

6. The suppressor shall add no more than 6” to the overall length of the firearm.

7. The suppressor shall not weigh more than 20 ounces.

8. The suppressor shall not exceed 1.8” in diameter.

9. The suppressor shall be a quick-detach (QD) design.

10. The suppressor shall not be modular in design.

11. The suppressor shall have a positive lock (also referred to as a locking collar).

12. The suppressor shall be warrantied for no less than 10,000 rounds.

13. The suppressor shall be available in Flat Dark Earth (or similar) and black. The finish shall be a matte finish.

14. The non-lethal training aid (“training suppressor”) shall be similar in appearance to the suppressor. The training suppressor shall be nominally the same diameter, length, and weight as the suppressor.

15. The training suppressor shall utilize the same QD mount and positive lock (locking collar) as the suppressor.

16. The training suppressor shall be available in the color blue.

17. The training suppressor shall be compatible with the FBI’s existing 5.56 NATO carbines, utilizing a UTM or Simunition conversion bolt, and non-lethal training rounds.

PRELIMINARY CONCEPT FOR SUPPRESSOR EVALUATION

If a solicitation is released, the FBI intends to conduct evaluations on sample submissions.

Those evaluations may consider objective characteristics of the suppressor, such as overall weight, length, and diameter. The FBI may also measure and consider Decibel reduction, measured at the muzzle or approximate ear location.

The ability of a weapon system to maintain zero when fired suppressed and unsuppressed, as well as to maintain zero when the suppressor is removed and installed is very important to the FBI. Suppressor shift and repeatability may be considered in any future evaluations.

Lastly, functional reliability of a law enforcement firearm is paramount. Suppressors shall not diminish or reduce the functional reliability of the firearm.

CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

This RFI is open to large and small businesses. This RFI is for market research purposes and the FBI seeks input from suppressor manufactures and potential vendors. The FBI is specifically seeking input from manufactures and potential vendors on the characteristics and performance of suppressors.

The FBI would like to know which businesses could potentially provide suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors and whether or not the possible requirements outlined in this RFI are attainable.

The FBI is requesting the following information:

3 Repeatability describes the change in the point of impact when firing the weapon suppressed. Specifically, the change in the point of impact after removing and reinstalling the suppressor on the firearm.

1. Company name and address

2. Business size

3. Whether your company has a GSA Schedule and if you are capable of providing suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors.

4. Product make/model for suppressors that meet the preliminary requirements as documented herein.

5. Product information specific to suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors

Product information should include, at a minimum, the physical characteristics of the suppressor, dB reduction, shift, repeatability, and price.

6. Place of manufacture for suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors.

7. Any other comments, concerns and/or questions relating to the RFI.

Required Information:

Contractor Legal / DBA Name Address Point of Contact Telephone Number Email Address DUNS Number Cage Code Applicable NAICS Code Standard Business Size GSA Schedule NASA SEWP Contract

CONTEMPLATED REQUIREMENT

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Training Division (TD), Ballistic Research Facility (BRF) is issuing this RFI to:

Gather industry information on suppressors, muzzle devices, and training suppressors.

Request information on any industry changes or improvements that the FBI should consider when looking to acquire products that meet the requirements.

Obtain feedback on the preliminary evaluation criteria.

DISCLAIMER and RESPONSES

There is no commitment by the FBI to issue a solicitation as a result of this RFI. This RFI is being issued solely for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR Federal 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the FBI to form a binding contract. This is not a request for proposal or quote. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the FBI.

Responses in any form are not offers and the FBI is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by the respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE:

1. Interested parties shall submit capability packages in response to this notice no later than Close of Business (COB) Friday, February 20,2026.

2. Do submit succinct, thoughtful responses to the requirements listed in this RFI.

3. Do submit comments that address the FBI 's requirements, assumptions, conditions or contemplated approaches to this future acquisition.

4. Do submit information and suggestions that may encourage new, different, or innovative approaches that would result in improved solutions which are of benefit to the FBI.

WHAT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE:

1. Do not submit proposals or offers.

2. Do not submit past performance information or general descriptions of corporate experience.

3. Do not submit request to be considered for award or to be notified of a future solicitation.

4. Do not submit requests to be added to a mailing list or distribution list.

5. Do not submit questions or comments not related to this RFI.

6. Do not respond via telephone.

RFI SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Submit RFI information via e-mail to the attention of:

Holly Cloud, Contracting Officer Federal Bureau of Investigation

Email: hcloud@fbi.gov