70B06C26Q00000082A00003-Responses to Questions.pdf

# Question CBP Response

1 Will small deviations from the published P-Spec result in automatic disqualification?

CBP will adhere to the maximum and minimum specifications identified for specific parts in the solicitation.

Small deviations from the published specs (not identified as Mil-Spec), may not automatically result in disqualification. However, all deviations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they materially affect the intended performance, compatibility, or operational requirements of the rifle.

Vendors are encouraged to clearly document any deviations in their proposal. CBP reserves the right to accept or reject deviations based on their impact to the solicitation requirements.

2 Will higher performance product configurations be considered (that is not Mil Spec)? CBP will only consider mil-spec items for components specifically identified as mil-spec in the Statement of Work (SOW).

3 Beyond the gaging and accuracy protocols described in the solicitation, are there any other fallout criteria for barrel life i.e., Muzzle Velocity? No

4 Beyond the interchange tests required in the solicitation documents, are there any additional parts interchange that the Department finds to be critical? No

5 Is there a preferred source/lot/etc. for the CBP spec ammunition that is required for appropriate vendor validation testing for this solicitation? Type of ammunition used for accuracy test is listed in section III.10 of the RFP.

6 What, if any, is the weighting or scoring that will be attributed to additional configurations of interest described in the solicitation (i.e., PDW, Ambi controls, etc.). See section III.10 of the RFP titled Optional Submission Item(s)

7 Can the PMO share the scoring matrix they will use on considering bids (i.e., the specific weighting for performance go/no go, cost, proposal quality, etc.)? See section III.12 of the RFP

8 Does the PMO anticipate any service and support needs, logistics, training sparing, etc. for the weapon system that would occur outside of the contract vehicle covered by this solicitation? No

9 Aligning with Question 6., will new suppressor technology be accepted?

At this time, CBP maintains an existing inventory of the specified SureFire suppressors referenced in the Statement of Work (SOW), and all submitted samples must meet the requirements as stated in the SOW.

Accordingly, rifle submissions should be compatible with the specified suppressor model and address all performance and interface considerations outlined, including mitigation of gas exposure and related operational factors.

While the Government appreciates innovations that may enhance end user performance, and may consider alternate suppressor solutions in the future, the current solicitation requires compliance with the stated SOW requirements. Any future consideration of alternate suppressors would be addressed through a formal modification or subsequent procurement action

10 What, if any, considerations are considered especially important to the Program Office on this solicitation? And has this perspective been informed by any previous experience on similar weapon systems? See sections III.10 and III.12 of the RFP

11 Will vendors be authorized to submit more than one set of questions to the PMO? Yes but must be received by the cutoff date and time for questions as listed in section III.10 of the RFP.

12 4.6.19.g. Screw will be a hex head stainless steel screw. Does this refer to a hex bolt or an Allen bolt? It refers to an Allen bolt

4.2.5. [package marking instructions] do sample rifles need to ship in individual boxes marked per the SOW or can they be bulk packed in one large cardboard box on a pallet?

Bulk shipping for the submissions is acceptable.

14 The SOW requires that submission rifles not have manufacturers markings. Will the light tool marks with spot refinishing to remove some markings using tools violate the no blemish requirement?

Any marks or blemishes resulting from the removal of manufacturer markings will not violate the other requirements and will have no bearing on the evaluation.

15 Is therer an SBA Nonmanufacturer Rule waiver that applies to this requirement, or are offerors expected to provide end items manufactured by small business manufacturers?

This is a total small business (SB) set-aside, and the non-manufacturer rule does apply to this RFP (see sections II.15 and II.18 of the RFP). A small business will be responsible to manufacture 50% plus of the total cost of the end item.

16 If the Government intends to accept proposals utilizing large OEM-manufactured components or systems, please advise if any specific conditions or documentation are required for compliance.

Large businesses can supply some of the components as long as they don’t exceed 50% of the total cost of the end item. The offeror must self-certify IAW with section III.10 for Volume 1 submission and sections II.17 & III.15 where applicable. Also refer to sections II.16 and II.18 of the RFP.

17 Does the Government consider final assembly, packaging, and shipping performed by the small business prime to count toward that 50 percent requirement?

Please refer to section II.16, FAR 52.219-14 Limitations in Subcontracting, and section II.18, FAR 52.219- 33 Nonmanufacturer Rule of the RFP. CBP is not planning on seeking a waiver to the nonmanufacturing rule, therefore, in order to qualify as a small business concern for this contract, a small business concern must either manufacture the product itself, or if it is a nonmanufacturer, supply a product manufactured by another small business. If the offer is a manufacturer, it is subject to the terms of the “limitations of subcontracting” clause at FAR 52.219-14. If the offer is not a manufacturer, it is subject to the terms of the “nonmanufacturer rule” clause at FAR 52.219-33. Offerors are responsible for ensuring that they comply with the small business standards established in the solicitation and the FAR.

18 4.e "Training requirements self-certification documentation". Please clarify the requirements for self-certification documentation.

This refers to the Offer’s self-certification of their ability to provide the Armorer training specified in the SOW Section 4.8

19 4.f "PDF containing exploded schematics of proposed devices...". Please clarify if exploded schematics should be included within Volume I as a combined PDF, or as a separate PDF attachment. A separate PDF is preferred.

Section 5 "Offerors shall deliver their proposals (Volumes I, III, and IV) to the locations detailed above in Section 2 of this solicitation." Please confirm that Volumes I and III are required for submission, as there is no other reference to a volume IV within the solicitation.

Should be Volumes I, II, and III. There is no volume IV

21 IF the Vendor is a non manufacturer without ISO but the manufacturer is ISO they will be DQ without testing ?

ISO 900X series certification is required only for entities directly involved in manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, or building of the weapon or its components. Distributors or resellers not involved in these activities, i.e involvement is limited to administrative, distribution, or sales functions, do not need ISO certification. However, vendors acting as distributors or resellers must provide a clear statement in their proposal describing their role and confirming they are not involved in manufacturing or assembly.

70B06C26Q00000082 Response to Questions

Clarification Requested: On the solicitation (page 40) for it states; Complete Rifles: With the exception of the lower receiver, all rifle components shall be devoid of all manufacturer/brand. It does not state this on SOW. Would the government accept the engraving of a branding in the rear right side of the upper receiver and branding engraved on the left side of the handguard, closest to the upper receiver as most of our parts are marked in the manufacturing process?

The requirement to remove or obscure manufacturer/brand markings applies only to the rifles and components submitted for evaluation as part of this solicitation, and is intended to ensure an impartial and unbiased assessment process. This requirement does not apply to future production items delivered under any resulting contract.

The Government understands that some components may have manufacturer branding as part of the standard manufacturing process. For the purposes of the evaluation, the Government will accept the offeror’s best efforts to minimize or obscure branding so that markings are as inconspicuous as possible during the selection activities. Minor branding that cannot be reasonably removed or obscured, such as discrete engravings on the rear right side of the upper receiver or the left side of the handguard near the upper receiver, will be acceptable for evaluation purposes.

Clarification Requested on (SOW Section 3.6) Military Print No. #84448649, #8448549, #8448550, 5.56 Nato Military Chamber Schematic: We want to ensure we’re not looking for three separate documents and the 5.56x45 chamber schematic is applicable to all prints (https://archive.org/details/5.56x45mmChamberSchematic). Can the Government provide Military Print No.

#84448649, #8448549, #8448550, 5.56 Nato Military Chamber Schematic?

The Military Print Numbers #84448649, #8448549, and #8448550 referenced in SOW Section 3.6 all pertain to the 5.56x45mm NATO military chamber schematic. These are not three separate documents, but rather different print numbers associated with the same chamber specification. Offerors may reference the 5.56x45mm NATO chamber schematic as provided in the public domain (e.g., the link you referenced).

The Government is not able to provide copies of these military prints directly, but any part or chamber submitted must conform to the dimensions and tolerances specified in the 5.56x45mm NATO military chamber schematic.

Clarification Requested on (SOW Section 4.6.16) Single Stage Trigger: The Government list the requirements and target item for a Single Stage Select Fire (AUTO) trigger, but does not have a requirement for a Single Stage Semi-Automatic trigger that would be needed to complete SOW Sections 4.1.2 Standard Duty Rifle – SEMI (SRD(S)), 4.1.6 Mid- Length Duty Rifle – SEMI (MRD(S)), and 4.5.3 Semi-Auto Lower Receiver Assembly.

To clarify, the Government’s intent is for the semi-automatic lower receiver to be compatible with the same single stage trigger specified for the select fire (full automatic) configuration in SOW 4.6.16. The semi-automatic lower must accept this trigger but operate only in the semi-automatic mode. This streamlines parts and logistics by allowing a single trigger design to be used across both configurations, eliminating the need for separate components.

This requirement is supported by the following SOW references:

Sections 4.1.2.b and 4.1.6.b require a “Lower receiver assembly (Semi) (SOW Section 4.5.3)” for both SDR(S) and MDR(S).

Section 4.5.3.b requires the lower receiver to be fully assembled with all items from the semi single stage lower parts kit (SOW 4.6.7).

Section 4.6.7.c specifies that this kit must include a “Single Stage Trigger (SOW 4.6.16).”

Section 4.6.16 defines the requirements for the Single Stage Trigger, which applies to all rifles requiring a single stage trigger, including semi-automatic variants.

In summary, the semi-automatic lower must be designed to use the same single stage trigger as the select fire model, but provide only semi-automatic functionality.

Clarification Requested on (SOW Section 4.6.17) Two Stage Trigger: The Government lists the requirements and a target item for a Two Stage Select Fire (AUTO) trigger (Geissel SSF #05-102) and lists a target item (no requirement) for a Two Stage Semi-Auto trigger (CMC #92502). Is it the Governments intent to use the target CMC trigger to complete SOW Sections 4.1.4 Standard Duty Rifle – SEMI Two Stage Trigger (SRD2(S)), 4.1.8 Mid- Length Duty Rifle – SEMI Two Stage Trigger (MRD2(S)), and 4.5.4 Semi-Auto Lower Receiver Assembly Two Stage?

The Government’s intent is to obtain a semi-automatic lower receiver that is compatible with the same two stage trigger specified for the select fire (full automatic) configuration, as described in SOW 4.6.17. The semi-automatic lower receiver must accept this two stage trigger, but function only in the semi-automatic mode. This approach streamlines parts and logistics by eliminating the need for separate two stage trigger components for semi-automatic and select fire models. The CMC trigger listed in the SOW is provided as a target item for reference only; it is not a requirement. All two stage triggers, whether for select fire or semi-automatic lower receivers, must meet the requirements of SOW 4.6.17.

This requirement is established through the following SOW references:

Section 4.1.4.b (Standard Duty Rifle – SEMI Two Stage Trigger (SDR2(S))) and Section 4.1.8.b (Mid- Length Duty Rifle – SEMI Two Stage Trigger (MDR2(S))) both state that the rifle shall include a “Lower receiver assembly (Semi) (SOW Section 4.5.4).”

Section 4.5.4.b specifies that the lower receiver “shall be fully assembled with all SOW items found within the semi two stage lower parts kit (SOW 4.6.8).”

Section 4.6.8.c further states that the lower parts kit shall contain a “Two Stage Trigger (SOW 4.6.17).”

Section 4.6.17 provides the requirements for the Two Stage Trigger, which applies to all rifles and lower receivers requiring a two stage trigger, including semi-automatic variants.

Clarification Requested on (SOW Section 4.6.25) Magazine Catch: The Government is asking for an ambidextrous design, but in Addendum A – Optional Items, the Government list Ambidextrous Magazine Release. Is it the Government’s intention to only incorporate an ambidextrous magazine catch/release or should SOW Section 4.6.25 be a standard Mil spec magazine catch/release?

The Government’s intent is to obtain an ambidextrous magazine catch/release as specified in SOW Section 4.6.25. The reference to the Ambidextrous Magazine Release in Addendum A – Optional Items is no longer necessary and will be removed. Offerors should provide an ambidextrous magazine catch/release in accordance with the SOW requirement, rather than a standard Mil-Spec magazine catch/release.

27 SOW Section 4.6.22 Ambidextrous Safety Selector – Select Fire, target item (Troy Industries #SSAF-AMB- F0BT-00 is discontinued and no longer available.

The Troy Industries #SSAF-AMB-F0BT-00 listed in the SOW is provided as a target item for reference only and is not a mandatory requirement. Vendors may submit any ambidextrous safety selector that meets the specified requirements in the SOW. The part number was included solely as an example of the type of item intended; alternate products that fulfill all stated functional and performance criteria are acceptable.

28 SOW Section 4.6.23 Ambidextrous Safety Selector – Semi, target item (Troy Industries #SSDT-AMB-S0BT-00 is discontinued and no longer available.

The Troy Industries #SSDT-AMB-S0BT-00 listed in the SOW is provided as a target item for reference only and is not a mandatory requirement. Vendors may submit any ambidextrous safety selector that meets the specified requirements in the SOW. The part number was included solely as an example of the type of item intended; alternate products that fulfill all stated functional and performance criteria are acceptable.

The Military Print Numbers #84448649, #8448549, and #8448550 referenced in SOW Section 3.6 all pertain to the 5.56x45mm NATO military chamber schematic. These are not three separate documents, but rather different print numbers associated with the same chamber specification. Offerors may reference the 5.56x45mm NATO chamber schematic as provided in the public domain (e.g., 5.56x 45mm Chamber Schematic : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive). The Government is not able to provide copies of these military prints directly, but any part or chamber submitted must conform to the dimensions and tolerances specified in the 5.56x45mm NATO military chamber schematic.

https://archive.org/details/5.56x45mmChamberSchematic

SOW section 3.6. Military Print number #8448649, 8448549, 8448550, 5.56 NATO Military Chamber Schematics. All the listed applicable documents in this section can be found on-line in their latest revision level, except for the three listed military prints. This puts offeror’s who do not have access to these up-to-date drawings are at risk by depending on potentially out-of-date/out-of-spec dimensional information. Will this information be made available?

30 SOW 4.4.4. Ambidextrous Charging Handle. Where on the main body will the latch be measured from? A) Side of boss, B) Side of stem, C) Mid-line of charging handle, D) other

The latch extension will be measured from the side of the stem (Option B as listed in the diagram) of the main body of the charging handle to ensure clarity and consistency with the SOW.

31 SOW 4.3.4, 4.3.5, and 4.7.2 are calling for the same M-LOK QD Sling Adapter. 4.7.2 allows for steel or aluminum construction while 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 only allow for steel.

Steel or hard anodized aluminum will be accepted. SOW sections 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 should read: Low-profile modular M-LOK compatible QD sling adaptor (4.7.2) shall be provided with each handguard.

Page 42 of the solicitation includes Stripped Lower Receiver Select Fire (SOW 4.6.1) & Stripped Lower Receiver Semi (SOW 4.6.2). Both are not listed in the physical sample proposal list on pg 40 of the solicitation.

Please clarify the sample requirement

These Stripped Lower Receivers will be added to the list of Components to be submitted in section III.10.4 of the Solicitation.

33 Page 40 of the solicitation includes physical samples of 1 Complete Rifle Package for 6 rifles not listed on page 42 of the solicitation (SOW 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.6, 4.1.7, & 4.1.8). Please clarify the sample requirement

The sample requirements listed remain the same and will be evaluated individually per III.10.4.A, bullet # four “Do the rifles have the following characteristics?”.

4.3.5 k: The requirement that all Mlok screws be short enough to clear the gas block would conflict with the Mlok TDP which allows a maximum hardware reach of .325 which would cause interference or an unacceptably small clearance to the gas block when used in conjunction with most free-float modular rails on the market. To comply with this requirement would require a shorter screw than normal and compatibility may not be guaranteed with commercial Mlok accessories.

CBP’s intent is not to specify screw length, but to ensure M-LOK accessory screws do not contact the free-floated barrel from any position or the gas block from horizontal mounting positions (e.g., 3 and 9 o’clock).

The focus is on adequate clearance, especially at horizontal positions, to prevent interference and ensure reliable function.

CBP specifies only a maximum outside horizontal diameter of 1.85" for the handguard. Manufacturers are responsible for coordinating handguard design, screw length, and hardware to meet these clearance requirements. Standard M-LOK hardware may be used if it provides the required clearance.

CBP prefers that all accessories be compatible with the M-LOK interface as defined by the TDP.

Allowances may be made for modified screw lengths to achieve the required clearance, provided that any alternative hardware performs reliably and maintains secure attachment. All other M-LOK dimensions and tolerances must remain TDP-compliant to ensure compatibility and interchangeability.

The SOW shall be updated to: All M-LOK Accessories shall have screws short enough that they will not touch/interfere with a free floated barrel from any position, or with the gas block from any horizontal mounting position. CBP will not disqualify accessories for contact at the bottom (6’oclock) position. These accessories shall utilize the same sized Allen or Torx wrench.

35 Please confirm that training materials (e.g. Armorer’s Manual) are not required as part of the proposal submission.

CBP does not require training materials (such as the Armorer’s Manual, exploded diagrams, or specialty tools) to be submitted with the proposal. Instead, offerors must provide a self-certification document as part of their proposal that affirms their ability to provide all required training, materials, and tools as specified in the solicitation if awarded the contract. Actual training materials and tools will be required to be provided in accordance with the contract requirements and schedule, but are not required for initial proposal submission.