Response_to_Question_from_Industry_-_A0002.docx

Request for Proposal (RFP) 70CMSW18R00000003/A0002 Response to Question from Industry

1. Vendor Question:

Based upon the issuance of Amendment 1 dated 4/19/2018, new questions have arisen regarding the changes to paragraph 3.8 in the statement of work. Amendment 1 has modified the aforementioned paragraph to allow the use of 5.56x45 NATO chambered test barrels for pressure testing. This directly contradicts the first sentence requirement of paragraph 3.8 that states the maximum pressure shall conform to the pressure limits established for .223 Remington in accordance with ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4-2015. How is an offeror or the government to confirm that a cartridge meets the .223 Remington SAAMI requirement of paragraph 3.8 without testing in the .223 Remington SAAMI test system? SAAMI maintains a specific requirement for the chamber dimensions in a .223 Remington test barrel. Depending upon the design of a given cartridge, the chamber pressure may deviate significantly between what is generated in a .223 Remington or 5.56x45 NATO chamber. It is potentially unsafe to deliver a cartridge with a .223 Remington headstamp without testing it in that given SAAMI test system.

Government’s Response:

The manufacturer has the responsibility to test the pressure and ensure that the maximum pressure is within SAAMI limits for .223 Remington. Page 26 of ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4-2015 lists these limits and shows projectile weights that fall in the range that is specified in the SOW, 60 – 75 grains. Whether pressure testing is fired through a .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm chamber is the option of the manufacturer.