Attch 2 - Section L M Supplement v2.pdf

5.56 Rifle and Accessories

Solicitation 70US0926R70093580

Attachment 2

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation in accordance with FAR Part 15 – Contracting by

Negotiation, FAR 12 - Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The

United States Secret Service (USSS) intents to award a single firm fixed-price IDIQ contract for a 5-year ordering period for a 5.56 Rifle and Accessories to the offeror who offers the best value to the Government based on this Request for Proposal (RFP), but reserves the right to make no award, if it is determined to be in its best interest. Task Orders will be placed against the established IDIQ.

Basis for Award

An award will be made to the responsible offeror who provides the best value to the USSS and whose proposal conforms to the RFP. A best value tradeoff may be used allowing for award to other than the lowest priced proposals or the highest technically rated proposal when it is in the best interest of the USSS. The USSS will evaluate each proposal in accordance with the evaluation criteria described herein.

• Factor 1: Technical

a. Technical Volume Review (compliance, conformity with SOW, trigger test, velocity, accuracy, drop test, safety inspection, and armorer evaluation)

b. End user evaluations (Ease of Use, Comfort, Mission Compatibility, and Live Fire)

c. 10,000-round barrel life performance (reliability/endurance, accuracy and velocity)

• Factor 2: Past Performance

• Factor 3: Price

All factors are listed in descending order of importance. All non-price evaluation factors, when combined, are significantly more important than price. Technical will be evaluated first and only offerors receiving a “pass” will be further evaluated for past performance and price. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer represents the best value to the government.

Relative Importance of Factors

• Offerors are cautioned that award may not be made to the lowest priced offeror or the highest rated submission.

• The proposals received under this Request for Proposal (RFP) will be evaluated in accordance with the Instructions to Offerors and the Statement of Work (SOW).

• The Government anticipates making an award using a three phased approach. The

Government reserves the right to remove proposals from further consideration for award if they are not among the most highly rated offers. Any offeror that receives a rating of

Fail will be excluded from further testing.

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (AUG

2025) (DEVIATION 25-21)

(a) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. As a minimum, offers shall include—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The name, address, telephone number of the Offeror;

(3) The Offeror’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and, if applicable, Electronic Funds

Transfer (EFT) indicator;

(4) Information necessary to evaluate the factors contained in the provision at 52.212-2 or as described in the solicitation;

(5) Responses to provisions that require Offeror completion of information, representations, and certifications (other than those collected via the System for Award

Management (SAM)); and

(6) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and any solicitation amendments.

(b) Period for acceptance of offers. The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90-days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(c) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers and any modifications or revisions to the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation.

(2) Any offer, modification, or revision received after the time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition. However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(4) Offerors may withdraw their offers by written notice to the Government received at any time before award.

(d) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with Offerors. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial offer should contain the Offeror’s best terms. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions, if necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest, accept other than the lowest offer, and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(e) Debriefings. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting Offerors, the Government will disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed

Offeror’s offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful Offeror and the debriefed Offeror and past performance information on the debriefed Offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all Offerors when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award.

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful Offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed Offeror as to whether the agency followed source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities.

Submission Due Dates

Questions to this solicitation shall be sent to Contract Specialist, Theresa Williams at

Theresa.Williams@usss.dhs.gov and Contracting Officer, Erik Syfert at

Erik.Syfert@usss.dhs.gov no later than 4:00pm EST, May 29, 2026.

Proposals shall be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist, Theresa Williams at

Theresa.Williams@usss.dhs.gov and Contracting Officer, Erik Syfert at

Erik.Syfert@usss.dhs.gov no later than 4:00pm EST, June 29, 2026. The subject line of the email must include the solicitation number (70US0926R70093580) and the requirements and the offeror’s name.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Test Samples Delivery

All test sample shall be shipped to the James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, MD by 4:00pm on June 29, 2026, in accordance with USSS agency delivery procedures. ORI #

DCSS17000

USSS POC: Matthew Vertin; Tel 202-748-3293.

Delivery of non-freight items will be made to:

Communications Center – RTC 245 Murray Drive, SW Bldg. T-5 Washington, DC 20223 Attn: Armory mailto:Theresa.Williams@usss.dhs.gov mailto:Erik.Syfert@usss.dhs.gov mailto:Theresa.Williams@usss.dhs.gov mailto:Erik.Syfert@usss.dhs.gov

Final delivery of all items, including freight, will be to:

USSS RTC-WADS

9200 Powder Mill Road Laurel, MD 20708

All samples shall be subject to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ regulations and shall be completed in accordance with all applicable statutes and requirements of the National Firearms Act. It is recognized that one or more of these devices meet definitions stipulated in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(24), are thus a National Firearms Act firearm as defined under 26 U.S.C. § 5845 and subject to controls of the National Firearms Act 26 U.S.C., Chapter 53, §§ 5801-5872, and that the US Secret Service is a qualified United States agency, as specified in 26 U.S.C. § 5852.

Sample sizes - The sample size for the solicitation submittal shall be five (5) firearms and seven

(7) magazines per firearm. The samples shall be chambered in 5.56 x 45mm.

NOTE: All solicitation sample packaging and documentation sent with the samples shall be clearly identified with the contractor’s name and solicitation number.

A. Proposal Format

Offerors shall prepare and submit proposals in accordance with the instructions outlined below.

Failure to comply with these instructions may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration. Proposals must be clear, concise, and complete, and must address all requirements of solicitation. The Government reserves the right to award without negotiation; therefore, offerors are encouraged to submit their best terms in their initial proposal.

1. The proposal shall consist of the Cover Page and three (3) Factors:

• Factor 1: Technical

a. Technical Volume Review (compliance, conformity with SOW, trigger test, velocity, accuracy, drop test, safety inspection, and armor evaluation)

b. End user evaluations (Ease of Use, Comfort, Mission Compatibility, and Live

Fire)

c. 10,000-round barrel life performance (reliability/endurance, accuracy and velocity)

• Factor 2: Past Performance

• Factor 3: Price

2. The Cover Page shall include the following:

• Company Name

• Company Address

• POC Name

• POC Email

• POC Telephone

• Company EUI Number

• Company Cage Code

3. File Format for Factors:

• Factor 1a. and 2 shall be submitted in Adobe (pdf) format.

• Factor 3 (Price Proposal) shall be submitted in Microsoft Excel format using the provided Attachment 4: Pricing Table.

• File Naming Convention: Each file shall be named using the following format:

[Offeror Name] [Volume Number] [Volume Title].

For example: ABC Company Volume 1 Technical Approach.docx

Page Count – The offeror shall adhere to the following page counts. The

Government shall not consider pages submitted in excess of the stated page limitations, or materials not included in full text within the quote (no links to external information shall be reviewed or considered. The Price quote excel spreadsheet shall be unlocked with formulas included. Page limitations include all text, graphs, pictures, appendices, references, exhibits, etc.). Tabs, index sheets, tables of contents, dividers and other such aids that are solely used to assist the evaluator in locating information and are advisory in nature, imparting no other information other than the identification of content, shall not be counted against any page limits stated within this RFP.

FACTORS Not to Exceed Page Limits

1. Technical

Technical (Factor 1a.) information shall not exceed ten (10) pages single sided (excluding cover and table of content).

2. Past

Performance

The Past Performance information shall not exceed three (3) pages single sided per profile (excluding cover and table of content).

3. Price The Price shall not exceed 3 pages.

All narrative text contained in the proposal response must be formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper with margins of at least 1” at the top, bottom, and both sides; using single spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font. For charts, tables, exhibits and figures, no less than 8-point Times new Roman font is acceptable. Offerors are cautioned that proposal elements using a font less than 12-point Times New Roman for the narrative and less than 8-point Times New Roman for charts shall not be reviewed by the

Government. Any pages that are over the page limit shall not be evaluated.

B. Proposal Content

1. Factor 1a.

a. Technical Volume Review

The offeror(s) technical volume will be inspected for compliance with the Instructions to offeror(s) and Statement of Work. Technical volume review (compliance and conformity with the SOW). (trigger test, velocity, accuracy, drop test, safety inspection, armorer evaluation).

The Offeror(s) technical proposal will be reviewed for completeness and compliance:

(pass/fail)

• Manufacturer’s Information: The Manufacturer’s information sheet shall include name, address, and model designation for the submitted samples. (1 page limitation)

• Serial Numbers: The offeror(s) shall provide a list of serial numbers for the five (5) samples submitted.

• Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule, Operator Manual, and Armorer

Manual: The offeror(s) provide information regarding the factory recommended maintenance procedures for the expected service life of the weapons (at the operator and armorer levels). This document should specifically address the model submitted for evaluation.

• Proof of Compliance with the National Firearms Act 26 U.S.C., Chapter 53, §§

5801-5872: The offeror(s) shall provide a copy of the notice provided to the Bureau of

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). (1 page limitation)

• Warranty Information: The offeror(s) shall provide detailed information on the commercial warranties of the models submitted.

• Offeror’s Quality Control/Quality Assurance Plan: The offeror(s) shall provide a current QC/QA process synopsis including examples of their quality plans for the manufacturing of USSS firearms with their solicitation sample. Submission of a complete copy of the manufacturer's Quality Manual or a copy of the manufacturer’s ISO certification will fulfill this requirement.

• Accessories/a la carte Parts List: The offeror(s) shall submit a manufacturer’s list of compatible parts for the models submitted.

Conformity with the Statement of Work (Pass/Fail)

The offeror(s) samples will be inspected and tested for conformity with physical characteristics of the Statement of Work.

• Weight: All samples submitted will be weighed using an Ohaus Model I10 electronic scale, increments of no less than one-quarter (0.25) pounds to verify compliance.

• Barrel: All samples submitted will have the barrel physically inspected. The interior of the bore will be examined for reliability/durability (initial, during, and post) with the use of a bore scope. Barrel length will be measured from the face of the closed bolt to the barrel muzzle. All samples submitted will have the chamber dimensions verified by physical inspection and the use of certified headspace gauges. Initial and post reliability/durability headspace shall be measured and recorded on all samples.

• Length: Length is measured with suppressor and stock folded.

Trigger Test (Pass/Fail)

All samples will have the trigger verified by physical inspection. The trigger pull of all samples will be measured by a Dvorak Trigger Scan System in increments of no less than one-quarter

(0.25) pounds. The average of three (3) trigger pulls per sample will be used to verify compliance.

The acceptable trigger pull range is defined as 4.0 to 6.5 pounds (inclusive). Any sample with an average trigger pulls less than 4.0 pounds or greater than 6.5 pounds will be considered a failure for purposes of Phase I and will result in that model being rated as Fail for the Trigger Test.

Sample Grouping

At the conclusion of the Trigger Test, the five (5) samples will be randomly assigned to the following groupings by the Government:

• Set A (3 samples) – Designated for Performance and Reliability & Endurance Testing

• Set B (1 sample) – Designated for Drop Testing (Phase I, Part 6 & 7)

• Set C (1 sample) – Designated as Exemplar / Replacement Sample for Drop Test

For clarity, the five (5) samples submitted by each offeror will be allocated as follows: three (3) to Set A, one (1) to Set B, and one (1) to Set C.

Velocity Test (Sample Set A) (Ranked)

Ten (10) rounds will be fired through each of the samples. The ammunition used for velocity testing will be Black Hills 5.56 62gr Dual Performance, or the ballistic equivalent ammunition.

Ammunition will be supplied by the United States Secret Service (USSS).

Velocity of the rounds fired will be measured using an Oehler System 85 Ballistic Instrument and Model 57 Ballistic Screens. Results will be recorded and averaged.

Phase I velocity test results will be noted and compared with velocity numbers at the conclusion of endurance testing.

Accuracy Test (Sample Set A) – (Ranked)

All samples in Set A will be tested for initial accuracy at one hundred (100) yards utilizing a

Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30x50 scope or equal. During testing the firearm will be fired from a bench, utilizing a tripod shooting rest and sandbag.

Accuracy will be evaluated at one hundred (100) yards by shooting three (3), five (5) shot groups.

The ammunition used for accuracy testing will be Black Hills 5.56 62gr Dual Performance.

The average extreme spread of the three (3), five (5) shot groups shall not exceed 2 minutes-of-angle (MOA)/inches using “max MOA size.” Offerors will be rated based on the total average group size as follows:

• 0–1.0 MOA: 10 points

• 1.01–1.50 MOA: 8 points

• 1.51–2.0 MOA: 6 points

Rifle Drop Test (Sample Set B) – (Pass/Fail/Ranked)

Based on the specifications outlined in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.5-2023 and ANSI/SAAMI Z299.6-

2025, the Government will perform the following modified drop test to replicate realistic mishandling conditions:

The rifle in Set B, in the “Safe Carrying” condition (safety on), shall be dropped a total of eighteen (18) times from the following orientations from a height of 48” onto a concrete floor:

1. Barrel vertical, muzzle down

2. Barrel vertical, muzzle up

3. Barrel horizontal, bottom up

4. Barrel horizontal, bottom down

5. Barrel horizontal, left side up

6. Barrel horizontal, right side up

The series of six (6) drops will be conducted three (3) times for eighteen (18) total drops. The rifle and suppressor will be evaluated for alignment at the completion of each six (6) drop series.

Series one (1) will be pass/fail. Series two (2) and three (3) will be pass/fail/ranked. If the weapon fires during any part of the test that will constitute a failure.

An empty primed case will be placed in the chamber prior to each drop test. The firearm shall be re-cocked and reset in the “Safe Carry” condition (safety on) after each drop.

The firearm shall not fire the chambered empty primed case when tested.

Durability testing: Minor damage resulting from drop testing does not constitute failure if the empty primed case does not fire, and the firearm can be unloaded safely after each drop. If a major component failure occurs during series two (2) or three (3) that prevents continued testing, the USSS reserves the right to repeat the test with sample Set C (exemplar).

Set C is reserved solely as a replacement sample for completion of the Drop Test in the event that the Set B sample experiences a major component failure during series two (2) or three (3).

Any magazine that is damaged during the drop test will be removed from further testing and replaced with another randomly selected magazine supplied by the offeror(s) for that model.

All drop tests shall be conducted with the following accessories to the weapons, to simulate the weight of an operational weapon:

• Magazine* fully loaded with rounds of metallic dummy ammunition

• Aimpoint T-2 sight with mount

• Streamlight TLR RM2 flashlight

*Denotes item supplied by offeror(s); all other items will be supplied by the Government for this test.

Safety Inspection, Component Check, and Function Fire (Sample Set B) –

(Pass/Fail/Ranked)

The Government shall conduct an armory inspection after the completion of the drop testing.

Function fire will be conducted to verify continued safe operation.

Armorer’s Repair & Maintenance Evaluation (Sample Set A) – (Ranked)

The firearms of Set A will be assessed by the USSS Armorer to evaluate the time and difficulty associated with long-term preventative maintenance needs. The Armorer will assess four (4) areas associated with the long-term preventative maintenance of the firearms:

1. Ease of Disassembly/Assembly of Major Components

2. Ease of Disassembly/Assembly of Minor Components

3. Ease of Preventative Maintenance Procedures and Servicing

4. Overall Fit & Finish of Components

Each area will be given a rating of Exceptional, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, defined as:

• Unsatisfactory: Requires extensive manipulation and/or time to disassemble/reassemble relevant components; requires special tools not provided by manufacturer.

• Satisfactory: Generally uncomplicated to disassemble/reassemble relevant components;

requires provided special tools.

• Exceptional: Relevant components disassembled/reassembled with ease; does not require special tools.

For purposes of determining Pass/Fail:

• Exceptional and Satisfactory ratings are considered Pass.

• Any Unsatisfactory rating in any of the four (4) areas will be considered a Fail for the

Armorer’s Repair & Maintenance Evaluation.

At the conclusion of all the above testing areas, only models that received a score of Pass on all scorable sections (including the Armorer’s Repair & Maintenance Evaluation) will move forward to Factor 1b. Testing - End User Evaluations.

2. Factor 1b.

a. End user evaluations

• Ease of Use

• Comfort

• Mission Compatibility

Ease of use and comfort are of equal importance; mission capability is of more importance.

When ease of use and comfort are combined, they equal mission capability. User evaluation sheets will be used to assess each user’s experience. Subjective ratings will be assigned to each category.

End User Live Fire Assessment (Sample Set A) (Ranked)

Users will be selected from a cross section of USSS end users, with a minimum number of four

(4) shooters. All shooters shall be qualified Law Enforcement personnel.

The ammunition used for Phase II evaluations is the same ammunition utilized for the endurance testing and will be supplied by USSS.

This evaluation will begin with the weapons cleaned and lubricated. Part replacements will be executed pursuant to the offeror's recommended maintenance intervals. Weapon manufacturer and model information markings will be obscured from the user (via tape).

This evaluation shall be conducted with the following accessories:

• Magazine

• Aimpoint T-2 with mount

• Streamlight TLR RM2 flashlight

At the conclusion of factor 2 Testing, an overall ranking of all models in Set A will be made based on the scores received in each user assessment. The top three ranked models at the conclusion of Phase II testing will continue to Reliability and Endurance Testing.

Note: End user live firing will constitute the first 300 rounds endurance testing. These 300 rounds will be counted toward the 10,000-round total for each firearm in Sample Set A. For planning purposes, the initial 300 rounds may be conducted under end user evaluation live fire course of fire rather than in 150-round cycles; however, all subsequent firing during endurance testing will follow the 150-round cycle and cooling protocol described in the Reliability &

Endurance section.

3. Factor 1c.

a. Reliability and Endurance Testing (sample set A) (pass/fail)

Sample Set A for the top three (3) ranked models from factor 1b. will be utilized for reliability and endurance testing.

Reliability & Endurance (R&E) (Sample Set A) – (Pass/Fail)

Each of the three (3) samples per model in Sample Set A will undergo a 10,000 round (per firearm) reliability test in intervals of one hundred fifty (150) round firing cycles, to determine barrel life.

For purposes of this RFP, the service life threshold is defined as 10,000 rounds fired per firearm.

The United States Secret Service defines barrel life as, in observance of the offeror’s submitted maintenance protocols, that:

• Accuracy does not exceed 2 (two) minute-of-angle (MOA), and

• Velocity decreases no more than 175 feet per second (fps) (in accordance with USSS velocity testing procedures) throughout the 10,000-round service life threshold.

If any sample within Sample Set A for any model fails the barrel life test, the entire model will be removed from consideration for award.

Shooter name, start time, end time, elapsed times, and malfunctions will be recorded.

Firing Procedures

A shooter will fire one hundred fifty (150) rounds through the weapon engaging targets at multiple ranges. The firing shall be at a rate of one hundred fifty (150) rounds over five (5) minutes.

After one hundred fifty (150) rounds the weapon will be allowed to cool for fifteen (15) minutes.

This sequence will continue (shoot 150 rounds, cool 15 minutes), until round 450, at which time the weapon will be field stripped, cleaned and lubricated in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. A minimum of twenty (20) minutes will be allowed for cooling before the weapon is fired again (this will include the time to field strip, clean the weapon and reassemble).

Maintenance and Inspection Procedures

All manufacturers’ recommended maintenance procedures will be adhered to, and parts/components will be changed at the offeror's recommended maintenance interval (using supplied replacement parts). However, cleaning and lubrication will be conducted at the frequency and intervals defined above by the Government.

Major component parts changes/replacement will not be permitted. Major components parts are identified for the purposes of Phase III testing as:

• Receiver Upper and Lower

• Barrel

A failure of a major component part will result in the elimination of that model/variant from further consideration. If the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule calls for replacement of a major component (e.g., barrel) before 10,000 rounds, such replacement will not be permitted and the need for such replacement will be treated as a failure of that model/variant.

A detailed inspection will be performed after every 5,000 rounds. The headspace of each firearm shall be monitored throughout reliability/durability testing using certified headspace gauges and must be within SAAMI specifications throughout the duration of the entire testing process.

Trigger pull inspections will be conducted, at the discretion of the evaluation team. The results of these tests will be recorded.

Velocity testing will be conducted at 5,000 and 10,000 rounds. The results of these tests will be recorded.

Accuracy testing will be conducted at 5,000 and 10,000 rounds. The results of these tests will be recorded.

Stoppages and Malfunctions

The Reliability and Endurance testing will continue until 10,000 rounds have been fired through each weapon in Sample Set A. During this firing, all malfunctions will be evaluated and recorded by the Test Administrators.

All stoppages/malfunctions will be analyzed by USSS Armorers and recorded to determine the type/cause. Information recorded will include:

• Round number at which stoppage occurs

• Magazine in use when stoppage occurs

• Description of stoppage

Only stoppages/malfunctions attributed to the firearm(s) will be used for final scoring/ranking purposes.

Ammunition

Ammunition utilized for reliability and endurance testing will represent a variety of ammunition used by the USSS in training and operational environments, as specified in the Statement of

Work, to include:

• Winchester 5.56 x 45mm 62 gr. OTM

• Federal 5.56 x 45mm 62 gr. TMJ

• Federal 5.56 x 45mm 64 gr. Tactical Bonded

All ammunition utilized will be provided by the USSS.

Each sample in Sample Set A shall fire the same amounts of each ammunition type, in the same sequence and cycle.

Non-destructive testing will be conducted on each firearm after completion of the reliability test.

The key firearm components (barrel and receiver) shall be free of cracks, seams and other defects at the end of reliability/durability testing.

Magazines

Each reliability and endurance testing rifle will be randomly assigned ten (10) magazines as supplied by the offeror.

These magazines will be numbered, and their usage will conform to the protocols specified herein.

Only magazines provided by the manufacturer will be utilized in that offeror’s corresponding model/variant.

Any magazine associated with three (3) malfunctions not determined to be shooter induced or ammunition induced will be removed from the test and replaced with another randomly selected magazine supplied by the offeror for that model/variant. These malfunctions will not count against the weapon.

Any magazine which is damaged will be removed from further testing.

Magazine Procedures:

• Shooters will verify that magazines are properly loaded before inserting into the magazine well.

• Magazines will not be subjected to dust, dirt or grime prior to insertion into the magazine well.

• Excessive force will not be used to seat magazines.

• Magazines will be pushed into the magazine well until seated.

• Magazines will not be rocked back and forth while in the magazine well.

• Each magazine will be cleaned or replaced at the offeror’s recommended interval.

Trigger Test – Reliability and Endurance Testing (Sample Set A) (Pass/Fail)

The Government reserves the right to conduct trigger pull testing at any point during R&E

Testing. When doing so, ALL samples will undergo identical evaluation.

Trigger pull testing will be repeated at the discretion of the evaluation team during the R&E

Test. If at any interval a trigger pull weight less than 4.0 pounds, or more than 6.5 pounds, is measured it will be recorded and treated as non-compliant with the trigger pull requirement.

If any firearm in Sample Set A exhibits an average trigger pull outside the 4.0-to-6.5-pound range at any evaluation point during reliability testing, that model/variant will be disqualified from further consideration.

The trigger pull will be measured by a Dvorak Trigger Scan System in increments of no less than one-quarter (0.25) pounds. The average of three (3) trigger pulls per sample will be used to verify compliance.

Velocity Testing – Reliability and Endurance Testing (Sample Set A) (Pass/fail)

The Government reserves the right to conduct velocity testing at any point during R&E Testing;

when doing so, ALL Phase samples will undergo identical evaluation.

Velocity testing will be repeated at the 5,000 and 10,000 round intervals during the R&E Test. If at any interval, a weapon is calculated to have an average velocity decrease exceeding 175 feet/second from the initial velocity, that model will be disqualified from further testing.

Ten (10) rounds will be fired through each of the three (3) samples. The ammunition used for velocity testing will be Black Hills 5.56 62gr Dual Performance and will be supplied by the

USSS.

Velocity of the rounds fired will be measured using an Oehler System 85 Ballistic Instrument and Model 57 Ballistic Screens. Results will be recorded and averaged to track rate of degradation from Phase I testing.

Accuracy Testing – Reliability and Endurance Testing (Sample Set A) (Ranked/average group size)

The Government reserves the right to conduct accuracy testing at any point during R&E Testing.

When doing so, ALL samples will undergo identical evaluation.

Accuracy testing will be repeated at the 5,000 and 10,000 round intervals during the R&E Test.

If any weapon exhibits an average extreme spread exceeding 2.0 MOA at any time prior to the service life threshold, that model/variant will be disqualified from further testing.

Firearms will be rated for accuracy at one hundred (100) yards utilizing a Zeiss Conquest V6 5-

30x50 scope or equal.

During this testing the firearm will be fired from a bench, utilizing a tripod shooting rest and sandbags.

Accuracy will be evaluated at one hundred (100) yards by shooting three (3), five (5) shot groups. The ammunition used for accuracy testing will be Black Hills 5.56 62gr Dual

Performance and will be supplied by the USSS.

The average extreme spread of the three (3), five (5)-shot groups, using “max MOA size,” shall be recorded to determine the level and rate of degradation from Phase I testing.

User Maintenance (Ranked)

During reliability and endurance testing, user maintenance will be continuously reassessed on the following: ease of disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly.

Notable comments will be addressed and recorded on the Shooter Evaluation Form.

4. Factor 2

a. Past Performance – Low/moderate/high/unknown

The Past Performance volume shall include three (3) relevant past performance references for projects completed or in progress within the last five (5) years from the solicitation issue date. If a subcontractor will be performing 25% or more of the work, one of the references must be from the subcontractor. Recency is defined as current or previous work within the last five (5) years of the solicitation issue date.

Relevancy is defined as work similar in scope, size, and complexity to the SOW requirement. Performance that is bigger in scope, size and complexity will be considered more relevant than work that is smaller in scope, size, and complexity.

If the offeror has no recent and relevant past performance, explicitly state so in the template.

For each reference, include:

• Contract number, title, and customer (Government or commercial).

• Description of the work performed, including scope, size, and complexity.

• Period of performance and contract value.

• Customer points of contact (name, title, email, and phone number).

5. Factor 3: Price

The offeror shall submit a price proposal in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet based on

Attachment 4: Pricing Table. Offerors should provide all price information with sufficient documentation to evaluate price.

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (AUG

2025) (DEVIATION 25-21)

(a) Evaluation factors. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors will be used to evaluate offers:

1. Technical Volume Review (Factor 1a, b, c)

2. Past Performance (Factor 2)

3. Price (Factor 3)

All non-price evaluation factors, when combined, are significantly more important than price.

Technical will be evaluated first and only offerors receiving a “pass” will be further evaluated for past performance and price.

(b) Options (if applicable). The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all ordering periods to the total price for the basic requirement. The

Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the ordering periods’ prices are significantly unbalanced. The evaluation of ordering periods does not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) Notice of award. A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer furnished to the successful Offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the

Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of Provision)

The source selection evaluation criteria will apply Best Value with Tradeoff. A tradeoff process is appropriate in this case as it is in the best interest of the Government to consider award to other than the lowest price offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror. The best value concept provides the opportunity for a cost/technical trade off and does not require that the award be made to the offeror submitting the lowest cost or price or the highest technically rated offeror.

Factor 1a, b, c. (Technical) will be evaluated utilizing the PASS/FAIL Ratings in the table below. Each proposal will receive one overall rating for each non-price factor. The Government will identify strengths, deficiencies, significant weaknesses, risks and/or benefits in each offer, and assign a rating using the following PASS/FAIL ratings and definitions below. Deficiency is defined as any part of an offer that does not conform to a material requirement of a RFP. A material requirement is one that affects price, quantity, quality, or delivery, or that the RFP requires to be met at the time of proposal submission. Weakness means a flaw in the proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance. A “significant weakness” in the proposal is a flaw that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

PASS Offeror’s submission meets the criteria set forth by the government as outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and testing criteria/procedures.

FAIL Offeror’s submission does not meet the criteria set forth by the government as outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and testing criteria/procedures.

The Government will evaluate Past Performance (Factor 2) using performance risks shown below. The Government will identify risks in each offer, and assign a rating using the following ratings and definitions:

Risk Definitions

Low Based on the offeror's past performance and systemic improvement record, little doubt exists that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Moderate Based on the offeror's past performance and systemic improvement record, some doubt exists that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

High Based on the offeror's past performance and systemic improvement record, substantial doubt exists that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Unknown No past performance record identifiable. (Not applicable to

Experience Factor.)

Factor 1a, b, c: Technical Evaluation Criteria

a. Technical Volume Review

• Compliance and Conformity with SOW

• Trigger Test

• Velocity

• Accuracy

• Drop Test

• Safety Inspection

• Armorer Evaluation

b. End User Evaluations

• Ease of Use

• Comfort

• Mission Compatibility

c. Reliability and Endurance Testing - 10,000-Round Barrel Life Performance

• Reliability/Endurance

• Accuracy

• Velocity

A PASS/FAIL rating will be assigned based on the extent to which the proposal demonstrates the offeror’s ability to successfully fulfill all requirements outlined above and, in the SOW.

Factor 2: Past Performance

The USSS will evaluate past performance based on recency and relevancy for all offerors who receive a “pass” on their technical rating. Offerors must demonstrate a proven track record in successfully completing projects of similar scope, with emphasis on quality of work, adherence to schedules, and compliance with contract requirements.

In the event that an offeror does not have recent and relevant past performance, it will receive a neutral rating instead of a performance risk rating. A neutral rating does not give an advantage or disadvantage to the quoter; however, the Government may, in a technical/price tradeoff, determine that a lower performance risk rating is worth more than a neutral past performance rating. In the event that the Government does not find the quoter-provided past performance to be recent and relevant, the quoter will receive a neutral rating for this factor instead of a performance risk rating.

The Contracting Officer may gather information from offeror-provided references, commercial and federal sources, including CPARS and SAM. Additional outreach, such as reviews of articles and publications, may be conducted to assess performance risk. If negative past performance information is identified, quoters will have an opportunity to comment unless they previously addressed it in CPARS. CPARS records older than five years may also be reviewed.

Factor 3: Price

The Government will evaluate the offeror’s price for reasonableness, realism, and completeness in accordance with the required format prescribed above. Reasonableness will be based on comparison to the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), comparison to other offers, or other price analysis techniques referenced in FAR 15.404-1.

The Total Evaluated Price (TEP) for each offeror will be calculated as follows:

• For each ordering year, the quantity of each item will be multiplied by the proposed unit price for that item.

• The extended prices for all items will be summed to determine the TEP for each ordering year.

• The TEPs for all ordering years will then be added together to determine the overall Total

Evaluated Price.

The Total Evaluated Price is used solely for evaluation purposes. It does not represent a commitment by the Government to purchase any specific quantity, nor does it obligate the

Government to order the estimated or maximum quantities listed in the solicitation. Actual quantities ordered under the resulting contract may vary.

The Government will review unit prices for reasonableness and to ensure that pricing is not unbalanced. The Government reserves the right to reject any offer that is determined to be materially unbalanced.