Questions_and_Answers_for_H92222-17-R-0011.pdf

Questions and Answers for H92222-17-R-0011 SURG As of 13 Feb 17

1. Q: Availability of M855A1/MK318 MOD0 ammunition?

A: Contact Olin Winchester or Major Hauquitz for specific details on how to purchase up to 50,000 rounds per vendor of M855A1. MK318 MOD0 ammunition can be acquired commercially off the shelf from federal cartridge company.

2. Q: Can the height over bore of the 12 o’clock 1913 rail be raised? a. Yes there is no requirement for height of the 1913 rail.

3. How is the 9.0” of Mlok measured? a. Measurement will be from the two extremes of the Mlok slots in the handguard

4. How is the MOA repeatability on the Mlok slots evaluated? a. Laser sight will be mounted to a section of Mlok 1913 rail adapter allowing for the bolts to be tightened without removal of the laser sight. The Mlok 1913 adapter with installed laser sight will be installed on the handguard indexing the rail adapter to the largest side of the slot and then sliding forward until contact with the front edge of the Mlok slot. While holding the laser aiming module in the indexed position tighten the attachment bolts to 30in-lbs. Align the magnified optic to a designated repeatable aiming point. Record the location of the laser. Remove the laser aiming sight from the weapon by removing the rail adapter from the weapon. Reinstall the laser sight using the same process detailed above, in the same location on the handguard. Record the difference in the laser point of aim from the previous installation insuring that scope is aligned on the identical repeatable aiming point previously used.

b. Previous testing at NSWC Crane showed three Mlok equipped handguard manufacturers to be with in this requirement.

5. Details on tool requirement for the rebuildable suppressor. a. The suppressor will be maintained per the manufacturer’s required operators manual. Firing schedule and the frequency of the detail cleaning and field cleaning are outlined in the phase two attachment. In short field clean will be without tools and detail clean will be allowed tools. The depth of field clean and detail clean will be dictated by the manufacturers required operators manual.

6. What is meant by “upper receiver cartridge” with respect to (WRT) requirement of the serial number to be repeated in addition to the required serial number marking on the suppressor.

a. The serial number (as required by the ATF) on the suppressor will be required to be repeated on the exterior of the SURG unit allowing for armory operators to easily inventory weapons.

7. Explain the requirement for 125k on the serialized component of the suppressor? a. An element of the suppressor must last 125k rounds. Not specific portion of the suppressor has been designated as required to meet this, meaning any portion of the suppressor that the ATF agrees represents the suppressor to include the serial number all other portions of the suppressor can be replaced without change in serial number.

8. 3.6.1.c What is the end of life definition for the bolt, suppressor, barrel? a. Defined as a point at which the part sustains material failure. Example; a bolt lug breaks completely off the bolt. This would be a bolt failure.

Example; a crack develops in the bolt next to the lug(s). As long as this crack has not affected another requirement such as reliability then this bolt in reference would not have achieved end of life yet.

9. Explain the reference to the internal components lasting as long as the M4A1 similar or identical parts. a.

The MIL-DTL-71186A, DETAIL SPECIFICATION CARBINE, 5.56 MILLIMETER: M4A1 outlines the parts replacement schedule of the M4A1 referenced the SURG requirement.

10. Question about the LAT data and what the LAT was for both M855A1 and MK318 MOD0. a. The LAT data has been provided through SOCOM contracting. Note that the M855A1 precision requirements have been changed to objective only. MK318 MOD1 (update from previous direction) will be the sole requirement for precision testing.

11. Clarify the barrel life accuracy requirements. a. Between 0 and 10,000 rounds the accuracy requirement will be 1.5 MOA over LAT. Between 10,000 and 15,000 rounds the accuracy requirement will be 3.0 MOA over LAT. To meet the objective of 20,000 rounds the weapon must meet 3.0 MOA over LAT for objective precision.

12. Clarification on the baseline muzzle velocity used during barrel life testing? a. Muzzle velocity will be measured during baseline testing of the vendors submission. During barrel life testing loss of more than 200 fps over the baseline will constitute barrel failure.

13. Clarification on the baseline muzzle velocity used during barrel life testing? Specifically if a vendor uses a bore that will lose more velocity over the lifespan but starts at a higher velocity be negatively affected by the structure of the pspec. a. See answer for question 12.

14. Comparison to MK18 MOD1 for flash suppression testing. How does GOV expect industry to design SURG units without the process? a. Exact details on the process can be found in attachment II under heading Suppression. The equipment used, the process, and data on the performance of the MK18 MOD1 are further detailed in attachment IV. The MK18 MOD1 varies from an M4A1 in that the barrel is 10.3-inch in length with a .0705-inch diameter gas port. The MK18 MOD1 uses ACU material, Suppressor, Contact point a SUREFIRE FMBS-C suppressor (commercial equivalent SOCOM model) mounted on SUREFIRE flash hider (commercial equivalent SF3P-556-1/2-28 model).

15. How will mirage testing be done? a. Performance Specification will be changed to read the following: i.

The SURG equipped M4A1 will be tested for compliance with mirage reduction requirements using the USAF 1951 Resolution Bar Chart. MK18 MOD1 equipped with sound suppressor and magnified day optic will be used to view a USAF 1951 target at 100 yards distant. MK18 MOD1 will be placed in a lead sled allowing secure weapon retention while reading USAF 1951 target. Testing will take place in an indoor controlled testing facility allowing for constant lighting for comparative testing. The MK18 MOD1 will be fired for 50 rounds at a rate of 1 round every 2 seconds. At completion USAF target will be viewed through magnified day optic. The smallest individual bars that can be seen will be recorded. The process will be repeated using the SURG equipped M4A1. Comparison of the target resolution will be used to verify threshold requirement. The process will be repeated three times with two different shooters and the average resolution will be recorded for evaluation of the requirements.

ii. For evaluation of the objective the same test will be performed but with 100 rounds fired in the place of the 50 rounds. All other steps are identical.

16. Details on the contact burn and external rail temperature requirements. a. The maximum external handguard temperature will be 160°F. This will be the external surface of the handguard meaning that if there is a recessed bolt, roll pin, or the like it/they will not be required to be less than 160°F. Additionally this means that the barrel gas block or other features under or seen through the handguard will not be counted against the required 160°F.

b. The maximum contact burn temperature of 160°F will be tested as follows: i. Weapon will be fired per the pspec for 210 rounds in 7 minutes.

ii. Weapon will removed from the firing line after cleared

iii. Peripheral surface of the suppressor or the surface of the portion of the SURG protecting the suppressor will be touched against one layer of ACU material held firmly in a 90° orientation to the suppressor as shown in the diagram below.

Figure 1: Results of 5 seconds of contact with the MK18 MOD1 with SUREFIRE SOCOM II Suppressor.

17. Can the vendor bring their weapons to do a fit check on the Crane precision fixture? a. No, they vendors may not bring weapons of any fashion onto Crane installation. The drawings for the fixture will be provided to detail the fixture allowing recreation of the fixture by industry.

b. MK18 MOD1 with 10.3 and 14.5 inch barrels and suppressors will be on hand to demonstrate the fitment and interfaces with the accuracy fixture.

18. Details on drop testing. a. Drop testing will be done per the TOP 3-2-045A the third drop orientation will be repeated three times. The third orientation is muzzle down. Each drop will be onto ¾-inch plywood backed by concreate pad.

19. How do vendors get ahold of Major Hauquitz if they want to schedule a meeting during shot show? a.

Information will be emailed and/or posted to fedbizops

20. How will LAT testing be done? a. LAT testing was completed using three 11.5-inch mann barrels shot from an accuracy fixture. The barrels fired 3x 10 round groups at 300 yards outdoors. Weather conditions were within the requirements laid out in the performance specification with respect to precision testing.

21. Please explain the requirements for the BFA installation. a. The necessary parts/procedures/kit to utilize blank ammunition in the SURG submittal needs to be capable of installation by operator level maintenance.

This means that the BFA must be capable of being installed by the end user in a field environment with minimal common tools this should not need to be done in the armory.

22. If a suppressor is truly integral with the barrel, is it the Government's intention for vendors to submit a different barrel that allows BFA mounting?

a. See answer to question 20.

23. Source selection dates? a. Source selection for ID/IQ award prior to phase 2 testing will be concluded ~ August 2017.

24. Validation of requirements for phase two or sections not listed in the attachment provided for review?

a. Reference attachment II outlining all phase II verification testing procedures.

25. Award structure? a. The Government may award a single five (5) year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite

Quantity (IDIQ) type contract with Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) or make multiple contract awards resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror(s) conforming to the solicitation.

26. Details on the number of rounds using in ammunition compatibility? a. For details on the number of rounds and the process for ammunition compatibility testing reference attachment II for phase II testing details, section title ammunition compatibility.

27. Details on how the length of the barrel will be measured? a. For reference refer to section 3.4.2 Size and Weight. For demonstration of the measurement method please visit NSWC Crane on the 4th or 5th.

28. 3.4.4.b What percentage of the suppressor has to be rebuildable? a. There is no set percentage; you just have to make sure that the serialized portion can last the life of the SURG system.

29. Is the ISO 9001 certification required to enter a submission for SURG?

a. It is not required, as long as you can pass quality assurance inspections or equivalent quality control standards.

30. 3.5.4.e What do we do about acquiring M855A1 and MK318 MOD 0 ammunition for testing?

a. M855A1 can be purchased through Olin Winchester up to 50,000 rounds. There are specific NDA and paperwork requirements that are needed to be done. Please contact Major Hauquitz for further instruction.

b. MK318 MOD 0 (SOST) can be purchased through Federal without restriction.

31. 3.4.1.b The specification says that the rifle “may include a folding replacement buttstock”, is this a component that the government would rather see included if industry can provide?

a. USSOCOM would like to see a folding buttstock but it is still just an objective, not a threshold requirement.

b. If folding buttstock is included keep in mind that it must fire and function per all required thresholds in both the opened (deployed) and closed (stowed) positions for lifespan of SURG kit without failure.

32. 3.4.3.c Is the M-LOK attachment method required to be on our weapon system?

a. Yes, your weapon has to have MLOK rail section attachments at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions on the forend.

33. 3.4.8.e Does the suppressor have to have a coyote finish?

a. All visible surfaces on the weapon have to be in Color Coyote 498 (20150) not lighter than coyote 481 (20220) Light Coyote in FED-STD-595C.

34. 3.4.8.h Does the government have a preference on the type of coating that is done to produce surfaces lubricious and low friction internal components?

a. No, any coating that passes the requirement is satisfactory.

35. 3.6.1.c Government wants to see 15,000 rounds with no replacement of barrel, bolt, or suppressor?

a. Yes, those three components shall last 15,000 rounds. Additionally SURG bolt components shall outperform current like configuration parts in the M4A1. Example would be that the M4A1 MIL-DTL-71186A Table I, states the bolt rings shall last 1,200 rounds or greater.

36. 3.6.2.c Suppressor should hold point of impact within 0.5 MOA at 300 yards after being removed for cleaning and re-installed?

a. Yes, 0.5 MOA confirmed repeatability.

37. Is there a requirement for suppression retention?

a. Yes, from the P-spec, “SURG suppressor shall not come off or come loose during firing”.

38. Can the government explain what off gas testing is?

a. Off gas testing is the certification that the non-metallic components will not give off a toxic or harmful smoke upon the heating or burning of said non-metallic components. Polymers or non-metallic materials used in the construction of the SURG will be submitted to crane for verification against SS800-AG-MAN- 010/P-9290 Rev. A section “Non-Metallic Material Off-Gas Testing” requirements.

39. 3.6.8.b SURG weapon has to pass thermal testing compared to the MK18 heat signature?

a. SURG should show thermal heat signature less that the MK18 MOD1 signature during firing of 210 rounds in seven(7) minutes of 1 round every 2 seconds +/- 0.2 seconds

40. 3.6.8.c What is the reason for the contact burn requirement?

a. The reasoning is to prevent burns to the operator.

41. What is the schedule for SHOT?

a. Schedule will be emailed

42. Can pictures, video, and notes be taken at industry at Crane?

a. No, due to the nature of the testing location and sensitivity of the programs testing therein pictures and video will not be allowed by the vendors. NSWC Crane will provide photographers to photograph allowed items. CDs/DVDs will be provided to the vendors prior to leaving the facility.

43. Can we fit our weapon into the fixture at industry day?

a. No, MK18 MOD1 10.3” and 14.5” models will be on hand to demonstrate the installation and fitment of the fixture to the weapon in question. Additionally NSWC Crane is currently working to provide manufacturing drawings to the vendors of the new test fixture Crane is currently building for SURG 2.0 testing.

44. If we cannot get all of the ammo like M95AP would our testing with M855A1 be sufficient?

a. If your gun will run with M855A1 then it should be fine with the other ammo types that you cannot get.

b. Your weapon only has to “FIRE SAFELY” with ammunition types, your weapon will not be subjected to endurance firing with any ammo other than MK318 MOD0 or MK318 MOD 1 (threshold) and M855A1 (objective).

45. 3.4.5 Does the government want to see a specific size (smaller or larger) other than what is fielded currently?

a. Per the requirement not specific size charging handle is required. Ergonomics of the weapon system will be evaluated by the operator during the final phase of selection, phase 3.

46. 3.5.1.e What fire control group will be used for testing?

a. Standard M4A1 fire control group

47. 3.6.1.h How will the weapon be held when firing with no should support?

a. The weapon will be held by both hands as if normally firing the weapon but with the stock making no contact with the shoulder in recoil or static.

48. 3.6.4 Can Crane provide LAT data they collected for accuracy requirements?

a. Yes, see below for 300 yard LAT data for both ammunition types and LOT numbers used for SURG precision testing:

LAT MK318 MOD0: 2.36 MOA Extreme Spread, LOT: FC-12K802-002 LAT M855A1: 2.08 MOA Extreme Spread, LOT: LC-12F377-077 LAT MK318 MOD1: LAT testing has not yet been conducted.

49. 3.5.2 Is charging handle part of normal operation? a. Yes

50. 3.6.1.e.1 Can the government specify BFA MRBS to compare to our testing?

a. Due to the variation on the performance of the M200 blanks its hard to provide meaningful MRBS data across the entirety of M200 ammunition lots that we might be forced to test with. Note that the BFA requirement is for phase II testing.

51. 3.4.1.b.3 Can the government define the lifespan of the buttstock?

a. Must last the lifespan of the SURG kit which is 125,000 rounds

52. 3.7.11.a What is the thickness of the plywood that the weapon will be drop tested on?

a. The plywood being used is ¾“ thick.

53. Is the government going to demonstrate the equipment with live firing at industry day?

a. No live firing will be conducted during industry day.

54. What level of technical data needs to be provided for submittal?

a. Enough technical data and drawings and or images to allow manuals to be constructed by NSWC Crane for use DoD wide.

55. 3.6.7.f Does the government know if it possible for a suppressed weapon to have less toxic exposure than a non-suppressed M4A1?

a. Yes, previous testing supports the requirement feasibility.

56. 5.7.6 Will witness paper used for blowback testing be used to measure other places on the weapon besides the ejection port?

a. Yes per the P-spec the weapons will be evaluated from the ejection port (3 o’clock position) to the adjacent side (9 o’clock position). Exact process will be demonstrated at NSWC Crane Industry day 4-5 Jan 2017.

57. 3.4.3.b Can we design the suppressor to be rebuilt only by the manufacturer?

a. No, the suppressor has to be able to be rebuilt at the armorer level.

58. Can government provide pictures of the M4A1 blowback test results?

a. Yes, we will provide those results at industry day.

59. Purchase quantities?

a. The minimum quantity that shall be purchased at time of contract award is 10 each SURG Verification Test Units.

b. The maximum quantity of 68,575 SURG Production units shall be purchased during the ordering period.

60. Define safety hazard?

a. If it causes harm to the operator. Verification of a safety hazard requirement per the P-spec will be done using high speed video of the respective test event. If the video or post-test inspection show that the weapon ejected shrapnel from the weapon system it will not pass safety hazard requirements. Example; if the weapon jettisons the magazine in pieces during testing the weapon will be considered to be unsafe to the operator.

61. Will the government provide industry with equipment to test weapons before submission is due?

a. No

62. What is toxic fume measurement?

a. Toxic fume measurement will be done during phase II testing and the verification testing is outlined in attachment II, PHASE TWO TESTING.

63. Where can we get the TOPs and the testing manual material?

a. The locations to download the TOPs and other reference materials are provided in the front matter of the P-Spec, specifically section 2.1 Government Documents. If the materials referenced are not able to be acquired through the provided sources please contact Ms. Strother requesting the reference material in question and NSWC Crane will provide the material through Ms. Strother.

64. 3.6.6.a Has the dB requirements been updated since the first SURG solicitation?

a. Yes, it has raised from 139 dB to 140 dBA. Details on the requirement and verification for said testing are in attachment I, PERFSPEC.

65. 3.5.4.a Will proof testing be needed for just test samples or for all of the deliverables?

a. Proof testing is required on all SURG units, to include test samples for phases one, two and three along with all deliverables post contract award. Upon award of the ID/IQ contract going into phase II testing the vendor can utilize the ECP process and work with USSOCOM and NSWC Crane to change the minor details to the proof testing to facilitate ease of manufacture of the SURG units.

66. 3.6.2.a The accuracy requirement for SURG is 1.5 MOA over LAT?

a. Yes, during phase I testing the SURG units are required to shoot an average extreme spread of 1.5 MOA over LAT. Details on precision verification can be found in the performance specification.

67. Is there a requirement for POI shift from suppressed to unsuppressed?

a. No, weapon will be 100% suppressed. The only time the weapon is required to be fired unsuppressed is to evaluate the safety to the user is fired without all rebuildable suppressor components installed.

68. 3.6.7 How will you measure felt recoil?

a. Felt recoil will be evaluated in phase 3 and is a subjective user assessment element.

69. 3.7.2 What is the drain time after the weapon is dunked into the water tank? Is there any method to help drain the weapon? a. Drain time verification testing is outlined in detail in attachment II, Phase Two Testing.

70. 3.7.11 What orientation is #3 orientation for the drop test?

a. Number 3 orientation is muzzle down and that is referenced in TOP 3-02-045.

71. What is “true MOA” compared to “MOA”?

a. True MOA refers to MOA, not LAT + 1.5 MOA.

72. 5.4 When looking up figure 7.2 it is not correct?

a. USSOCOM and NSWC Crane are working to answer this question.

73. 5.5.2 What is the red arrow showing in the muzzle erosion gauge image?

a. The drawing is showing that the overall length measurement will be read at the rear most end of the receiver similar to the procedure that is used to measure the barrel erosion per the M4A1 Technical Repair Standard.

74. What if we measure our barrel length from muzzle end of rifling to end of the chamber and not the bolt face?

a. Based on your description your barrel if measured in accordance with (IAW) the P-spec should be longer than the requirement. For additional details on the method it will be demonstrated at Crane Industry Day Jan 4-5 2017.

75. Have any of the requirements changed other than the deliverables?

a. Per USSOCOM contracting personnel no changes other than the deliverables have been made.

76. How will testing be conducted in Phase 2?

a. Phase II testing will be done IAW Attachment II, Phase Two Testing.

77. If we do not attend the industry day can we get information sent to us?

a. Yes, we will send out a back brief to all the vendors after industry day is completed.

78. 3.5.3.d What do you consider field strip for field cleaning?

a. Field strip is defined as the minimum necessary disassembly to clean weapon on an operator’s level for extended field usage.

79. Is there any +/- margin of error in dB ratings? a. Individual sound pressure level readings will be recorded to the highest degree available with the equipment used during testing. The averages will be reported and evaluated to one decimal point. An average value greater than 140.0 will be classified as a failure.

80. 3.6.8.d Are there time requirements for the suppressor to cool down after firing 210 rounds in 7 minutes?

a. No, it will be compared to the MK18 MOD1 (10.3-inch with Surefire Socom suppressor) heat signature over time.

b. Pictures will be taken in the following post firing schedule completion intervals: 5 minutes, 15 minutes, every 15 minutes thereafter until the hottest point on the weapon reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

81. 5.7.5 Will the sound pressure level testing be completed inside or outside?

a. The testing will be done outside with the weapon being a minimum of 50 feet from any reflective surfaces.

Process will be demonstrated at NSWC Crane on Industry Day 4-5 Jan 2017.

82. Can government provide any information on the dunk tank that is being used for water-in-bore testing?

a. Yes, we will provide all the information at industry day.

83. Can government provide a detailed test plan to industry?

a. No, internal testing procedures will be not be published to industry.

84. 3.6.2 Can government please explain how LAT testing is completed?

a. 11.5 MAN barrel, fired at 300 yards, 3 groups of 10 rounds were used to establish the average extreme spread. The average extreme spread for said groups is considered LAT.

85. Does the government test LAT ammo to 10,000 rounds?

a. LAT is done are referenced above as a baseline capability of the ammunition no further testing is done.

86. 3.6.8.d Can the government provide industry with the test data on how well the MK18 does in the heat testing?

a. Data will be shown during SURG Industry Day at Crane 4-5 Jan 2017.

87. 3.7.11 If the safety selector moves from safe position during the drop test do we fail?

a. Per the performance specification if the SURG unit installed on the M4A1 causes the M4A1 lower receiver group to disengage the safety during drop testing this will constitute a failure. Intension of the requirement is to ensure that the SURG equipped M4A1 will pass the same testing that the M4A1 was required to pass to get a safety certification of usage.

88. Will government allow industry to bring our weapons to Crane to test our weapons on government test equipment before submittal?

a. No

89. 3.4.1.b What is considered a permanent modification for the buttstock?

a. Permanent modification of the receiver would be considered anything altering the configuration of the M4A1 Lower Receiver Group (LRG) that upon removal does not put the M4A1 Lower Receiver Group back into the M4A1 LRG configuration per the M4A1 Technical Data Package. Example of a non-conforming modification would be welding or machining the receiver to accept an adapter for a folding buttstock.

Example of a confirming modification would be an adapter threading into the receiver and being staked in place.

90. Why does the government want a rebuildable suppressor? a. The government, specifically USSOCOM “wants” a rebuildable suppressor to alleviate the requirements DoD has in place to satisfy ATF regulations as to the shipment of replacement suppressors to support warfighter sustainment requirements.

91. 3.4.8.h How will the lubricious internals be measured?

a. Verification of lubricious internal requirement will be done concurrently with objective unlubricated testing.

92. 3.5.1 Will the government provide industry with the M4A1 drawings to make sure our SURG submission is compatible with the M4A1 lowers?

a. No, we cannot provide the TDP as it is not the property of the government.

93. 3.5.3.e Will the dimensions of the Modular Airborne Weapons Case (MAWC) be provided to industry to make sure our weapon will fit?

a. No, if it meets length requirements and does not far exceed the width of the standard M4A1 it will fit into the MAWC.

94. 3.5.4 Will the government be providing industry with ammunition for testing?

a. No, you must purchase your own ammunition.

95. Will the ammunition that industry purchases through ammunition companies be rejected ammunition from the government?

a. No. If ammunition is suspect contact Ms. Amy Strother and NSWC Crane can get the LAT data for the ammunition in question.

96. Can industry be provided LAT acceptance documentation from federal to prove that the ammunition being purchased is within spec?

a. See above answer.

97. 3.6.1.e.2 Will the government please explain what is meant by “safely catch a round of M855A1 ammunition”?

a. Safely Catch the round is defined as no allowing any fragments to leave the BFA. Verification of the requirement will be done through high speed video of the testing.

98. Does the Mk18 pass the cook-off test?

a. The M4A1 passes the cook-off testing for threshold requirement.

99. Does government know how tough the requirements are for barrel life, BFA weight, and cook-off testing?

a. Yes. The intension of the SURG program is a large advancement of the assault rifle platform not a minor one.

100. Why some of the requirement based on the M4A1 and others are based on the Mk18?

a. Based on the particular type of testing the decision to use the MK18 MOD1 or the M4A1 was made to best achieve the requirements of the personnel fielded with the weapon systems.

101. What has the government determined average barrel life to be when shooting M855A1 ammunition?

a. Army: 36,000 rounds determined by velocity.

b. Navy: 8-9,000 rounds determined by accuracy.

102. How will the suppressor life be determined?

a. 2 class 3 failures or baffle strikes

b. Failure of the serialized portion of the suppressor to be capable of reaching 125k. This would be determined by a combination of engineering judgment based on previous testing and on evaluation and testing.

c. Sound pressure level average exceeds the requirement for 140 dBA.

103. Does current M4A1/MK18 pass water-in-bore and bullet-in-bore testing?

a. They do not pass water-in-bore testing and therefor have not been tested for bullet in bore capabilities.

104. 3.5.2.c Will the government provide copper compression cylinder for copper compression test?

a. No, government is not furnishing any test equipment.

105. 3.5.2.c Does the current M4A1/Mk18 pass the copper compression test?

a. Yes

106. 3.5.4.b We believe our chamber is better than the STANAG chamber requirements, can we submit our SURG with a chamber that is not STANAG?

a. No, the requirement for the STANAG chamber stands. USSOCOM will not be doing all the testing necessary to certify a new chamber.

107. 3.6.9 Where did the cyclic rate objective requirement come from? a. This objective requirement was based on operator feedback

108. 5.7.6.a What is the government considering the operating group? Is there a definition somewhere to reference for what we consider an operating group? a. The operating group is the portion of the weapon that cycles and chambers a new round of ammunition upon firing of the weapon. An example of this would be the bolt and bolt carrier group or assembly on the M4A1. Based on the requirement not being limited to M4/M16 pattern upper receiver and operating groups the requirement was written using the term operating group.

109. 5.7.6.b How are you coloring the CLP for the blowback testing? a. CLP will be colored by adding in one powdered RED RIT Dye 1-1/8 oz package PN: 83050_E to one gallon of CLP. Dye will be stirred into the CLP and left to absorb into the CLP for 30 minutes minimum. The colored CLP will be thoroughly stirred prior to the commencement of blow back testing.

110. 5.7.6.d What is the distance of the witness panel from the weapon when collecting data for blowback testing? a. This equipment along with the distance will be given to vendors at Crane industry day Jan 4-5 2017.

111. 5.7.5 How is the microphone location being measured for sound suppression readings? a. Reference the P-spec for details on the location of the mic for sound pressure level testing.

112. 5.7.5 what does the MK18 MOD1 register on the sound pressure level testing? a. Left side ten shot average: 137.1dBA, right side average: 142.1dBA.

113. How many manufacturer’s weapons will be in service? a. Multiple ID/IQ contracts will be awarded but only one vendor will be in service. Reference answer 23.a for additional detail.

114. Can government provide industry with the order in which the testing will take place? a. Yes, additional details have been added to attachment 5 outlining the testing order and which weapon will do which testing.

115. Can government expand the accuracy groups to 5 – 10 round groups? a. Yes, The requirement will be changed to quantity of five, ten round groups. The accuracy requirement will be evaluated by the average extreme spread of all five ten round groups.

116. 3.6.2 Will accuracy testing be done indoors? a. Yes, testing will be done inside a climate controlled range at 100 meters for phase one testing and portions of phase two testing.

117. 3.6.6 Confirm the average is going to be peak average? a. Yes

118. 3.6.1.i How many rounds will be fired for the stress test?

a. There is 240 rounds fired per cycle, the threshold requirement for the weapon must complete 6 cycles (1440 rounds) with the objective being 20 cycles (4800).

119. 3.6.1. I Where did the firing schedule for the stress test come from? a. We adopted CAG’s suppressor test and then put procedures to it.

120. If no vendor meets the requirements for the system will the solicitation then be cancelled?

a. Yes, the solicitation will be canceled and re-competed at a later date when technology is capable of meeting the requirements put forth in the Pspec.

121. Would any of the previous SURG submissions pass the new requirements? a. Previous SURG testing will not be discussed

122. Will the BFA will be required in phase 2? a. Yes

123. How do you measure fall out / dead-lining of suppressor parts? a. Depends on the suppressor part.

Baffles and end caps are allowed a set number of baffle strikes per the Pspec during reliability testing. If the suppressor has a removable part that per the manufacturer’s instructions is removed for cleaning and the part fails meaning that it breaks or degrades in some way preventing it from being capable of reassembly.

124. When will government publish LAT data? a. Yes it is included in an above question.

125. Failure to meet just one requirement in phase 1 will result in our weapon failing automatically? a. Yes, fail one requirement and the testing of you weapon is finished

126. 3.6.6 Will the sound suppressor reading equipment be setup at industry day? a. Yes, all of our equipment will be setup at industry day.

127. What ammunition will be used for sound suppression testing? a. Per the Pspec MK318 MOD0 or MK318 MOD1 ammunition will be used.

128. Can government provide the equipment list for the sound suppression testing before industry day? a.

Yes, information will be in an attachment entitled 2016_12_14 Test Equipment PN and Manufacturer List.

129. What are the safety requirements for water-in-bore and bullet-in bore? a. Not pose a threat to the operator if fired with water in bore or bullet in bore. As this is a safety implication the testing event will be filmed using a high speed camera. If the video shows that fragments leave the weapon not to include the bullet(s) leaving the muzzle as intended then weapon will be considered to have failed the respective test.

130. What magazine will be used for catastrophic testing?

a. Magpul Gen3 Magazine PN: MAG557-BLK, NSN: 1005-01-628-5106.

131. 3.6.6 What scale is being used for sound suppression data? a. Peak, dBA scale.

132. 3.6.7.d Will the weapon be fired completely underwater for water-in-bore testing? a. No, the weapon will be raised out of the water and then fired. Demonstration of this process will be done during Crane Industry Day 4-5 Jan 2017.

133. Can government provide the actual MIL SPEC drawings for the lower receiver where it indexes with the upper? a. No the M4A1 lower receiver drawing or a variation just showing the interface will not be provided.

134. Can government provide more information on how to procure M855A1 ammunition? a. Contact Major Hauquitz to get the approval paperwork prior to contacting Olin Winchester.

135. Can government provide MK18 Thermal data? a. Data will be provided to follow this Q&A document.

136. Is a baffle strike considered a weapon failure during durability (stress testing section 3.6.1.i) testing? a.

Class I (Less than 10 seconds) i. Criteria for restarting the stress test will be as follows: no more than three overall class I malfunctions are permitted per iteration else testing will restart. Additionally if more than two of the malfunctions happen back to back (within 1 round of each other) the testing will be restarted.

ii. Testing will not be restarted more than three times.

b. Class II (More than 10 seconds but less than 10 minutes) i. Any malfunction taking longer than 10 seconds but less than ten minutes will be grounds to restart testing.

ii. Testing will not be restarted more than twice.

c. Class III (Failure of a severe nature) i. A class three failure constitutes the failure of the weapon to pass the threshold or objective depending on the respective portion of stress testing being conducted, no restarts will be permitted.

d. Baffle strike is defined as a Class III failure. Further definition from the P-spec is as follows: an impact on baffle or end cap that dimensionally changes the area in which the bullet passes through during normal unimpeded flight.

137. Can government please provide information on the Durable Solid Lubricant (DSL) that Major Hauquitz mentioned during industry day?

a. For contact information on the DSL please contact Major Hauquitz for the respective POC.

138. What is the model of the FLIR camera that the government will be using for testing?

a. All equipment being used for SURG testing will be provided to industry including nomenclature and part numbers.

139. Can government provide information on the red dye that will be used for blowback testing?

a. All equipment being used for SURG testing will be provided to industry including nomenclature and part numbers.

140. What is the specification for the Ozzie Juice cleaning fluid?

a. All equipment being used for SURG testing will be provided to industry including nomenclature and part numbers.

141. What is the manufacturer of the universal receiver used in LAT testing?

a. Testing is done by another entity inside NSWC Crane. As such the information has been requested and we are awaiting a response. Answer to follow on the next Q&A update.

142. Who manufactured the SURG accuracy test fixture?

a. Upon the completion of the drawing package the manufacturer of the SURG accuracy test fixture will be disclosed if NSWC Crane is allowed to do so. Final drawing package is likely to be done in the six weeks depending on the results of the fixture evaluation. Currently confirming with NSWC Crane Legal department if we are allowed to disclose manufacturer.

143. What optics will be used for precision?

a. The SURG precision fixture has yet to be evaluated. While evaluations are being conducted, Crane will determine which optic works best for the SURG fixture and then that information will be provided to industry.

144. What optic mount will be used for precision?

b. The SURG precision fixture has yet to be evaluated. While evaluations are being conducted, Crane will determine which optic mount works best for the SURG fixture and then that information will be provided to industry.

145. What is the mounting procedure and torque specifications for accuracy fixture?

a. The SURG precision fixture has yet to be evaluated. While evaluations are being conducted, Crane will determine the mounting procedures and torque specifications for the SURG fixture and then that information will be provided to industry.

146. What safety criteria does the government use for potential damage or injury? a. The government holds standards for potential damage and or injury that are not to the extent of the requirements for SURG. That being said the safety criteria used with respect to potential damage or injury of an operator or nearby personnel in SURG evaluation will be any solid particulate (shrapnel) leaving the weapon other than the projectile(s) caught on high speed videography at 20,000 frames per second. The weapon will be filmed perpendicular to the major axis of the bore. Clear identification of any solid particulate (shrapnel) leaving the weapon other than the projectile(s) will constitute failure.

147. Can instructions be provided on how government plans on mounting MK18 in the new SURG accuracy fixture?

a. The SURG precision fixture has yet to be evaluated. While evaluations are being conducted, Crane will determine the mounting procedures for the MK18 and then that information will be provided to industry.

Industry will be allowed to provide mounting instructions to NSWC Crane with SURG submissions.

148. Will muzzle velocity be checked in the SURG accuracy fixture our out of the fixture?

a. Muzzle velocity will be recorded while weapon is mounted in the SURG accuracy fixture.

149. How will the SURG accuracy fixture be aimed for testing?

a. The SURG precision fixture has yet to be evaluated. While evaluations are being conducted, Crane will determine the best way to aim the MK18 and then the procedure will be provided to industry

150. Will there be a camera or a human aiming the SURG accuracy fixture for testing?

a. The SURG precision fixture has yet to be evaluated. While evaluations are being conducted, Crane will determine the best way to aim the MK18 and then that information will be provided to industry. At this time Crane is looking into a remotely mounted camera on the optic.

151. Can government provide video of water-in-bore testing for MK18? a. Per Major Hauquitz, Crane will not be testing (destroying) a MK18. Common failure point per field reports are ruptured gas tubes in both M4/M16/MK18 weapon variants. The intension of the requirement is to select a weapon that does not fail when water in bore testing is done.

152. Could the government place a stricter window on time to fire after dunk tank?

a. The window of time that was demonstrated at industry day will be the time allotted for the SURG submission to fire after being submerged for water-in-bore testing. Weapon will be raised from the water and upon coming to rest will be fired in three seconds. To ensure a fair and unbiased comparison the timing to fire the weapon will be done the same for each vendor to ensure the closest degree of equivalence.

153. Can government provide filtering information for software and microphones related to the sound suppression system? a. All equipment being used for SURG testing will be provided to industry including software and settings. If something is missing in the information provided please provide the type of information/process missing for adjudication. 154. How often is the weapon cleaned during the unlubricated testing portion?

a. The weapon will be detail cleaned prior to the commencement of Un-lubricated testing. No cleaning will be done during unlubricated testing.

155. What is the dampening / spring rate of the reset springs on the SURG accuracy fixture?

a. Details will be provided upon the completion of the final manufacturing drawings detailing the exact model of damper used and the specifications thereof.

156. Will the government be checking point of aim after each shot during fixture fired precision?

a. Yes.

157. Can government provide the information of the paper that will be used for blowback testing?

a. All equipment and materials being used for SURG testing will be provided to industry including nomenclature and part numbers.

158. Can the government provide the distance from paper to center of bore for blowback testing?

a. Answers to follow Q&A document.

159. Can government provide photographs of MK18 contact burn at 1 second?

a. Government cannot provide that data. Contact burn testing with the MK18 has only been done at a 5 seconds of contact time.

160. Does the new “DSL” Army lubricant meet the specifications for SURG?

a. Crane has not completed any testing on this coating. Coating was mentioned as a purely information statement to make industry aware that it exists.

161. Can government provide any accelerometer data for MK18 on SURG accuracy fixture?

a. No.

162. What is the reasoning for orientating the sound microphones in the upward position instead of toward the muzzle of the weapon?

a. Microphone orientation will be based on the specifications or instructions of the microphone manufacturer (reference question 165 for update). The demonstration was done to show the shooters ear position. The distances specified will be to the protection grid on the end of the microphone.

163. Could LAT testing be done with the new accuracy base?

a. No, existing LAT testing will be used for LAT plus requirements for M855A1 and MK318 MOD0 ammunition, new LAT will be done on MK318 MOD1 using the identical setup for previously completed MK318 MOD0 and

M855A1 LAT.

164. What is the sampling rate for Sound Pressure level measurement? a. With the new equipment purchased for use on SURG 2.0 testing the 3050-A-040 Input module will support 51.2K hertz for an effective sampling rate of 131,070 samples per second. NSWC Crane will utilize the greatest sampling rate supported by the equipment to record with the highest fidelity the peak sound pressure level capable by the vendor's submission.

165. Orientation of the microphones during sound pressure level testing? a. The new microphones purchased for use on SURG 2.0 testing (4944A Delta Tron Pressure Field .25" Mic, 1.00V/Pa) mics are pressure field type mics and are designed to be pointed directly at the sound source. Based on the weapon platform and for consistency across each vendor the mics will be pointed at the muzzle of the weapon during any sound pressure level measurements. Please note that this was incorrectly demonstrated at SURG industry day at NSWC Crane. The microphone should have been aimed at the muzzle of the MK18 MOD1 used for demonstration

166. What is the sampling rate for Sound Pressure level measurement?

a. With the new equipment purchased for use on SURG 2.0 testing the 3050-A-040 Input module will support 51.2K hertz for an effective sampling rate of 131,070 samples per second. NSWC Crane will utilize the greatest sampling rate supported by the equipment to record with the highest fidelity the peak sound pressure level capable by the vendor's submission.

167. Orientation of the microphones during sound pressure level testing?

a. The new microphones purchased for use on SURG 2.0 testing (4944A Delta Tron Pressure Field .25" Mic, 1.00V/Pa) mics are pressure field type mics and are designed to be pointed directly at the sound source. Based on the weapon platform and for consistency across each vendor the mics will be pointed at the muzzle of the weapon during any sound pressure level measurements. Please note that this was incorrectly demonstrated at SURG industry day at NSWC Crane. The microphone should have been aimed at the muzzle of the MK18 MOD1 used for demonstration.