Instruction to Offerors - 70US0926R70093557_.pdf

9mm Pistol Caliber Carbine Rifle and Accessories

Solicitation #: 70US0926R70093557

Attachment # 1

INSTRUCTION TO OFFERORS

The United States Secret Service (USSS) intends to award a single award IDIQ with a 5-year ordering period to the contractor 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.

This is a best value/trade-off evaluation in accordance with FAR 13.106-2 Evaluation of Offers.

To be eligible for award, the offeror must be deemed responsible in accordance with FAR 9.1, meet all requirements of the solicitation, and conform to all required terms and conditions.

The award will be made based on Best Value Tradeoff, which permits tradeoffs among price and non-price factors. All factors are listed in descending order of importance. The non-price factors, when combined, are significantly more important than Price. Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer represents the best value to the Government.

Basis for Award

Award will be made to the offeror with the sample that presents the best value to the

Government, utilizing trade-offs, with appropriate consideration given to Phase III factors:

10,000 round barrel life, accuracy, malfunctions, and price. All factors, other than price, when combined are more important than price. Offerors are cautioned that award may not necessarily be made to the lowest priced offeror or the highest rated submission.

Best value is defined as the offer that results in the most advantageous acquisition decision for the

Government as determined by an integrated assessment and trade-off analysis among non-price and price factors. The proposals received under this Request for Proposal (RFP) will be evaluated in accordance with the instructions contained in the Government’s Source Selection Plan.

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.

1. EVALUATION FACTORS & METHODOLOGY

The following procedures will be followed for testing the samples submitted in response to the subject Request for Proposal (RFP). The evaluation of samples submitted in response to this RFP will be conducted in a three phased approach. At the end of each phase, unsatisfactory submissions will be eliminated from further consideration. Phases II and III will use a comparative evaluation of offers to determine the most advantageous offer to the Government.

FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

Phase I

1. Technical Volume Review (Pass/Fail)

The offeror(s) technical volume will be inspected for compliance with the Instructions to offeror(s) and Statement of Work. The following will be reviewed for completeness and compliance:

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

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

c. Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule, Operator Manual, and Armorer Manual: The offeror(s) shall 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.

d. 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)

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

f. 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.

g. Accessories/a la cart Parts List: The offeror(s) shall submit a manufacturers list of compatible parts for the models submitted.

2. 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.

a. Weight: All samples submitted will be weighed using an Ohaus Model I10 electronic scale, in increments of no less than one• quarter (.25) pounds to verify compliance.

b. 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.

c. Length: Overall length will be recorded fully extended and fully collapsed. If folding stock present, measurement will be taken in the unfolded position.

d. Sound Suppressor: Testing will be conducted in open air, on an outdoor non-baffled range. The Larson Davis LxT1 microphone will be placed at user’s ear in accordance with SAAMI Z299.6-2025. Baseline (bare muzzle) will be compared with sound suppressor results. 15 decibel reduction is the minimum requirement.

3. 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.

At the conclusion of the Trigger Test, the five (5) samples will be randomly assigned to a grouping by the Government. The groupings and remaining test areas are as follows:

1 sample – Exemplar (will not be used for further testing)

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 for Exemplar

4. Velocity Test (Sample Set A)

Ten (10) rounds will be fired through each of the samples. The ammunition used for velocity testing will be Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P, 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.

5. Accuracy Test (Sample Set A) – (Ranked)

All samples in Set A will be tested for the initial accuracy at one hundred (100) and fifty (50) 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

(PCC rifle) and at fifty (50) yards by shooting three (3), five (5) shot groups (PDW).

The ammunition used for accuracy testing will Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P.

The average extreme spread of the three (3), five (5) shot groups shall not exceed 4 minutes-of-angle (MOA)/inches using “max MOA size”. Offerors will be rated based on the total average group size.

a. 0-2.0MOA 10pts.

b. 2.01-2.50MOA 8pts.

c. 2.51-3.0MOA 6pts.

d. 3.01-3.5MOA 4pts.

e. 3.51-4.00MOA 2pts.

PCC Rifle and PDW upper receiver accuracy will be rated independently.

6. 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:

a. Barrel vertical, muzzle down

b. Barrel vertical, muzzle up

c. Barrel horizontal, bottom up

d. Barrel horizontal, bottom down

e. Barrel horizontal, left side up

f. 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 place 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). Submissions will be ranked on a 0–5-point durability scale.

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

7. 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.

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

The firearms of Set A will be assessed by the USSS Armorer to assess 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:

i. Ease of Disassembly/Assembly of Major Components,

ii. Ease of Disassembly/Assembly of Minor Components,

iii. Ease of Preventative Maintenance Procedures and Servicing,

iv. Overall Fit & Finish of Components.

Each area will be given a rating of Exceptional, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. The following are the definitions of the ratings:

• 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

At the conclusion of all the above testing areas, only models that received a score of Pass on all scorable sections will move forward to Phase II, End User Evaluations.

Phase II

In Phase II, the firearms from Set A will be evaluated by USSS end users. The following factors will be evaluated in Phase II

1. Ease of Use

2. Comfort

3. Mission Compatibility

Factors 1 and 2 are of equal importance; Factor 3 is of more importance. When Factors 1 and 2 are combined, they equal to Factor 3. User evaluation sheets will be used to assess each users’ experience. Subjective ratings will be assigned to each category.

Part A: End user Live Fire Assessment (Sample Set A)

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 following and will be supplied by USSS:

- Speer Gold Dot 124+P

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

This evaluation shall be conducted with the following utilizing the following accessories:

• Magazine

• Aimpoint T-2 with mount

• Streamlight TLR RM2 flashlight

At the conclusion of Phase II Testing, an overall ranking of all models in Set A will be made based on the scores received in each user assessment. At this time, a Price Analysis and Past

Performance assessment will also be conducted and will be included in the overall ranking of the

Phase II results. Part A assessments are rated significantly higher than Price. The top three ranked models at the conclusion of Phase II testing will continue to Phase III, Reliability and

Endurance Testing.

The government retains the option to endurance test the PDW variant. Unless we exercise that option, the PDW will go through Phases 1 and 2 only.

Note: End user live firing will constitute the first 300 rounds of Phase III endurance testing.

Phase III

Sample Set A for the top three (3) ranked models from Phase II will be utilized for Phase III testing.

1. 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.

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

- Accuracy does not exceed 4 (four) minute-of-angle (MOA)

- Velocity decreases no more than 175 feet per second (fps) (in accordance with USSS velocity testing procedures).

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 one hundred fifty (150) rounds over five (5) minutes.

After one hundred (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 manufacturer 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 schedule will be conducted at the frequency at intervals defined by 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.

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 SAMMI 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 rests will be recorded.

Accuracy testing will be conducted at a minimum 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 PHASE III 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 Phase III 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:

- Speer Gold Dot 124+P (80%)

- 70-100gr lead free (10%)

- 124gr FMJ (10%)

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 Phase III 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 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:

1. Shooters will verify that magazines are properly loaded before insertion into the magazine well.

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

3. Excessive force will not be used to seat magazines.

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

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

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

2. Trigger Test – Phase III (Sample Set A)

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

Testing. When doing so, ALL Phase III 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 3.0 pounds, or more than 5.0 pounds, is measured it will be recorded.

The trigger pull will be measured by a Dvorak Trigger Scan System in increments of no less than one quarter (.25) pounds. The average of three (3) trigger pulls per sample will be used to verify compliance.

3. Velocity Testing – Phase III (Sample Set A)

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

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

Velocity testing will be repeated, at minimum, 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 (identified in Phase I), that model will be disqualified from further testing.

10 rounds will be fired through each of the three (3) samples. The ammunition used for velocity testing will be Speer Gold Dot 124gr+P 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.

4. Accuracy Testing – Phase III (Sample Set A)

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

When doing so, ALL Phase III 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 greater than 4.0 MOA accuracy 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 (rifle) and fifty (50) yards

(PDW) utilizing a Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30x50scope 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 Speer Gold Dot 124gr+P 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

During R&E, user maintenance will be continuously re-assessed on the following: ease of disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly.

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

FACTOR 2: PRICING

Each Offeror's price proposal will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness in accordance with FAR 15.404-1 but not rated. The analytical techniques and procedures described in this subsection may be used, singly or in combination with others, to ensure that the final price is fair and reasonable. The complexity and circumstances of each acquisition should determine the level of detail of the analysis required. The price for all ordering periods will be added together to calculate a Total Evaluated Price by which the Offeror will be evaluated.

The offeror shall submit a cost proposal based on the table below:

Description Quantity Unit Price Annually Price

Complete Pistol

Caliber Carbine

(PCC) w/ supressor

Complete Pistol

Caliber Carbine

(PCC) - PDW w/ supressor

Standard PCC Upper

Receiver Assembly

PDW - PCC Upper

Reciever Assembly

Handguard Assembly 200

Bolt Carrier Group

Assembly

Suppressor 201

Trigger Group

Assembly

Lower Receiver

Assembly

Preventative

Maintenance Parts

2. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

All delivery orders shall be shipped to the following address in accordance with USSS agency delivery procedures. These procedures will be indicated at the time of each delivery order, as procedures may change over time.

USSS/RTC

Attn: Kummer/MS-8192

245 Murray Lane SW

Washington, DC 20223

All deliveries are 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.

2.1 Sample Sizes.

2.1.1 Proposal Submission: The sample size for initial proposal submission for

USSS evaluation, shall be:

• Five (5) PCC firearms,

• Five (5) PDW upper receivers,

• Each firearm shall be equipped with ten (10) magazines. All ten (10) magazines shall be GLOCK 17-rd Magazines (OEM Part #39328).

2.1.2 First Article Test (FAT): The sample size for any FAT submittal, following contract award, shall be three (3) firearms and five (5) magazines per firearm variant.

See ‘First Article Test Criteria’ for additional guidance on terms and conditions on First Article Testing post-award.

2.1.3 First Article Test (FAT) Criteria The specifications described in this

Statement of Work will serve as the FAT and will be verified for First Article samples received following contract award.

All FAT samples must meet the requirements set forth in the official solicitation and exhibit performance that is comparable to what was demonstrated during solicitation testing for all requirements during FAT. The

Government reserves the right to decrease the amount of testing it performs under the FAT protocols. All samples submitted pursuant to FAT will become property of the USSS upon receipt and will not be returned.

The Government may invoke its right to require the Contractor to conduct additional FAT post-award for the following conditions:

2.1.3.1 First fifteen (15) production samples after solicitation.

2.1.3.2 Design change of the firearm or components.

2.1.3.3 Design change of manufacturer's production process and/or equipment.

2.1.3.4 Relocation of manufacturer's production facility.

2.1.3.5 Major firearm quality defects, recalls, and/or any other substandard performance issues.

2.1.3.6 A complete production lapse (all variants) of six (6) months or more of the contracted firearm

2.1.3.7 Manufacturer changes supplier of critical components (receiver, barrel, recoil system, and internal mechanism parts that affect firing or cycle of operation).

The Government will be responsible for conducting a FAT if it is invoked for condition "a". The Contractor shall be responsible (under Government supervision) for conducting the FAT for all other conditions and shall be responsible for all associated expenses to include testing, shipping costs, administrative/processing costs, and any other expenses associated with FAT and/or firearm quality issues.

2.2 Quality Management System (QMS).

2.2.1 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.

2.3 Documentation

2.3.1 The contractor shall provide documentation, written in English, regarding factory recommended maintenance procedures for the expected service life of the firearms (at both the operator and armorer level). The documentation shall be provided in the form of a well-organized presentation document specifically addressing the firearms being delivered under this contract. This presentation shall be provided at a minimum of two (2) printed copies.

2.3.2 The contractor shall prepare and supply an inventory of spare parts based on the initial first year's purchase of firearm and any other parts as recommended by the manufacturer and the government.

The contractor shall supply all the spare parts necessary to perform preventive maintenance to 10,000 rounds (per firearm). The spare parts shall be delivered with the shipment of the firearms for evaluation.

2.4 Tools.

2.4.1 The Contractor shall supply one (1) set of any/all proprietary or unique tools required to service the firearm. This includes but may not be limited to gauges, jigs, barrel wrenches, vice jaws, factory headspace gauges, etc.

required by the manufacturer to interface with proprietary parts during armorer level maintenance.

3. PROPOSALS DUE DATE

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

Theresa.Williams@usss.dhs.gov no later than 4:00pm EST, January 21, 2026.

Proposals shall be sent to the Contract Specialist, Theresa Williams at

Theresa.Williams@usss.dhs.gov no later than 4:00pm EST, February 27, 2026.

mailto:Theresa.Williams@usss.dhs.gov mailto:Theresa.Williams@usss.dhs.gov