Scope of Work (SOW) MK38 Covers.docx

PR #:

SCOPE OF WORK

SCOPE OF WORK (SOW)

FOR

Acquisition of Prototype Protective Cover for MK38 MOD 2/3 Machine Gun System

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 BACKGROUND

The MK38 MOD 2/3 Machine Gun System (MGS) is a critical component of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Fleet. The long-term preservation and operational readiness of this weapon system are of paramount importance to the USCG.

Current protective covers available to the fleet are oversized, encompassing the entire gun mount. This design has proven to be cumbersome and inefficient. Past experience has shown that the large, non-fitted nature of these covers traps moisture, leading to increased corrosion on the weapon system's components. Additionally, the use of these full covers during heavy weather conditions has caused significant damage to gun mount components due to increased wave loads. This has resulted in a higher maintenance burden, increased life-cycle costs, and a potential reduction in overall mission readiness.

To address these deficiencies, the USCG has identified an operational need for a new, form-fitting protective cover. This project is being pursued to develop a lightweight, low-profile cover that protects only the essential upper components of the MGS. The goal is to mitigate the corrosion issues caused by the current covers, reduce the physical footprint, and ensure the weapon system can be deployed more rapidly while still being adequately protected from the elements. This effort directly supports the USCG's objective of enhancing equipment service life and ensuring maximum operational availability across the fleet.

1.2 SCOPE

This Scope of Work (SOW) covers the design, development, and fabrication of a prototype protective cover system for the MK38 MOD 2/3 MGS. This system is comprised of three distinct covers that protect the main gun assembly, the Electro-Optical Sight (EOS), and the optional MK52 7.62mm Coax Machine Gun. The scope of this effort is limited to creating a lightweight, waterproof cover system where the final delivered products must meet all standards prescribed in this SOW.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

The Contractor shall design, develop, test, and fabricate a prototype protective cover system for the MK38 MOD 2/3 Machine Gun System (MGS). The objective of this effort is to produce a validated design that protects the primary weapon system components from environmental factors while maintaining operational readiness and minimizing added weight. The validated prototype design will serve as the definitive pattern for future production. Upon Government acceptance of the final prototype, the Contractor shall produce and deliver a total of ten (10) fully functional protective cover systems.

These units will be used by the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct comprehensive fleetwide testing and evaluation.

2.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

2.1 Task 1: Project Management

2.1.1 The Contractor shall develop and maintain a Project Management Plan that outlines the approach to managing all tasks, schedules, and deliverables required by this Scope of Work.

2.2 Task 2: Design and Engineering

2.2.1 The Contractor shall design a modular protective cover system for the MK38 MOD 2/3 Machine Gun System (MGS).

2.2.2 The Contractor shall design the system to include three distinct, separable covers for the following components:

receiver.

2.2.2.2 The Electro-Optical Sight (EOS). This cover shall fully enclose the complete EOS unit, the Decoupling Unit, and the Decoupling Unit Bracket.

2.2.2.3 The MK52 7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun (Coax MG). This cover shall fully enclose the MK52, including its barrel.

2.2.3 The Contractor shall design these three covers to be physically independent and they shall not have any integrated means of connecting to one another (e.g., zippers, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners).

2.2.4 The Contractor shall design the cover for the main gun assembly with a rear closure mechanism.

2.2.5 The Contractor shall design the main gun assembly cover to allow for installation and removal on MGS configurations both with and without the Coax MG installed.

2.2.6 The Contractor shall design the securing mechanism for the EOS cover to be robust enough to prevent accidental removal due to high winds or other adverse weather conditions.

2.2.7 The Contractor shall design the Coax MG cover to be secured underneath the gun system's existing Weather Cover.

2.2.8 The Contractor shall design the storage bag with the following requirements:

2.2.8.1 The bag shall be constructed from a breathable mesh material to prevent moisture retention.

2.2.8.2 The bag shall feature a heavy-duty zipper closure.

2.2.8.3 The bag shall include both reinforced carrying handles.

2.2.8.4 The bag shall be capable of simultaneously storing the complete three-piece protective cover system (main gun, EOS, and Coax MG).

2.2.9 The Contractor shall incorporate drainage features into the design of all three covers to prevent the accumulation of water.

2.2.10 The Contractor shall utilize heavy-duty hook and loop fasteners, straps, and buckles as the primary means of securing each individual cover.

2.2.11 The Contractor shall ensure the design does not enclose the lower gun mount (Lower Pedestal Assembly) to include main gun ammunition feeds and Skirt Access Doors.

2.2.12 The Contractor shall design the main gun cover to prevent physical interference with the full range of motion of the MGS in both train and elevation.

2.2.13 The Contractor shall establish a part numbering system for all deliverable items to facilitate Government procurement. This system shall include:

2.2.13.1 A unique part number for each of the four individual components:

a) Main Gun Assembly Cover

b) Electro-Optical Sight (EOS) Cover

2.2.13.2 A top-level "Kit" part number for MGS configurations with the Coax MG. This kit shall contain the three covers (Main Gun, EOS, and Coax MG) and the storage bag.

2.2.13.3 A top-level "Kit" part number for MGS configurations without the Coax MG. This kit shall contain the two covers (Main Gun and EOS) and the storage bag.

2.2.14 The purpose of this part numbering structure is to allow the Government to procure components in three distinct ways: as a complete kit for systems with a coaxial gun, as a partial kit for systems without a coaxial gun, or as individual components for replacement as required.

2.3 Task 3: Material Performance and Characteristics

2.3.1 The Contractor shall fabricate the covers using materials that are tested in accordance with and meet or exceed the following performance standards:

2.3.2 The Contractor shall use securing straps with a minimum tensile strength of 1200 lbs.

2.3.3 The Contractor shall use buckles with a minimum breaking strength of 300 lbs.

2.3.4 The Contractor shall use hook-and-loop fasteners that meet or exceed the performance requirements of Commercial Item Description (CID) A-A-55126, Type I, Class 1.

2.4 Task 4: Deliverables

2.4.1 The Contractor shall provide a storage bag for the protective cover system.

2.4.2 The Contractor shall provide a 24-month warranty on all delivered items, covering defects in materials and workmanship, commencing upon Government acceptance.

2.4.3 The Contractor shall deliver one (1) Form-Fit Prototype system. This prototype system shall consist of the complete set of all three (3) protective covers (main gun, EOS, and Coax MG). The purpose of this deliverable is for Government evaluation of fit, form, and installation/removal.

2.4.3.1 This Form-Fit Prototype is not required to be constructed from the final materials specified in Section 2.3 of this SOW.

2.4.3.2 The Contractor shall deliver the Form-Fit Prototype to a U.S. Coast Guard facility designated by the Government after contract award.

2.4.3.3 The Contractor shall be responsible for all shipping costs associated with delivering the Form-Fit Prototype to the Government facility and for all costs associated with its return to the Contractor's facility after the evaluation is complete.

2.4.4 Following Government approval of the Form-Fit Prototype system's design, the Contractor shall deliver one (1) Final Prototype system. This system shall consist of the complete set of all three (3) protective covers (main gun, EOS, and Coax MG), be fully functional, and be constructed from the final materials as specified in Section 2.3. This unit will be used for final Government testing and acceptance.

2.4.5 Upon Government acceptance of the Final Prototype system, the Contractor shall deliver a total of ten (10) production units, configured as follows:

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

3.1 Government Furnished Information (GFI)

The Contractor may submit written requests to the Government for limited Government Furnished Information (GFI), such as dimensional drawings and technical data relevant to the components to be covered. The Government, at its sole discretion, may provide available information if it is deemed to be in the Government's best interest to do so. However, any information provided is for reference purposes only. The Contractor remains solely responsible for validating all measurements and ensuring the final products meet all requirements of this Statement of Work.

3.2 Government Furnished Equipment (GFE)

The Government will not provide any Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), such as physical weapon systems or components, for the purpose of this contract.

3.3 Access to Government Facilities

Access to Government facilities for activities such as on-site measurement is not guaranteed. The Contractor may submit a formal request for access, which the Government will consider. The approval or denial of such a request will be at the Government's sole discretion based on operational schedules, security requirements, and a determination of the Government's best interest.

4.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Contractor shall furnish all facilities, materials, equipment and services necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract, except for the Government Furnished Resources specified in SOW 2.0 and SOW 3.0.

5.0 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

5.1 Form-Fit Prototype Acceptance

Government acceptance of the Form-Fit Prototype, as referenced in SOW Section 2.4.3, will be formally granted only after the Government has verified that the prototype successfully meets all of the following criteria. The Government will perform its evaluation using an actual MK38 MOD 2/3 MGS at a designated facility.

5.1.1 Documentation and Completeness

5.1.1.1 The Contractor shall deliver all three distinct covers (main gun, EOS, and Coax MG) and the storage bag as a complete system.

5.1.1.2 All components shall be visually inspected and free from obvious manufacturing defects.

5.1.2 Physical Fit and Coverage

5.1.2.1 Each individual cover shall fit its intended component (main gun assembly, EOS, or Coax MG) without excessive tightness or looseness.

5.1.2.2 The prototype shall provide full and complete coverage for all surfaces it is designed to protect.

5.1.2.3 The prototype shall not physically interfere with any part of the weapon system or its mount that it is not intended to cover.

5.1.2.4 The drainage features incorporated into the design shall be visibly present and appropriately located to prevent water accumulation.

5.1.3 Installation and Removal (Human Factors)

5.1.3.1 The entire three-piece cover system shall be capable of being installed by a single individual in under five (5) minutes without the use of special tools.

5.1.3.2 The entire three-piece cover system shall be capable of being removed by a single individual in under two (2) minutes without the use of special tools.

5.1.3.3 The main gun assembly cover shall be successfully installed and removed on configurations both with and without the MK52 Coax MG present, demonstrating the design's modularity.

5.1.4 Securing Mechanisms

5.1.4.1 All straps, buckles, and hook-and-loop fasteners shall align correctly and be fully functional.

5.1.4.2 When fully secured, the covers shall remain firmly in place and not shift or sag.

6.0 GOVERNMENT ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

6.1 General Process

The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will be responsible for the review and acceptance of all deliverables. The COR has the right to reject or require correction of any deficiencies found in a deliverable that are contrary to the requirements of this Statement of Work.

6.2 Notice of Acceptance or Rejection

The COR will provide the Contractor with formal written notice (e.g., via e-mail) of either acceptance or rejection for each deliverable. In the event of rejection, the Government's notice will provide a detailed list of the specific criteria that were not met.

6.3 Correction of Deficiencies

Upon receipt of a rejection notice, the Contractor shall be responsible for correcting all identified deficiencies and resubmitting the deliverable at its own expense.

6.4 Timelines for Review and Correction

6.4.1 Unless otherwise specified in the Deliverables table (Section 8.0), the following general timelines shall apply:

6.4.2 Specific review and correction timelines for individual deliverables, if different from the general timelines above, shall be explicitly stated in the Deliverables table (Section 8.0).

6.5 Final Approval

A deliverable is not considered complete or accepted until the Contractor receives formal written notice of acceptance from the COR. Government acceptance of a given deliverable grants the Contractor approval to proceed to the next dependent task or deliverable as outlined in the approved Project Plan.

7.0 DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall consider items in BOLD as having mandatory due dates. Items in italics are deliverables or events that must be reviewed and/or approved by the COR prior to proceeding to next deliverable or event in this SOW.

DISTRIBUTION

LAST UPDATED: 04/01/2026 PAGE 1/17