M4 Rifle and Parts (5. 56x45mm NATO)

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a civilian agency under the Department of Homeland Security, published this Special Notice on February 2, 2026, regarding the procurement of M4 rifles and related parts chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. This notice serves to provide clarifications and answers to vendor questions that were submitted during the earlier Sources Sought Notice 20154948. The Special Notice includes a detailed Q&A document titled "Rifle Draft RFI Responses" that addresses 19 vendor inquiries concerning technical specifications, design flexibility, testing protocols, and procurement terms. The opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses and falls under NAICS code 332994 (Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing). The procurement is administered by CBP's Law Enforcement Safety and Compliance Directorate (LESC).

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to clarify the Statement of Work (SOW) requirements and provide flexibility in areas where vendors have raised concerns about specification ambiguities or potential design alternatives. Interested contractors must submit responses by February 15, 2026, and must meet all technical specifications outlined in the SOW, which will be updated to correct identified contradictions and clarifications. Key points for vendors include acceptance of equivalent products meeting or exceeding specifications, flexibility in barrel profiles and sling insert placement, and the clarification that CBP will bear testing costs at its Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, while vendors are responsible for pre-solicitation testing expenses. Contract quantities are indefinite and will be determined through individual Delivery Orders, and warranty coverage commences upon government receipt of products. Only small business entities are eligible to participate in this total small business set-aside procurement.