NO AWARD- Molded Targets, Backer Board and Range Equipment

The State of Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs issued Request for Proposal 260000001607 on March 27, 2026, to procure molded targets, backerboards, and rifle range equipment for Camp Grayling National All-Domain Warfare Center in Grayling, Michigan and Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta, Michigan. The procurement sought full-scale molded polyethylene targets including truck frontals and flanks, armored vehicles, and tanks; silhouette targets in E-type and F-type configurations compatible with Inveris/Caswell and SAAB equipment systems; three-dimensional Ivan targets; range lane markers in multiple sizes; backerboards manufactured from polyfoam molded material in dimensions of 45.5" x 48" x 3.5"; firing barricades; coffin covers; and miscellaneous firing line support equipment. All products must comply with Headquarters Department of the Army TC 25-8 training ranges requirements and function reliably in all-weather conditions. Technical specifications were detailed in multiple exhibits addressing precise drilling requirements, slot dimensions, and clamping connection specifications. The RFP timeline required bidder questions by April 3, 2026, with answers posted by April 7, 2026, and proposals due by 3:00 p.m. Eastern on April 10, 2026. The contract was structured for a five-year initial term through March 31, 2031, with up to three additional one-year renewal periods at the State's discretion, with an anticipated effective date of May 1, 2026. Evaluation criteria included technical compliance scoring, with one bidder, Metalmasters Automated Target Systems, LLC, achieving a perfect score of 100 points for technical requirements.

Although no set-aside designations or specific disadvantaged enterprise restrictions were detailed in the available documentation, the solicitation required compliance with federal affirmative socioeconomic steps for subcontractors and domestic procurement preferences. Contractors were required to maintain general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, provide a toll-free customer service line available 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., ensure on-site technical support within 48 hours of issue scheduling, and deliver products F.O.B. destination with manufacturer warranties passing through to the State. The sole bidder, Metalmasters Automated Target Systems, LLC, proposed pricing of $57.05 per E-Silhouette, $37.73 per F-Silhouette, $176.96 per backerboard for Camp Grayling, and $254.12 per backerboard for Fort Custer. The State issued a no award recommendation on May 8, 2026, based on concerns that the bidder's minimum quantities for silhouettes significantly exceeded annual requirements and backerboard costs were appreciably higher than past purchases. Unsuccessful bidders were eligible to request debriefing sessions with Solicitation Manager Elizabeth Noffsinger.