Primary Arms

US Secret Service Issues Pre-solicitation For New Carbine

This week, the Department of Homeland Security’s United States Secret Service issued a pre-solicitation for a new rifle in 5.56x45mm. There are no set asides and they anticipate an open bid process with a contract award for a five year IDIQ.

The United States Secret Service has a requirement for 5.56 x 45mm rifle, equipped with full- and semi-automatic firing capability. USSS seeks to establish a single-award Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle for a period of five (5) years. The Draft Statement of Requirements is attached as reference for potential offerors and is subject to change at the time of solicitation posting. This Presolicitation notice is associated with a Request for Information notice posted March 11, 2016. The anticipated award will be made in Fiscal Year 2018.

The weapon itself is pretty straight forward. They want an ambidextrous carbine. Interestingly, they will only accept Magpul PMAGs as magazines. Additionally, testing will be conducted while wearing Mechanix Wear Vent gloves.

According to the notice:
The weapon shall be operable, without modification or alteration, by a right or left-handed user, firing with the right or left hand, depending on handedness.

All external metal parts of the weapon shall have a dark subdued, rust/corrosion resistant finish. The finish shall be unaffected by commercially available gun cleaning solvents, such as Simple Green, used in heated ultrasonic cleaning tanks. Flaking, peeling, blotching, etc. of the finish is unacceptable.

The weapon shall be chambered in accordance with current U.S. Military specifications for 5.56 x 45mm, and function with assorted ammunition ranging in weight from 55 to 77 grains (to include all common SAAMI-spec and Mil-Spec ammunition) as well as frangible ammunition.

Dimensional Requirements:
Height (no taller than, sights folded, w/o accessories or magazine) 8.5 inches
Weight (no heavier than, w/o accessories) 7.5 pounds
O/A Length (no longer than, w/stock fully extended) 34 inches
Barrel length (min – max) 10-12 inches
Rifling (5.56) 1 turn 7” inch twist RH

Operating System.
The weapon shall utilize a direct-impingement gas-operated system or a short- stroke gas piston system.

Barrel.
The barrel shall have a minimum service life of 15,000 rounds.
Barrel service life is defined as a not exceeding 5 Minutes-of-Angle (MOA) and exhibiting no more than 125 ft/sec decrease in velocity (in accordance with USSS velocity testing procedures), with observance of offeror’s submitted maintenance protocols.
The barrel shall be free of cracks, seams, and other injurious defects and the bore and chamber shall be free of pockets, rings, bulges, and other deformations. The bore and chamber shall be chromium plated, or of equivalent corrosion resistance. Any coating in the chamber and bore shall be free of nodules, flaking, pits, stripping, anode burrs and evidence of etched base steel. Burrs and sharp edges shall be removed from the chamber edges, and bolt locking lugs.
The muzzle of the barrel should bear a thread size of 1?2” x 28 tpi, with shoulder geometry of
90 deg.
The muzzle should be equipped with a flash hider device, installed with shims as necessary.
Crush washers are not acceptable.
Mode of Fire. The weapon shall be selective fire, i.e. semi-automatic and full automatic. A “burst limiter” in the full-automatic mode is not acceptable.

Fire Selector.
The fire control selector shall be ambidextrous in design, and be a single lever paddle mounted on the side of the receiver, adjacent to the rear pistol grip, thereby not requiring the shooter to significantly break their firing grip when actuating.
The fire control selector shall be a rotary type and shall have three positions; safe, semi- automatic and automatic and shall rotate manually without binding from one position to another when the hammer is cocked. The selector shall remain in place in each position by a perceptible spring detent load until manually reset.

Trigger.
With the hammer cocked, when the selector is placed in the “SAFE” position, it shall prevent the trigger from releasing the hammer so that the weapon is incapable of being fired.
When the selector is placed in the “SEMI AUTOMATIC” position, it shall have a disconnect, so that the weapon is capable of semi-automatic fire only (one shot with each pull of the trigger).
When the selector is placed in the “AUTO” position, the weapon shall be capable of automatic fire (continuous firing until the trigger is released or all cartridges are expended) at a rate of no less than 600, and no greater than 900, rounds-per- minute, while utilizing M193 ammunition.
The trigger shall hold the hammer in the cocked position until the trigger is pulled. After partial or complete trigger pull, the trigger shall return to its normal forward positions (cocked and uncocked) under spring action.
The trigger pull shall not measure less than 4.0 pounds, nor more than 6.5 pounds, regardless if the fire selector is set on semi or full-automatic fire.
The trigger configuration shall be two-stage with no adjustment screws or set screws.
The trigger shall have a smooth face, cannot be wider than the trigger guard, and shall be the only control inside the area enclosed by the trigger guard. Any other controls (bolt catch/release, magazine/catch release, etc.) inside the area enclosed by the trigger guard are not acceptable.
While utilizing gloves, the trigger shall not pinch the trigger finger between the trigger and the side of the receiver or between the trigger and the inside bottom of the trigger guard. Any manipulation/modification to the trigger guard to meet this requirement is not acceptable.

Charging Handle.
The charging handle shall be situated in the upper receiver. The charging handle shall not reciprocate with the bolt when the weapon is fired. The charging handle shall be capable of being operated with one hand while the shooters other hand is grasping the pistol grip or forend grip.

Bolt Hold-Open Device.
The rifle shall be equipped with a magazine activated bolt hold open device. The bolt hold open device shall also be capable of being activated manually by the operator. When the bolt hold open device is activated by the magazine follower and the magazine is subsequently removed, the bolt shall remain in the rear or open position. When the bolt is in the rear or open position and a full magazine is inserted, the bolt shall remain in the rear or open position until the operator manually activates the bolt release. When the bolt catch is released, the bolt shall return to the battery position. Upon release, the bolt shall strip a round from the loaded magazine and load it into the chamber.

Magazine.
The weapon magazine well shall be compatible with the standard NATO STANAG 30 round M16 series magazine (NSN 1005-01-561-7200) and the Magpul PMAG 30 AR/M4, 5.56×45 Magazine (NSN 1005-01-628-5106 and NSN 1005-01-615-5169).
Only the Magpul PMAG 30 AR/M4, 5.56×45 Magazine (NSN 1005-01-615-5169; Mfr Part # MAG556) will be acceptable for solicitation submission and subsequent testing.
The magazine release shall securely retain the magazine in the magazine well. The magazine (whether empty or full) shall fall free from the magazine well once the magazine release button is activated without any further operator assistance. The magazine release button shall be spring loaded and the design of the receiver shall provide some shielding against inadvertent activation when placed against standard USSS uniform and/or body armor. The activation of the magazine release button shall be accomplished with minimum effort by the operator with only one hand.
The magazine should reliably feed all types of ammunition utilized in the USSS Evaluation and Testing protocols.
Magazines shall contain an anti-tilt follower that shall be able to activate the weapon’s bolt hold open device after the last round in the magazine is fired.
The magazine shall be capable of being inserted directly into the magazine well by the operator with one hand, and without any “rocking” type motion.

Lower Receiver.
The lower receiver shall have a permanently affixed plate, label, or laser- etching, displaying a QR code or barcode, readable via commercially-available optical reader. This code shall be embedded with information specific to the host firearm, including (but not limited to) make, model/variant, and unique serial number.

Upper Receiver.
The weapon shall be equipped with a Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny attachment rail on the top of the receiver for mounting of optics, iron sights, lasers, etc.

Forend/Handguard.
The weapon shall have a modular free-floating handguard assembly measuring no less than 9.0 inches of functional/configurable railspace (measured along the 6:00 o’clock position of the rail).

The handguard assembly shall have the ability to attach Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny rail segment along the length of the handguard at the 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 o’clock positions simultaneously. The manufacturer shall provide a sufficient quantity of rail segments to cover the length of the handguard at the 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 o’clock positions simultaneously. Handguards with permanently attached Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny railssections the length of the handguard at the 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 o’clock positions shall also be considered.
When assembled to the weapon, the upper most rail of the free-floating handguard assembly shall align and be at the same height as the rail on the receiver. A one piece receiver/handguard assembly is acceptable as long as the barrel is free-floating, the above rail positioning interfaces are present, and handguard portion meets the minimum length requirement detailed in Section 2.

Pistol Grip.
The rear pistol grip shall be securely attached to the lower portion of the receiver and shall not interfere with the operation of the selector lever. If applicable to the submission, vendor shall provide interchangeable rear pistol grip adapters (backstraps).

Butt-Stock.
The butt stock shall be quickly adjustable for length of pull without the use of any tools. The butt stock shall have, at minimum total of four positions, including fully extended and fully collapsed.

Backup Sights.
When utilized, the front/rear ‘backup’ sights shall be viewable through an Aimpoint Model T2 while mounted on a suitable optic-specific commercially available sight mount.
The front sight shall be a folding locking type, capable of being locked in both the up and down positions (lever lock, friction lock, spring detent, etc.). The front sight shall be located at the front of the weapon either on top of the gas block or at the end of the rail on the hand guard. The front sight shall be a post profile type, adjustable for elevation as part of operator zeroing procedures. The profile of the sighting portion of the post shall be .050 to .075 inches in thickness. At no time shall the sight unlock from its position as a result of firing the weapon.
The rear sight shall be a folding locking type, capable of being locked in both the up and down positions (lever lock, friction lock, spring detent etc.). The rear sight shall be an aperture type, adjustable for windage and elevation as part of operator zeroing procedures. At no time shall the sight unlock from its position as a result of firing the weapon.

Sling Mount.
The weapon shall be supplied with means to mount a sling to, at minimum, the rear area of the receiver and the handguard, via quick-detach sling swivel. All sling mounting/attachment points will be required to be rotation-limited (4-position) quick-detach cups, to allow interface with quick-detach push button swivels.

For full details visit www.fbo.gov.

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30 Responses to “US Secret Service Issues Pre-solicitation For New Carbine”

  1. Joe says:

    So no SCAR and no Tavor.

    • patrulje says:

      Also no Primary Weapons Systems long stroke piston guns.

      • Hodge175 says:

        No HK 416 with the weight listed

        • JC says:

          Could a 10 or 11” 416 not make the weight limit??

        • Default.mp3 says:

          The H&K HK416 A5 11″ with the quad rail handguard is 3.12 kg according to the H&K website, which is roughly 6.9 lb, well below 7.5 lb.

      • Itchung says:

        Hahaha looks like this was co-written with a certain manufacturer from Maryland…I know, that NEVER happens. Limited to their product lines (short stroke and DI) and a weight range they can hit.

  2. Hubb says:

    They set the maximum barrel life at 5 MOA; I am surprised that they did not set a minimum MOA for a new barrel.

  3. Ololosh says:

    Hi, SIG !

  4. Adam says:

    Masada making a comeback!

    • Texas-Roll-Over says:

      That would be the optimal platform and the ACR is really awesome in an SBR config.

  5. Joshua says:

    Honestly sounds like they just want an updated Colt.

    Colt makes a fully ambi ACCM, that would fit this bill perfectly.

  6. lysander6 says:

    The smart guys here can probably extrapolate what the proposal is looking for, they may have tailored this to a particular long arm they already chose.

    Weight limitations are restricted per estrogen nation.

    Read Part II of SAR interview with C. Reed Knight to see a detailed condemnation of piston ARs.

    http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1211

    • networx universal says:

      interesting. even in his condemnation though, he acknowledges the advantages of a piston system in shorter barrels… which coincidentally is what the USSS spec’d.

      so does that mean they want a piston gun? If so, why not simply ask for it? it certainly would limit the number of legitimate players.

    • ThatBlueFalcon says:

      Sure reads like they want more SR16s…

  7. Mike says:

    Sig MCX

    • Rob says:

      While I had to sell my MCX due to having to change Charging handles nearly as often as magazines, I do agree that the MCX seems to be the new belle of the ball.

      Especially with the USSOCOM SURG listing a folding stock as a O requirement and OTB as a T requirement it is only of the only systems available now to fit those requirements on the market today.

      It still needs a little polish and lord knows I don’t trust Sig Sauer but they are strongly positioned to win plenty of solicitations with their new carbine.

  8. J says:

    BCM Jack Carbine

    Colt Canada C8

  9. Carlos says:

    If anyone believes that any carbine other than the Sig MCX has a snowball’s chance in Hell…

    • Tim says:

      Why is that? As I read the requirements it looks to me like a SBR AR15 with an ambi safety and a Geissele (or similar) rail would meet every requirement.

      • Carlos says:

        USSS has a very close relationship with SIG SAUER, and they are probably the strongest proponents for .357 SIG in the LE community (FAM followed their lead on SIG pistols and caliber).

    • Mike says:

      I agree, MCX is actually in use in U.S. Militarty, London Metro Police and several other law enforcement agencies. It’s got a great chance.

  10. Mac says:

    Or possibly a LMT MARS-L with the 14.5” barrel…

  11. Jared says:

    They use Knights Armament SR-16’s they are the older version with the URXII. Sounds like they are looking for the SR-16 Mod2 version of this rifle considering the wording of the solicitation as their current rifles are probably long in the tooth, but they have to follow Government SOP’s for procuring them.

  12. TRMR says:

    I vote…neither sig or Kac, how about FN…

  13. Vince says:

    Windage and elevation adjustable locking rear BUIS? Never heard of such thing. Anyone else?

    • Gerard says:

      Doesnt exisist its just the gov being confused, toss on Magpull BUIS and say it fits specs and the gov wont know the difference

      • Tim says:

        On the KAC website their 600m rear sight is described as windage and elevation adjustable. Sounds to me like this is a sneaky requirement to narrow it down to another KAC rifle.

        • Rob says:

          KAC 600m rear is not locking. There are plenty of windage and elevation adjustable rear flip up sights. I am struggling to recall one that is also locking.

      • Mike Nomad says:

        By locking, I think they mean something like a positive stop. The Magpul you reference would qualify. However, GG&G has a rear sight with a button to depress before it can be lowered. I think YHM has one like it also.

        Regardless, it seems like they are clearly not allowing something like an A.R.M.S. sight…