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Archive for 2012

Draft RFP Released for Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS)

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Back in July, the US Army released a Sources Sought Notice for a Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System or CSASS. Now, Project Manager Soldier Weapons has consolidated the info received from industry in a Draft Request for Proposals for the new M110 carbine variant. The can be used by industry as a sort of warning order to prepare for an actual procurement by the Army.

Manufactured by Knights Armament, the current M110 is a lightweight, direct gas operated, semi-automatic, box magazine fed, 7.62 x 51mm rifle intended to engage and defeat personnel targets out to 800 meters.

According to the FedBizOpps announcement, the Draft RFP seeks the best value to “manufacture a complete system or reconfigure some or all of the existing 7.62 x 51mm M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) currently available in Army inventory.”

The Army anticipates a full and open competition for a single award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with two options:

Option one (1) will create five (5) one(1) year ordering periods with Firm Fixed Price (FFP) delivery orders. The minimum ordering quantity for this five (5) year option is 30 DT/OT units and a maximum ordering quantity of three thousand, six hundred forty three(3,643) CSASSs. The Government will have 24 months from contract award to exercise this option.
Option (II) is for the purchase of a technical data package. The government will have 36 months from date of contract award to exercise option II. Additional delivery orders cannot be placed until the successful completion of Milestone C/TC-STD.

It is anticipated that the winning manufacturer will initially provide “thirty (30) CSASS for Developmental Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT) which is expected to last 2 years, (2) An additional maximum quantity of three thousand, six hundred forty three (3,643) CSASSs…”

As with all Draft RFPs there’s no guarantee the Army will actually issue a final RFP and this Draft is valid until January 14 2013 just in time for SHOT Show so that Army Acquisition officials can speak openly with industry about this weapon.

Notice that they are still talking full and open competition for remanufacturing of M110s or a completely new weapon that meets their requirements.

Posted in Contracts, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 20 Comments »

Grey Group Training Gives Us the Lowdown on a TangoDown Rail Mounted Front Sight Prototype

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Grey Group Training got the scoop on a new rail mounted front sight from TangoDown that is designed to accommodate top mounted lights such as the Inforce model seen in these photos. It will also accommodate the SureFire 300.

I run a top mounted X300 on one of my carbines but it has to sit in front of the fixed front sight on a Daniel Defense rail. I like having the light there with the high thumb grip but this would be better than my current setup as it would move the front sight even further out and increase the sight radius.

For more info visit community.greygrouptraining.com/2012/11/28/tango-down-prototype-rail-mounted-front-sight

Tags: Grey Group Training, TangoDown
Posted in Lights, weapons | 18 Comments »

McChrystal Group – Transparency Through Constant Communication

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Although I never served with him, I remember CSM Michael Hall from his time as the Command Sergeant Major of USASOC and JSOC and since his retirement we’ve spoken several times as he’s worked with various defense contractors such as Colt. He’s a very personable guy and when he’s talking I want to listen. That’s why I wanted to share a post he authored for McChrystal Group’s blog. It’s entitled, “Transparency Through Constant Communication.” The article centers around this concept, “Does my boss, and two levels below me know the same things that I know at the same time I do?”

CSM Hall goes into why this is so important and gives the reader a few helpful guidelines on how to become a more effective communicator. Read the whole post at mcchrystalgroup.com/content/transparency-through-constant-communication-0.

Thanks DF for pointing this out!

Tags: CSM Mike Hall, McChrystal Group
Posted in Comms | 3 Comments »

Dueck Defense Expands Rapid Transition Sight Line

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Dueck Defense, makers of the Rapid Transition Sight have added a couple of new options. The RTS as originally developed by pro shooter and former Marine Barry Dueck consists of removable M4-style front and rear sights designed to mount at a 45° offset so that the carbine can be rolled off the primary sight to the RTS. The Mil Std 1913 compatible RTS can be used as back up iron sights (BUIS) or for close in engagements when using a powered optic for distance shots.

Regardless of model, they all feature a common rear sight as found on the M16A2/M4 with adjustable drum as well as the same front sight tower found on those weapons. Both right and left versions are available and now they’ve introduced two new options.

This is the Fiber Optic Sightlink version. Sightlink is manufactured by Mounting Solutions Plus and incorporates a fiber optic insert in Red, Yellow or Green.

The model above integrates the Trijicon Bright & Tough Night Sights.

In addition to purchasing the RTS reconfigured with these new sight options, you could also change out the standard GI-type sight components to use these or other sight inserts.

www.dueckdefense.com

Tags: Dueck Defense
Posted in Optics, weapons | 2 Comments »

STS Billet Lowers On Sale

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Specialized Tactical Systems Billet Lower Receivers on sale for $275 with Promo Code: Facebook. Get them while Obama lets you.

Manufactured from T6 51 7075 Aluminum, they feature Type III Hard Anodizing with Teflon Coating with custom colors available for an additional charge. This is the same Titan receiver construction that was used on the SSD carbine except the ones for sale won’t have the SSD markings.

www.specializedtactical.com/weapon-parts/titan-lowers/stripped_lower

Tags: Specialized Tactical Systems
Posted in Sales, weapons | Comments Off on STS Billet Lowers On Sale

Source One President & CEO Competes in GT3 Cup Support Race at FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Source One Distributors, Inc recently announced that President and CEO Mark Llano recently competed in the inaugural Austin Circuit of The Americas Pirelli GT3 Cup Trophy USA race.

The 2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX was held November 16-18, 2012 at the Circuit of The Americas, a 3.4 mile, 20 turn course located in Austin, Texas. Llano, a former Marine, drove a 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup Car in conjunction with NGT Motorsport and sponsored by Crye Precision and title sponsor SERKET USA. The team was competing with the goal of raising awareness and assistance for military veterans and their families.

“I was honored to compete in the Pirelli GT3 Cup Trophy USA race in Austin,” said Llano. “Gregory Franz and his team at Competent Motorsport did an amazing job managing this event: The level of competition was unbelievable and the track was immaculate. We had a great team and a great run. I look forward to having more opportunities to compete.

www.BuySourceOne.com

Tags: Source One
Posted in Industry | Comments Off on Source One President & CEO Competes in GT3 Cup Support Race at FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX

Blue Force Gear Introduces SPLITminus Chest Rig

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Lots of folks were very interested in Blue Force Gear’s RACKminus minimalist chest rig but wanted the convenience of a split front setup. BFG listened and has just announced the SPLITminus entry to their MOLLEminus line which is the perfect complement for their highly popular Helium Whisper pouch technology. The panels are cut from a single sheet of ULTRAcomp material rather than layers of separately cut nylon. This makes for a lighter overall construction.

SPLITminus integrates two side-release buckles into the design to facilitate donning and doffing yet still weighs in at 250 grams which is 5 grams lighter than the RACKminus. This is due to the strip of load carrying real estate removed up front to accommodate the buckles meaning each side has MOLLE fields of 6 columns by 3 rows. Currently in MultiCam only.

www.blueforcegear.com/splitminus

Tags: Blue Force Gear, Helium Whisper, MOLLEminus
Posted in 330, Load Carrying | 11 Comments »

Arc’teryx and Vancouver Police Distribute Waterproof Capes

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

Each year Arc’teryx employees donate their time to assemble waterproof capes manufactured from excess materials to be distributed to the homeless in their hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. But these aren’t some hodgepodge garments. They are manufactured from the same performance fabrics that go into the Arc’teryx line. Here is the Arc’teryx report.

Arc’teryx Birds Nest Project 2012 from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.

“Anything that makes use of raw materials we can no longer use for commercial production is a valid and worthy project; this is just one example of how we are trying to keep waste out of the landfill.”

Joanne Mayzes is the Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx LEAF (Vancouver BC) is pleased to announce that it will be teaming up with the Vancouver Police Department this winter to distribute waterproof capes to the city’s downtown homeless population. Designed by Arc’teryx and built from technical waterproof and insulated fabrics, the aim of the partnership is to provide shelter to some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Arc’teryx, a commercial manufacturer of high performance outdoor equipment, is in the unique position of owning and operating its own manufacturing facility in Greater Vancouver. Used for the production of in line garments as well as for samples that can be used for research and field testing, the factory does experience an accumulation of excess or discontinued raw materials over time. The Birds Nest Project is a grassroots initiative that takes these materials and puts it into the hands of volunteer company employees who donate their time to turn the fabric into capes.

Currently in its fourth year, Birds Nest Project has distributed the finished capes via shelters like the Harvest Project and Harbour Lights. This year, the group wished to widen distribution and hopefully add a personal touch by teaming up with the VPD’s Homeless Outreach Program, that will enable the capes to be distributed into the heart of the community in need.

“The VPD connects with many men and women who unfortunately find themselves sleeping on Vancouver’s streets. Our goal is to offer our support to connect the homeless with the necessary resources to stay safe, healthy and then ultimately, to find housing. To place these capes directly into the hands of those who need them most is significant. To receive a cape at their “home” is exactly where it is needed the most.” Constable Jodyne Keller – VPD Homeless Outreach and SRO Coordinator

The VPD and Arc’teryx LEAF have a longstanding relationship, with an equipment program that supplies the force with wet, west coast protection. It is a relationship based on reliability and trust and the value of extending the Birds Nest capes via the VPD is rewarding for both parties

This year the hope is to place over 700 of the windproof, waterproof capes into the hands of the VPD and local shelters. Arc’teryx encourages other local companies to create and promote their own unique social responsibility initiatives. As with any collective effort, the true benefit of the Birds Nest project comes from the time volunteers share together and the gift of giving.

www.arcteryx.com

Tags: Arc'teryx
Posted in Arc'teryx | 16 Comments »