Last month, Project Manager – Soldier Weapons (PM-SW) queried industry about commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) Sub Compact Weapons (SCW) In 9mm. The SCW is a highly concealable sub compact weapon system capable of engaging threat personnel with a high volume of lethal and accurate fires at close range with minimal collateral damage. An SCW includes but is not limited to functional weapon, magazines, cleaning kits, suppressors, specialized tool kit (if required), spare parts, slings, carrying cases, manuals.
Last week, they announced the intent to award firm fixed price sole source contracts to 10 companies. The weapons purchased will be evaluated to help inform current industry capabilities. What is learned will be used to create an SCW Capability Production Document for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, so that a solicitation may be crafted.
Currently, Personal Security Detail (PSD) made up primarily of Military Police, utilize pistols and M4 carbines. However, there is an operational need for additional concealability and lethality. Failure to provide the selected SCW for assessment and evaluation will leave PSD military personnel with a capability gap which can result in increased war fighter casualties and jeopardize the success of the U.S. mission.
On 15 June, PM Soldier Weapons stated it also intends to solicit and award sole source contracts to the following:
Award Number: W15QKN-18-P-0048
Awardee: Heckler and Koch Defense Inc for HK UMP9 Sub Compact Weapon
Amount: $10,850.00
Award Number: W15QKN-18-P-0049
Awardee: Angstadt Arms Corporation for Angstadt UDP-9 Sub Compact Weapon
Amount: $15,950.00
Award Number: W15QKN-18-P-0050
Awardee: Noveske Corporation for Noveske Sub Compact Weapon
Amount: $17,200.00
Noveske?! Ghetto blaster???
What’s the Noveske going to be chambered in?
From the links in the article, the original RFI was looking at 9mm guns and every other gun awarded a contract has been in 9mm.
So it’ll definitely be in .40 S&W.
Thanks Grammick, I’ve read the other acticles, just confused as the only calibres i’ve Seen the Noveske have been, 300blk, 5.56 and 10mm. I guess they must have made one in 9mm, was looking to see if anyone had actually knowledge.
The Army has made the few product announcements for manufacturers. The initial batch of awards listed LMT which likewise have never publicly shown a 9mm.
To those asking about noveske. At shot show this they introduced a sub gun chambered in 10mm.
The B&T MP9 is really the only offering that is truly “subcompact” at 12″ folded /3lbs, which allows it to be carried in a holster.
All the other entrants feature a magazine forward of the grip, which increase OAL to levels comparable to a 5.56/.300blk weapon with a similar barrel length.
For example, the UMP is 17.9″ folded – within 1″ of a Krinkov folded.
I too thought “subcompact” was a bit generous of a description for these, seems a semantic distinction rather then a physical one.
Thought the Sig MPX was the next generation MP5 and the best thing since sliced bread. . I guess the Army didn’t think so.
Why do you say that?
With all the hype Sig has put out regarding the MPX, I would have thought the Army would have included that one as well. I personally think the MPX is a fine firearm and actually own one myself.
In the other article linked, Sig got a contract for the MPX.
Award Number: W15QKN-18-P-0043
Awardee: SIG SAUER, Inc. for SIG SAUER MPX Sub Compact Weapon
Amount: $20,160.00
This is the third article about this subject. Did you read the earlier articles when they were published, or bother to go to the links in this article to the earlier articles?
17.9” OAL? Would not a .300 BO in 7-8” barrel with a Law Folder not be more appropriate? That come in under 18”. I’ve been in the exact positions they are describing and I’d much rather have had .300 than the 9mm MP5 or MP5k I had. SOCOM has already embraced the .300 in specialty applications. Seems a more logical route.
I just can not get over the cost per unit as a tax payer
One would assume (with all caveats, of course) that the per-price includes a metric buttload of magazines, cleaning kits, etc. After all, it isn’t like the supply system has magazines for any of these, so if they don’t come with the buzzguns, they aren’t coming.
Yeah that price will include spares and support probably to the tune of enough parts for 1.5 guns in addition to the original firearm plus armorers training packages for select personnel. Of course it could be any of the 3 suppliers but we keep seeing the UMP so let’s just use it for example. There is no real secondary market for HK spare parts like there is with say an M4. As a result spares and support will most certainly be included in those prices.
It isn’t always the single cost, but with replacement/maintenance components as well.
Extra magazines, springs, wear components, barrels, etc…