SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM PEO SOF Warrior (PEO-SW), will host a series of Assessment Events (AE) to identify solutions for:
1) Lightweight Machine Gun Medium (LMG-M)
2) Medium Range Gas Gun – Assault (MRGG-A)
3) Medium Range Gas Gun – Sniper (MRGG-S)
USSOCOM seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by USSOCOM PEO-SW Subject Matter Experts. As such, the AE is considered competitive in the same manner as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit.
It will consist of four phases:
Phase 1 – 09 July 2021 to 02 August 2021 Submissions to the Assessment Event (AE)
Phase 2 – 03 August 2021 to 10 August 2021 Downselect
Phase 3 – 31 August 2021 to 02 September 2021 Assessment Event (AE)
Phase 4 – Path Forward
Only Phase 4 is a live fire event. Up until that point, only technical merits will be evaluated so have your paperwork together. The performance spec for each weapon is coated at the links above.
SOCOM is kicking all of these AEs off simultaneously so they’ll have their hands full. If you plan to submit weapons to more than one category, or multiple candidates for any of the weapons sought by SOCOM, you must submit separate packages for each one. Additionally, you must submit by 2 August.
Quite frankly, the 338 NM Lightweight Machine Gun Medium is the greatest improvement in US small arms capability in over half a century. Not only is SOF interested, but so is the Marine Corps. Although the Army is currently concentrating on next generation squad weapons, this capability for the Platoon is just a few years out. This is the opportunity to get your solution evaluated.
For more information, visit events.sofwerx.org/sofweapons
The MRGG-A seems a waste of money considering that the Army is evaluating new rifles in 6.8mm that have higher muzzle velocity than the creedmore already. My guess is that this the MRGG-A will be doomed before its even chosen. Curious about the MRGG-M though..
Seems to rule out the NGSW bullpup for MRGG-A though.
I don’t believe they are entering it.
Interesting…
MRGG-S
– (6.5 & 7.62): Suppressor shall pass 6 cycles of the following “stress test” utilizing 30 round Magazines ?30 round 6.5 magazines?
-Weapon barrel should be changeable within 5 minutes to replacement or 7.62 NATO at Operator level ?SCAR, SIG SPEAR, or LMT favored?
MRGG-S & MRGG-A both show:
Suppressor shall pass 6 cycles of the following “stress test” utilizing 30 round Magazines
(MAG):
o MAG #1 – 1 shot /sec
o MAG #2 – 2 shots / sec.
o MAG #3 – 1 shot /sec.
o MAG #4 – 3 to 5 shot bursts
o MAG #5 – 1 shot /sec
o MAG #6 – 2 shots / sec.
o MAG #7 – 1 shot /sec.
o MAG #8 – 30 shot burst
o Allow to Cool
o 1 Cycle = 240 shots
o Weapon barrel should be changeable within 5 minutes to replacement or 7.62 NATO at Operator level
?? so it requires a quick change barrel, or a barrel that magically cool and can be handled?? or this is a cut and paste error banded into the suppressor test??
Do not worry the solution exists
The requirements are interesting indeed yet seem highly restrictive.
MRGG-A & MRGG-S:
* No proprietary magazines – will exclude current SCAR and HK417
* Mil-Spec Buffer Tube – will exclude SCAR and MCX Spear
MRGG-S:
* 20″ barrel? Sounds odd when the trend is to move to 16″ gas guns. KAC even mentioned that their SR25 with 14.5″ in 6.5CR outperforms the 20″ 7.62mm
Given the other SSD article today on the Israeli Special Forces adoption of Barrett REC10 in a similar role, I’m wondering if Barrett will also submit a proposal.
Doesn’t exclude SCAR. Yes, I know what I’m talking about.
Both the SCAR and SPEAR have factory solutions to mount a buffer tube.
mil-spec tube spec and AR type pistol grip stated for operator changeability.
A SCAR or MCX variant can have tubes or folding tube buttstocks.