Thanks KK for this KCRF photo in Acadia National Park, Maine.
You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up
August 12th, 2017ASA Statement Regarding Potential ATF Determination On Modular Suppressors
August 11th, 2017
ATLANTA, GA – Over the past week, multiple claims have stated that the BATFE’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD) is in the process of issuing an industry wide determination on the legality of modular suppressors. After speaking at length to several of our contacts within ATF, ASA has concluded that these assertions stem from misinterpreted comments made by ATF officials at a recent industry conference. According to our contacts at ATF, these are the facts related to three separate areas of discussion:
Modular Suppressor Design – FATD is in the process of reviewing a request from an independent industry representative regarding a single, specific modular suppressor design. The representative is seeking a determination regarding their specific product, not a blanket determination that would apply to other existing modular designs. The issue in question is whether or not the suppressor being reviewed has the ability to assemble more than one functional suppressor out of the component parts that are supplied as a single suppressor to the end-user.
ATF 29P – On May 4, 2016, ATF published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in response to an eight year old request by the National Firearms Act Trade & Collectors Association (NFATCA) made in 2008. In the ANPRM, ATF sought to specify that manufacturers must mark the outer tube of suppressors, not just any externally visible part. The ASA, along with many members of the industry, submitted comments to the ATF opposing ATF 29P. We have been told by ATF that 29P is no longer being worked on by the Bureau, as many current suppressor designs without an outer tube have made the proposed rules within 29P obsolete.
NFA Handbook – The NFA Division and Firearms & Explosives Industry Division are working on a long overdue update to the NFA Handbook. Within the updated handbook, new language will be included that addresses the repair or replacement of modular suppressor components. This language will be consistent with previously published guidance, which states that the serialized component of a suppressor cannot be replaced without the filing of a new Form 2 by the manufacturer, and a new Form 4 by the consumer, including the payment of applicable transfer taxes. Unmarked components of a modular suppressor may be replaced by a licensed manufacturer on a one-for-one basis, just as previously allowed in the silencer FAQ published by ATF on April 17, 2008.
In summation, there are currently no widespread determinations set to be issued by ATF with regards to modular suppressors.
americansuppressorassociation.com
ADS Issues Statement Regarding Civil Suit Settlement With DoJ
August 11th, 2017Virginia Beach, Va. – Virginia Beach-based ADS, Inc. has agreed to settle a civil investigation brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a result of a qui tam lawsuit filed by a private party.
The settlement marks the end of the DOJ’s investigation into the company’s past eligibility to bid on federal set aside contracts, and other allegations regarding bidding on contracts. ADS believes it has always complied with standards promulgated by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Notwithstanding any incorrect comments to the contrary, the DOJ did not intervene in the case, ADS settled the matter with no admission of liability on any of the allegations underlying the investigation, and there were no such findings, including any of fraud. ADS made the decision to settle after incurring millions of dollars in legal fees and countless hours of time value over three years responding to interrogatories and burdensome document requests by the government, hindering the company’s ability to continue serving its customers and employing its people.
“After spending many months cooperating closely with the government’s investigation, we concluded that our company, our customers, and our employees would be best served by putting this matter behind us. We are pleased that we were able to settle the matter amicably and that the settlement does not impede in any way ADS’s continuing service to all of its customers under its current contracts,” said ADS Communications Director, Caitlin Stojanovich.
“ADS strives and will continue to strive to assure compliance with all legal requirements and our Office of Compliance will work to keep meeting that critical goal,” stated Nikki Williams who leads the Office of Compliance for ADS and is responsible for ensuring the company continues to operate in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
“We are focusing on the future of our business as we move ahead and continue to be committed to doing the right things for our customers and our employees,” Stojanovich added. “ADS has always taken the very best care of our men and women in uniform and that is what we will continue to do.”
Gunwerks Announces Caylen Wojcik As Director of Training, Strategy and Business Development
August 11th, 2017Gunwerks, LLC announced today the addition of Caylen Wojcik as Director of Training, Strategy and Business Development. “With almost 20 years of experience in the world of long range shooting and professional firearms instruction, Caylen is an excellent fit with our strategic goals,” said Aaron Davidson, Gunwerks founder and CEO. “He brings significant leadership skill, in addition to valuable industry connections to our already talented team. We’re very excited to have him on board.”
Wojcik served 8 years as a United States Marine Scout Sniper, amassing 80 weeks of formal sniper skills training courses. During his time in the scout sniper community, Caylen served in almost every billet available, as well as serving as a sniper instructor on both basic and advanced levels. He has trained snipers in all branches of the armed forces, as well as dozens of law enforcement agencies. He completed 3 overseas deployments, one of which was a combat deployment where he sustained injuries that led to the end of his military service. “Gunwerks is a pioneer and industry leader in long range hunting and shooting. I couldn’t think of a better company to align myself with,” said Wojcik. “I believe I bring a lot to the table with my background. I look forward to helping Gunwerks in its continued growth and furthering the discipline of long range shooting.”
In 2011, Caylen took a position with Magpul Industries Corp as the Director of Training for Precision Rifle Operations, and most recently held the role of Director of Operations for Magpul CORE. While living in Washington, Caylen began hunting the west, and learned the incredible rewards of backcountry backpack hunting. Caylen is recognized as a subject matter expert in the areas of long range shooting and wilderness travel. He is a published author for several industry publications, and is a long range shooting competitor. He has a passion for adventure and is attracted to all things in life that require perseverance and fortitude to succeed. Caylen spends his free time skydiving, working on his skills as a climber and alpinist, and pursuing adventure with his family in whatever way possible.
Gunwerks, LLC is a Cody, Wyoming based manufacturer and provider of premium long range hunting rifles, optics, shooting systems and training. Learn more at www.gunwerks.com.
ADS Inc Agrees To Pay $16 Million Settlement To DoJ In Civil Suit Alleging Fraudulently Obtained Small Business Contracts
August 11th, 2017On 10 August, 2017, the US Department of Justice announced that Virginia Beach-based ADS, Inc had agreed to pay $16 Million to “settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly conspiring with and causing purported small businesses to submit false claims for payment in connection with fraudulently obtained small business contracts.”
According to the DoJ, “the settlement resolves allegations that ADS engaged in illegal bid rigging schemes that inflated or distorted prices charged to the government under certain contracts.”
The settlement with ADS resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in federal district court in the District of Columbia by Ameliorate Partners LLP. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive approximately $2.9 Million of the $16 Million received by the US government.
It is important to note that the claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. It also puts to bed a long rumored investigation into ADS’s involvement with small businesses in contracting.
We reached out to ADS this morning for a statement but they did not respond.
UPDATE: ADS issued a stamens later the same day. The heart of their statement is summarized in this excerpt.
Notwithstanding any incorrect comments to the contrary, the DOJ did not intervene in the case, ADS settled the matter with no admission of liability on any of the allegations underlying the investigation, and there were no such findings, including any of fraud. ADS made the decision to settle after incurring millions of dollars in legal fees and countless hours of time value over three years responding to interrogatories and burdensome document requests by the government, hindering the company’s ability to continue serving its customers and employing its people.
We will update you if any additional information comes to light.
TRADOC To Host Forum for Innovative & Novel Discovery
August 11th, 2017United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) announced via FedBizOpps the third Forum for Innovative & Novel Discovery (FIND). Open to all interested small businesses, the purpose of FIND is to provide industry the opportunity to present their most innovative projects/ideas to key Senior Army Leaders and receive feedback with the goal of developing an opportunity for the Army to discover innovative technologies through a novel approach with industry.
FIND events will focus on a variety of topics across the “TRADOC Big 6+1” priority capabilities and Army science and technology warfighting needs to enable the Army to focus future force development and prioritize research, development, and acquisition. FINDs will emphasize long-range planning to define future decision points that consider equipment age, degradation of overmatch, industrial base viability and closure of capability gaps in the near-term (FYs 17-21), mid-term (FYs 22-31), and long-term (FYs 32-50) time frames, while allowing for cost-informed decisions that balance force generation needs for Force 2025 and Beyond. Use the Army Warfighting Challenges the Warfighters’ Science and Technology Needs when reviewing topics. See www.arcic.army.mil/Initiatives/ArmyWarfightingChallenges, and www.arcic.army.mil/App_Documents/Army-Warfighters-ST-Needs-Bulletin.
Each FIND session provides a forum allowing an individual member of industry to share proprietary information on its long-range research and development (R&D) efforts (outside the presence of competing industry members) with U.S. Army officials knowledgeable on the general subject matter of Army Warfighting Challenges (AWFCs) best aligned with the private R&D effort. The sessions are executive level meetings chaired by an Army Flag Officer or equivalent.
On 09-10 October 17 concurrent with Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington DC, ARCIC will conduct its third FIND event. The FIND will concentrate on Soldier / Team Performance and Overmatch.
The cross-cutting capability of Soldier / Team Performance and Overmatch (“+1”) focuses on fundamental capabilities that empower the Soldier and increase team performance. Soldiers and squads are the foundation of the decisive force. They must be organized, equipped, and trained with superior lethality, situational awareness, mobility, and protection that provides the overmatch required to defeat capable and determined adversaries in complex operational environments. New capabilities must enable freedom of action, permitting ground forces to seize positions of relative advantage and control key terrain to consolidate gains.
Interested companies must submit a white paper to be considered for inclusion in the forum, which addresses at least one of these areas:
a. Squad lethality. Improve lethality from close range through 1,200 meters. Fire control systems that compensate for individual aiming error, improved weapons sights, and enhanced night vision goggles will greatly improve the lethality of the individual Soldier and provide overmatch in close combat. Improved counter-defilade and target acquisition technologies will reduce engagement times and Soldiers’ exposure to enemy direct fires.
b. Reducing Soldier Loads. Excessive physical burdens imposed by organic materiel systems impact Soldiers’ ability in movement as well as tactical fire and maneuver. Modernization must enhance small unit mobility by reducing Soldier loads.
c. Mission Command. Mission Command network capabilities must provide simple and integrated Mission Command, a comprehensive common operational picture, and support for mission planning and rapid execution within the commander’s intent.
d. Human performance, leader development and training capabilities are also critical components in achieving Soldier and Team Overmatch. S&T efforts are needed to understand performance requirements at the individual and small team level, the complex sets of knowledge, skills, abilities and other attributes necessary to enable that performance, and the most effective ways and means to develop those characteristics. Soldiers and squads require a training environment that replicates the complexities and ambiguity of the Operational Environment. Future training capabilities must be readily available anytime, anywhere and provide the required repetition and rigor to build mastery of both fundamental and advanced warfighting skills. Adaptive training systems are needed to personalize the learning experience with tailored feedback and instruction while reducing overhead. This includes simulations for the rifle squad and key enhancements for the squad capability (e.g., Soldier Borne Sensors, Squad Multi-Purpose Equipment Transport).
e. Optimize Health and Performance. Concussion dosimetry, far forward brain function assessment, and diagnostics, nutritional supplements that speed recovery, human performance optimization to develop physical, social and cognitive overmatch, physiologic status monitoring, and leader tools; enable more accurate medical decisions and the identification of biomarkers of nanomaterial exposure health effects.
Visit www.fbo.gov for full details.
FirstSpear Friday Focus – Eleven 10’s TEMS Entry Aid Bag
August 11th, 2017This week’s Friday Focus features Eleven 10 and the TEMS Entry Aid Bag which FS manufactures for them. This Q&A offers some great insight.
What drove the development of the TEMS bag?
We found that most of the aid bags on the market were too large for a lot of SWAT entry medics, and were originally designed for the DOD and that medical mission set. Medics on SWAT teams usually carry less equipment than their DOD counterparts because of evac times and other factors. So, we worked on designing a bag that allows the medic to carry exactly what they need in a compact, slim lined package. The new TEMS Entry Aid Bag along with the TEMS First Line Pouch have really allowed the TEMS Medic to reduce the profile of their loadout, without sacrificing capabilities.
Was USA manufacturing important or necessary to 1110 for this bag?
Absolutely. All of Eleven 10’s products are made in the USA. We made the decision to manufacture domestically when we created out very first RIGID TQ Case, and haven’t looked back since. It’s not a contract requirement thing for us, but a desire to see Made in the USA on more products in our industry.
How did the relationship with FS begin and why did you ultimately choose FS to manufacture the equipment, as well as use 6/12 technology on the bag?
We approached FirstSpear a couple of years ago to work on a new line of medical pouches for us. They have a great reputation of making solid, reliable gear and they are a 100% made in America manufacturer, so they fit well with the Eleven 10 brand. We also gravitated to their manufacturing techniques like 6/12, and the fact that they are always pushing innovation when it comes to soft goods. The 6/12 technology allows us to have the features we needed, but cut out a lot of the unneeded weight from the product.
What was the process like developing a product with FS?
Product development with FirstSpear has been a refreshingly easy process. Whether we’ve needed an existing design moved right to production, or we had a design idea that needed further engineering, they’ve been a great partner. We’re able to get from drawings to having a prototype in our hands in weeks as opposed to months. This ultimately speeds up our entire product launch timeline.
Any new products on the horizon with 1110 and FirstSpear?
We have several other products in the design and/or prototype pipeline with FirstSpear. So, you can expect some new products to drop in the near future.
USAF’s Chair, Combat
August 11th, 2017We recently showed you the Army’s developmental Combat Chair. Turns out the Air Force had previously fielded their version of a Combat Chair back in 2011. Naturally, it included a canopy and drink holder. They don’t call it the Chair Force for nothing.
Thanks to Mike M for the gouge.
