5.56mm M1042 Loose and M1071 Linked Marking Ammunition for Use in Close Combat Mission Capability Kit
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey, on behalf of the Office of the Project Manager, Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS), intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 5.56mm M1042 Loose and M1071 Linked Marking Ammunition Cartridges. This is a presolicitation notice for a Sole Source acquisition to Ultimate Training Munitions, United Kingdom. The formal solicitation is anticipated on or about March 5, 2026. Responses to this notice are due by March 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the manufacture, testing, inspection, packaging, and delivery of 5.56mm M1042 Loose and M1071 Linked Marking Ammunition Cartridges. These cartridges are designed for use in the Close Combat Mission Capability Kit (CCMCK), a user-installed temporary weapon conversion system. The M1042 is for M4/M4A1 and M16A2/A3/A4 Rifles, while the M1071 is for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). This marking ammunition is a reduced-energy, non-lethal cartridge that leaves a bright, water-soluble color marking compound on target for accurate assessment of simulated lethality and shot placement, without penetrating uniforms or protective equipment. Manufacturing must comply with Military Performance Specifications MIL-PRF-32313 and MIL-PRF-32315.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Requirements contract
- Duration: Five one-year ordering periods (FY26-31)
- Set-Aside: Other Than Full and Open Competition (OTF&OC), Sole Source to Ultimate Training Munitions, United Kingdom, per FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii)(B).
- Maximum Quantity: 255 million 5.56mm M1042 Loose and M1071 Linked Marking Ammunition Cartridges.
- Anticipated Solicitation Release: On or about March 5, 2026
- Response Date (for this notice): March 6, 2026
- Published Date: February 17, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice is a presolicitation and does not constitute an RFP or a commitment by the U.S. Government. Responses to this announcement are not proposals and cannot form a binding contract. It is not a guarantee of a future RFP/solicitation or an award. Details on obtaining the military specifications will be provided in the anticipated solicitation.