N0016425SC001 CSO

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines a "Area of Interest" (AOI) for the Small Modular Optic and Laser Designator (SMOLDr) program, seeking a low-cost, small, and lightweight laser designator and separable digital optic for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The current solutions are described as costly, large, heavy, reliant on custom batteries, and lacking low-light performance, which limits the equipment fire supporters can carry and their effectiveness.

• Modularity: The core requirement is a designator module and an optic module that can mechanically and electrically separate. The government intends to develop tiered solutions for the optic without replacing the designator.

• Cost Efficiency: Solutions should be designed for cost efficiency, leveraging economies of scale. Techniques to improve performance without significant cost increases are encouraged.

• Primary Attributes:

  • Total weight: ≤ 6.5 lbs (combined modules, including batteries, etc.)
  • Total dimensions: ≤ 21 inches (length + width + height)
  • Meet STANAG 3733 minimum energy for designation in temperatures from -19°C to +49°C.
  • Optic must positively identify tanks and improvised fighting vehicles day/night at range.
  • Effective designation range (tripod-mounted) for tanks and fighting vehicles per STANAG 3733 (including Band 1 and 2 codes).
  • "Seespot" capability to confirm laser energy on target day/night.
  • "Beam trace" capability for situational awareness (goal).

• Secondary Attributes:

  • Operation from internal, commercially available batteries (CR123, L91, or 18650 sizes).
  • ≥ 2 hours observation with at least 10 laser events per battery.
  • ≤ 5 seconds from cold start to full operation.
  • Ergonomic design for intuitive use in various postures while wearing specified gloves.

• Tertiary Attributes:

  • Reticle-based range determination (minimum).
  • Accurate range determination to targets (goal).
  • GPS input/display (MGRS, Lat/Lon).
  • Target location display (MGRS, Lat/Lon).
  • Environmental resistance (low/high pressure, immersion, salt fog, temperature, humidity, dust, vibration, etc.).
  • Pointing direction (general and accurate).
  • Accessory rail (MIL-STD-1913).

• This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for prototype Other Transactions (OT) agreements.

• Potential for follow-on production contracts without further competition (10 U.S.C. 4022(f)).

• Submission: Solution briefs (white paper ≤ 5 pages or slide deck ≤ 15 pages) are due by August 13, 2025, 5:00 PM EST.

• Format: Electronic PDF submission to crane_02_cso_submission@us.navy.mil.

• Evaluation: Based on Technical Merit and Relevance, evaluating primary and secondary attributes.

• Teaming: Government may facilitate introductions between vendors with complementary capabilities.

• Awarded under CSO process (N0016425SC001).

• To enter a prototype OT agreement, at least one of the following must be met:

  • Significant participation by a nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution.
  • All significant participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors.
  • At least one-third of the project cost is from non-Federal sources.

• Q&A Deadline: August 6, 2025, 5:00 P.M. EST (email crane_02_cso_submission@us.navy.mil).

• Submission Deadline: August 13, 2025, 5:00 PM EST.

• Vendors can submit briefs for the designator module, optic module, or both (individually or as a team).

• Government support contractors identified: Frontier Technology Incorporated, KBR Wyle Services, Mag DS Corp.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines a requirement for a Miniature Aiming System (MAS) Machine Gun Optic (MGO) for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The MGO is intended to enable end-users to effectively engage targets up to 2000 meters with the new .338 Norma Magnum Light Machine Gun Medium (LMG M), bridging a capability gap between existing systems.

Primary MGO Attributes:

• Exit Pupil: ≥ 5mm at maximum magnification.
• Eye Relief: ≥ 2.75 in.
• Field of View (FOV): ≥ 2 degrees at maximum magnification.
• Size: < 79 cubic inches, length ≤ 10 inches.
• Weight: < 40 oz.
• Reticle: Illuminated BDC designed for .338 Norma Magnum with a daylight bright central aim point.
• Mounting: Secure attachment to MIL-STD-1913 rail.
• Magnification: Selectable internal magnification, low power between 1x-4x, high power ≥ 8x.
• Durability: Must survive SOCOM SOF environments and be tested per MIL STD 810H.
• Interoperability: No degradation to the host weapon.

Secondary Attributes:

• Zeroing Ability for extended ranges.
• Optical Centerline Height: 1.535" ± 0.05" above rail.
• Windage/Elevation Increments: Multiples of 1 mrad.
• Sight Attachments: Allows for a Miniature Reflex Sight (MRS).
• Parallax: Minimized perceived parallax.
• Elevation Bias: Rapid elevation adjustment feature.

This opportunity is being pursued under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process. Awards will be prototype Other Transactions (OT) agreements. Follow-on production contracts may be awarded without further competition.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format.
• Submission Deadline: July 3, 2025, 5:00 PM EST.
• Questions Deadline: June 17, 2025, 5:00 PM EST.
• Technical Merit and Relevance will be based on meeting primary and secondary attributes.

To enter into a prototype OT agreement, at least one of the following must be met: (A) Significant participation by a nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution. (B) All significant participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors. (C) At least one-third of the prototype project cost is from non-Federal sources.

• Vendors can submit multiple unique solution briefs.
• Teaming is permitted; if teaming, list companies and POCs on the first page.
• The government may facilitate introductions between vendors with complementary capabilities.
• Government support contractors include Frontier Technology Incorporated.
• Contact for inquiries/submissions: Mark Dravet, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.