Area of Interest N0016425SCA001 Miniature Aiming System (MAS) Machine Gun Optic (MGO)

Quick Summary

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), N0016425SC001, to rapidly acquire innovative commercial solutions for Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions, and Electromagnetic Warfare. This CSO utilizes a three-phased competitive process (Solution Brief, Pitch, Full Proposal) and is open for new Areas of Interest (AOIs) until July 3, 2028. Multiple awards are anticipated, including FAR-based contracts, Purchase Orders, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), and Bailment Agreements.

Purpose & Scope

NSWC Crane seeks innovative technologies, processes, or methods—including research and development, concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development—to improve commercial technologies, existing Government capabilities, or concepts for defense applications. The focus is on solutions that are new or new applications of existing technologies. This CSO is authorized under 10 U.S.C. 3458 for innovative commercial products or services and aims to accelerate technology adoption and curate solutions to technology gaps.

Key Focus Areas

• Expeditionary Warfare: Autonomous solutions with payload and sensor integration for multi-domain, uncrewed, and counter-crewed systems, particularly for the Indo-Pacific region.
• Strategic Missions: Assuring 100% operational readiness of strategic missile systems, including Fleet Readiness and Modernization and Hypersonics.
• Electromagnetic Warfare: Non-kinetic expertise and electromagnetic spectrum dominance for multi-domain integrated solutions.

Contract Details

Awards under this CSO will be fixed-price. Prototype OTAs may lead to follow-on production contracts without further competition (10 U.S.C. § 4022). Eligibility for prototype OTAs requires significant participation by a nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution, all significant participants being small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors, or at least one-third non-Federal cost share.

Submission & Evaluation Process

The competitive process involves three phases:

1. Phase 1: Solution Brief (White Paper/Slides) – Evaluated for innovation, relevance, technical merit, and feasibility.
2. Phase 2: Pitch Session – Invited entities present their solutions, detailing estimated price/schedule and data rights.
3. Phase 3: Full Proposal – Selected entities submit a comprehensive written proposal and negotiate terms. Non-Government advisors may assist in evaluations, bound by NDAs.

Current Areas of Interest (AOIs) & Deadlines

Several AOIs have been released under this CSO, with the most recent being:

• N0016426SCA007 (Flyweight Assault Machine Gun - FAMG): Seeks a lightweight, man-portable, belt-fed 5.56x45mm weapon to replace the MK46 series.
  • Questions Due: June 15, 2026, 1600 EDT
  • Responses Due: June 18, 2026, 1400 EDT
  • Contact: Connor Fields (connor.r.fields.civ@us.navy.mil)
• N0016426SCA005 (Modular Kinetic Lethal Drones - MKLD): Focuses on emergent prototype VTOL drones with modular lethal payloads for precision kinetic effects.
  • Questions Due: May 27, 2026, 5pm
  • Proposal Submissions Due: June 01, 2026, 5pm
  • Contact: Kaden Pfender (kaden.m.pfender.civ@us.navy.mil)
• N0016426SCA004 (Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle - HiCAR): Seeks a replacement/upgrade for the URG-I carbine, capable of firing 5.56 NATO and hypervelocity ammunition.
  • Questions Due: June 02, 2026, 5pm
  • Proposal Submissions Due: June 12, 2026, 2pm EDT
  • Contact: Bradly McLaughlin (bradly.k.mclaughlin.civ@us.navy.mil)

General Information

Interested parties should frequently check SAM.gov for new AOI postings. Entities must have DUNS and CAGE Code registered in SAM to receive an award.