M4 Rifle and Parts (5.56x45mm NATO)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the CBP 5.56x45mm NATO Rifle and Parts Request for Information (RFI).

• Alternate/Brand Name Equals: Alternate products are accepted if they meet or exceed all specifications in the SOW.
• Trigger Specification: CBP seeks to use specified triggers (from SOW 4.6.16 and 4.6.17) in both semi and select-fire rifles to reduce parts inventory.
• NSN and Quantity: There is no NSN for the rifle. Quantities are indefinite and determined by each Delivery Order.
• Magwell Flaring: Minimally flared magwells are acceptable if they do not interfere with gun locks, storage, or ancillary gear.
• Buffer Spring: The mil-spec buffer spring requirement is for dimensional and material compatibility with the U.S. military-standard M4 spring to ensure interoperability.
• Barrel Profile: A government profile or equivalent 14.5" barrel is acceptable if performance and durability requirements are met.
• QD Insert Placement: Alternative placements for QD sling inserts are acceptable. A durable steel sleeve is required.
• T-Markings: The letter "T" is not specifically required; numerical position markings are acceptable.
• Extractor/Ejector Configuration: The SOW draft had the extractor/ejector spring and pin configuration reversed; it will be updated to reflect extractor spring + solid pin and ejector spring + roll pin.
• Armorer Training Tool Sets: 4 sets per year of specialty tools are required at no additional cost to the government for the CBP Depot-Level Armory.
• Definition of "Mil-Spec": Refers to U.S. Department of Defense technical, material, and performance standards for M4-style AR platform rifles and components, ensuring compatibility with standard-issue military rifles.
• Warranty Start Date: The warranty period begins upon government receipt of each item.
• Inspection & Acceptance: The government will conduct source selection testing at the CBP Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry, WV at no expense to the vendor. Acceptance inspections may occur at the contractor facility, a government facility, or a third-party site, with the government responsible for its employee travel costs.

These clarifications will lead to updates in the Statement of Work (SOW) and may affect how vendors prepare their technical specifications and proposals. Bidders should review the updated SOW once released.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for the procurement of firearms mounted sighting systems to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies.

• The vendor shall provide firearms mounted sighting systems, including administrative and logistical support such as customer service, shipping (FOB destination), and invoicing.

• Manufacturers' technical specifications must be submitted for all required items.

• All specified items must be permanently marked with legible serial numbers visible when mounted.

• Each serialized item must be packaged in a box clearly displaying its make, model, serial number, and barcode, which must match the serial number on the item.

• No alterations or substitutions are permitted without prior written approval from the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Specific technical requirements are detailed for various types of sights, including Back-Up Iron Sights (BUIS), Miniature Red Dot Sights (MRDS), and Magnified Optics.

• Performance for each item must meet or exceed specified benchmark products.

• The contract period of performance is five (5) years from the date of award.

• Place of performance includes CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. Territories.

• Quality Control: Devices failing QC processes will be rejected. Government may conduct random QA testing. Failed items must be replaced at vendor's cost.

• Warranties: Minimum one-year warranty from acceptance. Products must conform to SOW requirements and maintain useful shelf life for five years.

• Government Access: Government may inspect vendor facilities with three business days' notice.

• Production Capacity: Vendors must have the capacity to deliver a minimum of 1,000 units per make/model per month.

• Distribution Authorization: Vendors must provide a letter from each manufacturer indicating authorized distributor status.

• Shipping: FOB Destination. Shipments must be trackable. Advanced shipping notice required.

• Packaging/Labeling: Materials must be packaged for safe delivery. Outer packaging must clearly identify contract and order numbers. Packing slips must list serial numbers by make/model. Serial numbers on individual item packaging must match the item.

• Reporting: Vendors must provide Delivery Order Reports and Warranty Reports. Media statements require prior approval.

• Security: Work is unclassified but may involve FOUO and PII. Non-disclosure agreements may be required.