Metastable Interstitial Composite (MIC) Lead Free Percussion Primer, Small Caliber Ammunition
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 (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Combat Capabilities Development Command - Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC), is conducting market research for Metastable Interstitial Composite (MIC) Lead Free Percussion Primers for small caliber ammunition. This Sources Sought aims to identify US-based contractors capable of manufacturing and producing variable quantities of these lead-free primers for 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and Cal.50 ammunition. Responses are due April 15, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Army seeks to replace lead-based primers to reduce personnel lead exposure and environmental contamination. The requirement focuses on nanothermite-based, MIC primers, which utilize water-based mixing and automated loading processes. Contractors will be expected to:
- Manufacture and produce MIC Lead Free Primers (LFPs) for 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and Cal.50 ammunition.
- Support various meetings (kickoff, technical, delivery status).
- Handle energetic materials and produce/test primers meeting MIL-DTL-46610.
- Collaborate with the U.S. Government (USG) on primer variants to streamline manufacturing and reduce cost.
- Perform all work within the U.S.
- Capabilities must include material procurement, batch tracking, energetic material handling and mixing, manufacturing (dosing, consolidating, assembly), in-process/final inspections, ballistic testing, failure investigations, test report submission, and shipment.
- The USG will receive unlimited rights to all developed technical data.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 332992, Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,300 employees)
- PSC: 1305, Ammunition, Through 30mm
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: April 15, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT
- Published: March 25, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested US-based contractors should submit a capability statement including:
- NAICS and PSC.
- Full company details: name, address, primary points of contact (email, phone), website, CAGE Code, DUNS number, and business size (e.g., large, small, veteran-owned).
- Demonstrated ability to meet the specified product requirements.
- Past performance evidence: relevant contract numbers, dollar values, points of contact for verification, and brief work descriptions. Vendors must be registered in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
This is for informational purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). It does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the Government. No funds are available for response preparation. Not responding does not preclude participation in future solicitations. All inquiries must be submitted in writing via email to Gloria Thoguluva (gloria.thoguluva.civ@army.mil) and Roseanne Hooven (roseanne.hooven2.civ@army.mil).