The July 4th Fireworks show held on the National Mall in Washington DC this year has been extended in duration to a 35 minute show due to a generous donation by fireworks manufacturer and wholesalers Grucci and Phantom Fireworks. The fireworks display company Garden State Fireworks was recently allocated an additional $33,155.23 for “Enhanced Production” of the display this year.
In a press release by the Department of the Interior, the extra fireworks were donated by Grucci and Phantom Fireworks and is said to be valued at $750,000. Currently the National Park Service, a division of the Department of the Interior has a long term contract with Garden State Fireworks Inc to operate and run the July 4th Independence Day Aerial Fireworks Display at the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington DC till the year 2020 if all options are exercised.
Garden State Fireworks according to the government solicitation they responded to is contracted to produce a 17.5 minute (minimum) fireworks display on July 4th. With the donation by Grucci and Phantom, the fireworks show will now be 35 minutes. On June 17, 2019 the National Park Service signed a supplemental agreement against the contract INP16PC00171 for “Enhanced Production” for the July 4th National Mall Fireworks show.
This “Enhanced Production” fee of $33,155.23 was added two months after the National Park Service choose to “Exercise an Option” on April 18, 2019 for $287,394.03 for the July 4th 2019 fireworks show. This additional fee brings the total fireworks show cost to $320,549.00 which is 18.5 percent higher than last year’s production.
Garden State Fireworks contract details for providing July 4th Fireworks shows on the National Mall Washington DC:
National Mall and Memorial Parks July 4th fireworks show costs based on government contracts found in BidLnk:
Contractor: Garden State Fireworks
Contract Number: INP16PC00171
2016 Cost – $238,868.29
2017 Cost – $264,618.29 (10.8% increase compared to 2016)
2018 Cost – $270,295.97 (2.1% increase compared to 2017)
2019 Cost – $320,549.00 (18.5% increase compared to 2018)
Pyrotechnique by Grucci, Inc in addition to being a Fireworks manufacturer sells millions of dollars worth of pyrotechnic explosive devices to the Department of Defense. Manufacturing items that produce smoke and explosions designed to simulate weapons. Several Government contracts were found in BidLink.
The costs above only relate to producing the Fireworks Display and do not cover things like security costs, emergency services, police, fencing and barricades which are covered under other long term government contracts.
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. To learn more at BidLink
Product Manager for Precision Fires and Mortars Organizational Chart 2019
The Department of Defense Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM) organization manages several sizes and variants of Mortar weapon systems. These weapon system products include special kits and standalone hand held electronic devices used to operate these devices. The systems range in size from small man-portable versions like the 60 mm and 80 mm mortars to the 120 mm vehicle mounted and vehicle towed mortar systems. PM Precision Fires and Mortars was formerly known as Product Manager Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems (GPM2S).
Product Manager for Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM)
Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI)
The XM-395 GPS guided 120 mm mortar round programmed before flight with GPS coordinates using the Precision Lightweight Universal Mortar Setter System (PLUMSS) (Photo Credit: Justin Moeller)
The Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) is precision mortar which uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The XM395 GPS guided 120 mm mortar round is programmed before it’s fired.
APMI Details:
“APMI XM395, cartridge uses a standard M934 high-explosive 120 mm projectile body. In the nose, a GPS receiver and computer controlled aerodynamic directional fins keep the round on its programmed trajectory. Folding fins in the tail provide stability. The APMI also has a multi-functional fuse, which allows the round to be programmed to explode in the air, once it hits a hard surface or after it penetrates inside a target.” According to Peter Burke, PEO Ammunition’s deputy product manager, Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems.
Engineers with the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal pack cases containing the Precision Lightweight Universal Mortar Setter Systems (PLUMSS) for shipment. Photo Credit: Todd Mozes
The GPS coordinates are input from the ballistic computers with the addition of a Precision Lightweight Universal Mortar Setter System (PLUMSS). The PLUMSS fire control interface unit is an indirect fire control system that is capable of programming the precision guided 120 mm mortar cartridge which is used with 120 mm smooth-bore, mortar systems such as the ground mounted and Stryker mounted 120 mm mortar systems.
This High Explosive Guided Mortar (HEGM) cartridge gives soldiers in Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs), and Special Operations Forces (SOF) Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) capability on the battlefields. It’s programmable by the M95 Mortar Fire Control System or M150 MFCS-D or M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC).
The NSN for the XM395 120 mm High Explosive Guided Mortar (HEGM) cartridge is 1315-01-590-3308.
The NSN for the XM701 Precision Lightweight Universal Mortar Setter System (PLUMSS) is 1290-01-586-5780.
Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) XM1156/M1156
The Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) is a precision guidance fuze that contains Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance for more accurate result. The PGK currently has two Department of Defense Identification Codes (DODIC), NA28 NSN 1390-01-579-0413 for the XM1156 and DODIC NA29 NSN 1390-01-617-0269 for the newer M1156. The PGK currently being procured has the NA29 DODIC. It is adaptable to existing stockpile of M795, M795IM and M549A1 high explosive 155 mm projectiles. Flight data is inductively loaded into PGK using the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS)
Transferring electronic firing data to the Precision Guidance Fuze (PGK) fuze XM1156 using the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS). This is done before the canard cover is removed. (Photo Credit: Cindy McIntyre)
The Product Manager Precision Fires and Mortars several years ago performed a bottom-up technique known as “clean-sheeting” to better understand the cost of the M1156 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) and to identify opportunities for cost savings. We may touch on this in future articles. One of the initial contract that was awarded to for production of the Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) XM395 was sole source to Alliant Techsystems, ATK (Now owned by Northrop Grumman) contract number W15QKN-10-C-0059.
Mortar Systems
The PM Precision Fires and Mortars product line includes the entire Mortar System everything except the ammo. The mortar systems are the 60 mm, 81 mm, 120 mm towed and mounted mortars. The PM PFM also manages associated special kits and standalone hand held electronic devices used to operate these systems.
The majority of the basic Mortar ammunition used by the mortar systems is handled by the Conventional Ammunition division. They manage items such as High explosive mortar ammunition, Illumination mortar ammunition, Smoke mortar ammunition and Training mortar ammunition.
Some of these mortar systems listed below have similar repair/replace parts such as the Sight Unit and the Bipods.
Lightweight 60 mm Mortar System
M224A1 Lightweight 60 mm Mortar System (Photo credit: U.S. Army)
M224 – 60 mm Mortar weapon system (older model)
NSN for M224 mortar weapon system 1010-01-020-5626
Line Item Number (LIN) for the 60 mm M224 weapon system is M67939
M224A1 – 60 mm Mortar weapon system (newer model)
NSN for M224A1 mortar weapon system 1010-01-586-2874
Line Item Number (LIN) for the 60 mm M224A1 weapon system is M67939
Physical Characteristics – 60 mm Mortar weapon system
M224A1 in firing position in conventional mode 37.9 lbs
M224A1 in firing position in handheld mode 19.6 lbs
60 mm Lightweight cannon 13 lbs
M170A1 Bipod 12.8 lbs
M7A1 Lightweight baseplate 9.2 lbs
M8 Baseplate 3.7 lbs
M67 Sight unit 2.9 lbs
Lightweight 81 mm Mortar System
M252 Lightweight 81 mm Mortar System (Photo credit: Ian Leones)
M252 – 81 mm Mortar weapon system (older model)
NSN for M252 81 mm mortar weapon system 1015-01-164-6651
Line Item Number (LIN) for the M252 81 mm weapon system is M02114
M252A1 – 81 mm Mortar weapon system (newer model)
NSN for M252A1 mortar weapon system 1015-01-586-2135
Line Item Number (LIN) for the M252A1 mortar weapon system is M02114
Physical Characteristics M252A1 – 81 mm Mortar weapon system
M252A1 in Firing position 74.9 lbs
81 mm Cannon 31 lbs
M177A1 Bipod 18 lbs
M3A1 Lightweight baseplate 23 lbs
M67 Sight unit 2.9 lbs
Carrier Mounted and Towed Mortar System
M121 – 120mm Carrier mounted mortar system
M121 – 120 mm Carrier mounted mortar system
NSN for 120 mm M121 carrier mounted mortar system is 1015-01-292-3801
Line Item Number (LIN) for the M121 carrier mounted mortar system is M68405
Physical Characteristics – M121 – 120mm Carrier mounted mortar system
M121 Mortar system 717 lbs with trailer
M121 Mortar system 318 lbs in firing position
M298 Cannon weight 110 lbs
M298 Cannon length 69 in
M190 Bipod assembly weight 70 lbs.
M9 Mortar baseplate weight 136 lbs.
M64A1 Sight unit weight 2.5 lbs.
M120A1 – 120 mm Towed mortar system
M120A1 – 120 mm Towed mortar system
NSN for 120 mm M120A1 Towed mortar system is 1015-01-554-0749
Line Item Number (LIN) for the M120A1 Towed mortar system is M68326
Physical Characteristics – M120A1 – 120mm Towed mortar system
M121 Mortar system 717 lbs with trailer
M121 Mortar system 318 lbs in firing position
M298 Cannon weight 110 lbs
M298 Cannon length 69 inches
M190 Bipod assembly weight 70 lbs
M9 Mortar baseplate weight 136 lbs
M64A1 Sight unit weight 2.5 lbs
M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow)
The M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow) is a powered device allowing the 120 mm mortar to be carried as single unit, using a support strut holding the mortar tube, base plate and bipod solidly together.
M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow)
M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow)
NSN for M326 Mortar stowage kit is 2590-01-551-7979
Line Item Number (LIN) for M326 Mortar stowage kit isH39473
M313 Mortar System Training Insert
The M313 Mortar system training insert is used with the M120/M121 mortar systems replacing the M303 insert. It is a sub-caliber insert used to reduce life cycle training costs of the M120/M121 Battalion Mortar.
M313 Mortar System Training Insert
NSN for M313 Mortar system training insert is 1015-01-521-6071
Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS)
The Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) includes an entire suite of electronic devices used with the mortar systems. Provides control using digital type devices and software: Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS); Hardware – Pointing device: (TALIN datasheet), Commander’s interface, Gunner’s display, Driver’s display, Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR), Power distribution assembly and cables.
Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) – includes an entire suite of electronic devices
M95 – Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS)
NSN for M95 Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is 1230-01-503-7784
Line Item Number (LIN) for M95 Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is F83625
M96 – Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS)
NSN for M96 Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is 1230-01-503-7783
Line Item Number (LIN) for M96 Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is F83693
M150 Mortar Fire Control System Dismounted (MFCS-D)
The M150 Mortar Fire Control System Dismounted (MFCS-D) is used with the M120 Towed Mortar System. The M150 integrates with the M1101 trailer and the M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow).
M150 Mortar Fire Control System Dismounted (MFCS-D)
NSN for M150 Gun MFCS-D is 1230-01-560-1027
LIN for M150 Gun MFCS-D is F55682
NSN for M151 Fire Direction Center (FDC) MFCS-D is 1230-01-560-1028
LIN for M151 Fire Direction Center (FDC) MFCS-D is M53619
The M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) is a small Ruggedized Personal Digital Assistant (R-PDA) computer with an integrated tactical modem (TacLink), GPS system tied together using U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) fire control software. The LHMBC is used with the 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm dismounted mortar systems and can also be used as a backup device for the Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) in Mortar Carrier and Stryker operations. The LHMBC replaces the M23 Mortar Ballistic Computer.
M32A1 – Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) NSN is 1220-01-646-0010
Line Item Number (LIN) for Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) is M32043
Doing business with PM Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM):
Part of doing business with the military, selling products you manufacture starts at knowing what, why and how they buy. Much of what DOD buys is part of something else, a higher system or end item. The items above are mostly end items and in order to keep them operational, sometimes over the span of 50 years they need a lot of parts. The more knowledge you have on the end items and who uses them will lead your company to better and bigger business opportunities with the Department of Defense.
In addition although a single weapon system may have initially been produced by one prime contractor many other smaller contractors get involved especially when the item currently in use, needs repairs or updating. One weapon system could have 100s or thousands of individual parts that are needed to keep the item in operation – These are known as spares and can be great business opportunities for any government contractor.
Product Manager for Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM) Office Details:
Business opportunities for Product Manager for Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM) will typically be posted by Army Contracting Command, New Jersey (ACC – NJ) on behalf of the organization PM Precision Fires and Mortars under office code W15QKN.
Army Contracting Command, New Jersey address:
ACC – NJ (W15QKN)
Building 10 Phipps Road
Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000
The phone number for the PM Precision Fires and Mortars is 973-724-4428
To discover more information about Product Manager Precision Fires and Mortars or any other division of the federal government to find potential business opportunities sign up for a free trial or contact one of our experts at news@bidlink.net
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Project Management Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) Organizational Chart 2019
The Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) develops, produces, and equips U.S. Soldiers with artillery, mortars, ammunition and electronic fire control systems. Part of the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) responsibilities is to procure ammunition for Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Operations Command, and our allies. PM Combat Ammunition Systems is also the life cycle program manager of the related items.
PM Combat Ammunition Systems group is divided into four (4) organizations: Excalibur, Precision Fires and Mortars, Conventional Ammunition and Business Management. Each organization focuses on different product lines.
PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) Organizations:
Excalibur
Excalibur is a 155 mm, Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided, extended range artillery projectile designed for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The models are XM982, M982 and M982A1.
The PM Precision Fires and Mortars manager is responsible for items such as tube launched weapons (mortars and artillery) and electronic fire control systems. The weapons include the 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortar systems and related equipment. The electronic devices include control systems, hand-held devices and vehicle mounted systems.
Conventional Ammunition division is responsible for ammunition production. Items such as Artillery ammunition, Mortar ammunition, Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (PIAFS), Multi-Option Fuze for Artillery (MOFA) and Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) are included.
Business Management Division
The Business Management Division provides contracting and financial support to the products and division teams of Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems.
Doing business with PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS)
Business opportunities for PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) will typically be posted by Army Contracting Command, New Jersey (ACC – NJ) on behalf of the Office PM CAS under office code W15QKN.
The phone number for the Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems is 973-724-2306
To discover more information about Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems or to find potential business opportunities sign up for a free trial or contact one of our experts at news@bidlink.net
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Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition (JPEO A&A) – Formerly known as Program Executive Office Ammunition (PEO Ammo) Organizational Chart 2019
The Program Executive Office Ammunition (PEO Ammo) had a name change on November 1, 2018. PEO Ammo is now known as Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition or JPEO A&A.
Located in Dover, New Jersey, 07806, JPEO A&A is a sub-organization under Picatinny Arsenal.
The Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition deals with Close combat systems, Combat and Maneuver ammunition systems and Towed artillery systems. The organization is comprised of four (4) Project Management (PM) offices and two (2) Project Director (PD) offices.
Demolitions – Support munitions including demolitions and pyrotechnics
Non-Lethal systems and munitions
PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS)
Project Management Combat Ammunition Systems PM-CAS
Precision guided munitions
Smart munitions
Conventional munitions
Mortar weapons systems
Mortar fire control systems
Fuzes and Fuze setters
PM Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS)
Large caliber direct fire ammunition (105mm and 120mm)
Small caliber direct fire ammunition (.22 cal, .30 cal, shotgun, 9mm, .45 cal, 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .50 cal)
Medium caliber direct fire ammunition (25mm, 30mm and 40mm, L60)
Medium caliber cannon ammunition
Non-standard ammunition
PM Towed Artillery Systems (PM TAS)
Towed Howitzer weapon
Howitzer Digitization
Gun Laying/Surveying Equipment
Non Standard Howitzers
PD Joint Services – Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA); Coordination of activities on behalf of JPEO A&A.
PD Joint Products – Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) acquisition responsibility, Bombs, Navy gun ammunition and energetics product lines.
Doing business with JPEO Armaments & Ammunition:
Business opportunities for Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition will typically be posted by Army Contracting Command, New Jersey (ACC – NJ) under office code W15QKN.
Army Contracting Command, New Jersey address:
ACC – NJ (W15QKN)
Building 10 Phipps Road
Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000
Contact numbers for JPEO-AA and Project Managers:
Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition
Phone: 973-724-5245
Project Manager Close Combat Systems
Phone: 973-724-7041
Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems
Phone: 973-724-5307
Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems
Phone: 973-724-2306
Project Manager Towed Artillery Systems
Phone: 973-724-4427
Project Director for Joint Services
Phone: 973-724-9778
Project Director Joint Products
Phone: 973-724-9899
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7.62 mm Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle System (M110 SASS) (Army Photo)
The Department of the Army is looking for new manufacturers to produce the M110 SASS 7.62 mm Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle System. Firearms manufacturers need to respond before the end of June if they are interested in potentially winning a long term government contract award for supplying approximately 2,000 new M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems (SASS) 7.62mm Sniper Rifles.
The Department of the Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking to identify potential sources capable of providing these Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems to the Army. Interested companies and Firearm manufacturers are asked to complete a short questionnaire before June 28th 2019.
Potential Contract Value:
The M110 SASS Weapon unit cost listed in the Army’s fiscal year 2013 Budget was $11,214.00. That was the most recent year we could easily find a unit price for the M110. The total potential contract value could be over $22 Million dollars for an order of 2,000 M110’s at 2013 prices. Today 6 years later prices are sure to have gone up.
Current Manufacturer:
Knight’s Armament Co produced a batch of new M110 SASS 7.62mm Sniper Rifles a few years back contract number W52H09-10-C-0061. On December 20, 2018 the U.S. Army Contracting Command awarded a government contract to Knight’s Armament Company with a contract “total estimated value” of $16,550,140.00. The contract is for overhaul of the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS), NSN: 1005-01-534-2841. The government solicitation W56HZV-17-R-0026 which was posted on January 27, 2017 led to this award, it was a “Sources Sought” to determine industry capability to overhaul up to 1,725 M110 7.62mm Sniper Rifles.
This current Sources Sought solicitation W15QKN-19-R-06K7 is seeking to find new sources capable of producing the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (M110 SASS) a 7.62mm Sniper Rifle. This Request for Information originating from Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PM SW) has a short questionnaire for interested manufacturers. The estimated contract length is 5 years, with a total quantity of approximately 2,000 systems. This Market Survey for the M110 SASS is not to be confused with requirements for the CSASS (Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System).
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M110 7.62 mm Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle Sysyem (M110 SASS) (Photo Credit: Marie Berberea)
The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (M110 SASS) is classified as a Small Arms System. It is a medium caliber sniper rifle used in close-combat situations such as urban areas. The M110 includes a suppressor, 3.5×10 scope with illuminated Mil Dot Reticle. It also comes with a M151 Enhanced Spotting Scope that allows recognition and identification of targets at long distances. The spotting scope has 12-40x magnification with a 60mm objective lens diameter. The M110 is used by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines. In addition several other countries use and obtain the M110 SASS through Foreign Military Sales (FMS).
Mil Dot Reticle in a sniper rifle. The Mil-Dot pattern is utilized when laser range finders are nonfunctioning or unable to be utilized. Snipers basic skills include the ability to calculate distance without a laser range finger. (Photo Credit: Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder)
M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (M110 SASS) details:
TM 9-1005-342-10 – Operator’s Manual for M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS)
TM 9-1005-342-23&P – Field Maintenance including Repair Parts and Special Tools List (RPSTL) for M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS)
Weapon Status:
Completed fielding of 2,083 total systems fiscal year 2016-2018
The M110 System is currently in the operation and sustainment phase, fiscal years 2019-2023
Major Contractors of the M110 Sniper Rifle:
Knight’s Armament Co – Manufacturer of the rifle.
Leupold & Stevens Inc. – Manufacturer of the rifle scope.
Contractor Details:
Knight’s Armament Company is a manufacturer, machine shop and research and development facility manufacturing complete weapon systems such as guns, rifles and accessories. Their CAGE code is 1S002; primary business classification NAICS code 332994 small arms manufacturing; listed Federal Supply Classes (FSC’s) 1005, 1240 and K010 – Guns, through 30mm, Optical sighting and ranging equipment, and Modification of weapons.
According to BidLink procurement history records Knight’s Armament Company has had several government contracts for the new manufacture of the M110 as well as repair and overhaul contracts.
Government contract activity for Knight’s Armament Company goes back to the year 1984 with relatively low competition on contract awards they win.
Leupold & Stevens Inc is a manufacturer, machine shop and research and development facility manufacturing a variety of Telescopic sights, Optical instruments, Spotting scopes, Rifle Scopes, Rangefinders, Ballistic reticles, Binoculars and accessories. Their CAGE code is 35848; primary business classification NAICS code 332994 small arms manufacturing. With over 650 employees they are a mid-sized business.
According to BidLink procurement history records Leupold & Stevens has had several government contracts for Optical instruments, Spotting scopes and Rifle Scopes with activity back to the year 1984 with relatively low competition on the government contract awards they win.
Where do I find Government contracts or solicitations relating to the M110 or related guns?
The Government Contracting Office issuing Solicitations and Contracts for buys, repairs and overhauls for the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) is:
Contracting Office: Project Manager Soldier Weapons
Contracting Office Code: W15QKN
Contracting Office Name: Army Contracting Command (ACC-NJ)
Contracting Office Address: Building 10 Phipps Road, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey 07806-5000
Try searching at www.bidlink.net
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Project Manager Soldier Weapons Program Office Organization Chart
Within the Department of Defense (DOD) there are 100’s of Program Offices located throughout the United States. Each Program Office focuses on specific products that our American Soldiers depend on every day. The Program Office is the centralized location for all activities related to development, test, evaluation, acquisition, production of a specific product or system the DOD uses.
For example if your company manufactures items like springs, pins, nuts, bolts, brackets, tripods, scopes, binoculars, cloth bags, straps etc., your items might be used on some type of gun or rifle. The knowledge of where your item is used is invaluable. Knowing what agencies, departments or Program Offices deal with those types of items can potentially lead your company to more government business opportunities.
One way to find potential Program Offices that your company might eventually deal with, possibly offering them a “better solution” to the items they currently use is to look at past government contract awards, to find contracting offices buying those items.
The Project Manager or Program Office works along with various contracting agencies to get what they need. Those contracting offices post Solicitations, Request for Information (RFI), and Request for Proposals (RFP).
Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PM SW) is one of the hundreds of Department of Defense (DOD) Program Offices located throughout the United States. Project Manager Soldier Weapons is a sub division of Program Executive Office Soldier (PEO Soldier) located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
PEO Soldier Address:
SFAE-SDR
5901 Putnam Road Building 328
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5422
Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PM Soldier Weapons) has two subdivisions, Product Manager Crew Served Weapons (PM CSW) and Product Manager Individual Weapons (PM IW). Each division focuses on certain types of items.
Product Manager Crew Served Weapons (PM CSW) is responsible for larger systems used by groups of individuals; Items such as Machine guns and Grenade launchers.
Product Manager Crew Served Weapons
M153 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS)
M153 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS)
MK19 Grenade Machine Gun
MK19 Grenade Machine Gun
M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun
M2A1 .50 Caliber Machine Gun
M240B Medium Machine Gun
M240H Medium Machine Gun
M240L Medium Machine Gun
M240L Short Barrel
M240B Collapsible Buttstock
M240L Collapsible Buttstock
M240B Adjustable Bipod
M240B Combat Ammo Pack
M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)
M249 Short Barrel
M249 SAW Improved Bipod
M249 SAW 200-Round Soft Pack
M249 SAW Short Barrel
M249 SAW Collapsible Buttstock
M145 Machine Gun Optic (MGO)
M192 Lightweight Ground Mount for Machine Guns
M205 Lightweight Tripod for Heavy Machine Guns
Binoculars:
M22 Binoculars
M24 Miniature Binoculars
M25 Stabilized Binoculars
M25E1 Stabilized Binoculars
Close Combat Mission Capability Kit (CCMCK) System
Product Manager Individual Weapons (PM IW) is in charge of Rifles, Carbines, Pistols, Shotguns, Grenade launchers and Sniper systems.
Product Manager Individual Weapons
M4 Carbine
M4A1 Carbine
M16A2 Rifle
M16A4 Rifle
M320 Grenade Launcher
M320A1 Grenade Launcher
M203 Grenade Launcher
M203A1 Grenade Launcher
M203A2 Grenade Launcher
M26 12-Gauge Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS)
M500 Shotgun
M107 Semi-Automatic Long Range Sniper Rifle (LRSR)
M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR)
M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS)
M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System SASS
M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS)
M14 7.62MM Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR)
M9 9mm Pistol
M150 Rifle Combat Optic (RCO)
M151 Sniper Spotting Scope
M151 Improved Spotting Scope
Close Quarters Battle Kit (CQB Kit)
Future Initiatives (as of 2017):
Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR)
Compact Semi Automatic Sniper System (CSASS)
Carbine Modernization – M4 Product Improvement Program – Improve the nearly 500,000 M4s in inventory
Modular Handgun System (MHS)
M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO)
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Picatinny Arsenal is a large military installation providing a wide variety of guns, ammunition, products and related services to all branches of the U.S. military. Picatinny Arsenal is located in northern New Jersey near Interstate 80 (I-80) about 35 miles west of New York City.
As of 2019 Picatinny Arsenal employed over 5000 people most of them civilians with approximately one-third of these employees engineers and scientists. There are an additional 400 plus employees working for affiliated organizations at Watervliet Arsenal, Rock Island Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground.
History
Picatinny Arsenal was established in September 1880, it was first known as the Dover Powder Depot. Then a few days later they changed their name to Picatinny Powder Depot and in 1907 the Army changed the name to Picatinny Arsenal. Powder (black powder, gun powder) and munitions were some of the first products to be produced at Picatinny. Today the organization has expanded tremendously.
Picatinny Arsenal installation is home to several organizations, with more than 1,010 permanent structures and 64 laboratories, there is a lot going on at their 6,500 acre campus.
Organizations
Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Armaments Center
Picatinny Arsenal is a research and development, engineering and production facility for weapons systems. New weapons, munitions and auxiliary equipment are produced and fielded by Picatinny. All branches of the U.S. armed services, including infantry, artillery, armor, aircraft and engineers benefit from what Picatinny has created.
Products and Services – Below is a sample of what Picatinny Arsenal is involved with
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. Learn more at www.bidlink.net
Spoiler Actuator for B-52H Stratofortress (U.S. Air Force photo – Micaiah Anthony)
An actuator is essentially a device that converts energy into a motion. Actuators can be simple assemblies built from a grouping of parts like brackets, cylinders, gears and ball screws. The entire assembly usually built for a specific purpose is known as the actuator. They run on a variety power sources all depending the available power source such as electric, air, or hydraulic oil. The device is used to move, push or pull something and is usually part of a larger assembly such as an aircraft wing.
One example of an actuator in use is the action of your hand and fingers moving to picking up an object. Your hand is actually a very complex actuator. However the type of actuators we will be talking about are mechanical, nonhuman ones specifically what the Department of Defense (DOD) buys. Companies with any manufacturing expertise should explore producing actuators for the DOD as some of the items we reviewed only one manufacturer was listed, they were Sole Source.
Where are actuators used?
The actuators that DOD buys are used in items such as Aircraft, UAV’s, Drones, Engines Missiles, Vehicles, Tractors, Cranes, Ships, Brakes, etc.
In our everyday life we use actuators in our homes and vehicles. Your washing machines’ spin/agitator action relies on an actuator. Engine actuators, brake actuators, tailgate actuators, windshield wiper actuators and mirror actuators are all used in your car. Actuators are basically devices used to move, push, pull, open and close things.
The U.S. Military, Department of Defense buys actuators and plenty of them. Uses include the above mentioned ones plus others such as Aileron actuators, Gun actuators, Aircraft actuators, and Motor actuators. As the Military equipment gets used and abused actuators either need to be replaced or repaired. Unlike most household items much of the U.S. Military equipment is very expensive with life spans approaching 50 years, so the process of repairing consumes spare parts such as actuators.
Actuator Motions
Actuators provide two basic types of motion linear or rotational motion. Actuators provide two basic types of motion linear or rotational motion. An Air/Hydraulic cylinder could be pushed and pulled; a rotary Ball screw/Lead screw can be turned by an electric motor.
Commonly used Actuators
Some common types of actuators are: Electro-mechanical actuators, Hydraulic-pneumatic actuators, Mechanical actuators, Electro-pneumatic actuators, Explosive actuators, Piezoelectric actuators.
Types of Actuators the Defense Department Buys
The Department of Defense uses a variety of actuator types on various platforms such as Aircraft, Ships, Systems, and Vehicles. For this article we decided to discuss a few types of actuators the Department of Defense is currently buying. We did some quick research in BidLink.net to find a few current open government solicitations to review, try it for yourself. After looking at a few interesting open solicitations for actuators we then reviewed all the past procurement history (contract history) for each of the NSN’s as well as related data found in BidLink, look below to see what we found.
The four categories of actuators we decided to review were: Linear hydraulic-pneumatic actuators, Rotary electro-mechanical actuators, a Parking brake actuator assembly and a Spring brake actuator. These 4 items were just a sample of what we found.
Linear actuator example. This Stabilizer trim actuator is used in the tail of a KC-135R Stratotanker. It controls the horizontal stabilizer, pilots it to adjust the pitch, or up and down movement, of the aircraft’s nose. Photo – Dakota Bergl
Linear Actuator
A simple example of a linear actuator in use by the U.S Marines is for the opening of a 500 pound vehicle rear door on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protection (MRAP) Buffalo vehicle. This specific actuator is a linear electric actuator. When DOD purchases this item they use the official Item Name: Actuator, Electro-Mechanical, Linear. When searching for government solicitations knowing what DOD calls the item “The official name” is essential in either researching past government contract awards or bid searching.
Linear hydraulic-pneumatic actuator
This NSN 4810-01-620-4341 (part number 3847AS286-1) is a linear hydraulic-pneumatic actuator currently being sold to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Maritime hardware and electrical division by a by a broker of military parts. This item is used with the Navy’s Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
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According to BidLink NSN records the approved manufacturer is Carolina Growler CAGE code 550C1. They supplied the part direct to DOD back in the year 2014 under two separate contracts. Since then from 2015 till today the part has been sold to the DOD by only one broker. Pricing has risen steadily for three years and skyrocketed in the past two years, now costing 3 times more than what the manufacturer charged when they sold it direct to DOD in 2014. See graph below for details.
Graph showing sales of an actuator sold to the Department of Defense directly by the manufacturer; then a broker takes over the sales and prices steadily increase. This specific example is for a linear hydraulic-pneumatic actuator NSN 4810-01-620-4341. This is not a unique case as we have seen this happen with other items.
What are some possible reasons for such a dramatic price increase?
Did the price for this NSN 4810-01-620-4341 go up due to material costs?
Is the item manufactured by only one company is it a sole source item? While working on another article we saw this same dramatic price hike on another NSN from the same broker.
Is there no competition?
These are the some of the questions that the data will answer.
What could some potential outcomes be after looking at the data?
DOD might look for new companies to manufacture this item.
New Manufacturers might consider becoming a new source for this item.
Current Solicitations for NSN 4810-01-620-4341
This linear hydraulic-pneumatic actuator is ordered several times per year at varying quantities. Last week a government solicitation was posted asking for a quantity of 22 pieces. Will a new manufacturer start producing this item or will the price rise again?
Sole Source Items
When items are “Sole Source” one effect can be price increases due to no competition. Some companies look at items with no competition as potential business opportunities for them. The Department of Defense does not want items with only one source. They are constantly looking for new sources; manufacturers with specific skills should be on the lookout for items like these.
Rotary electro-mechanical actuator
This Rotary actuator NSN 3010-01-316-0190 U.S. Army part number 12285327-1 is actively being purchased by the Department of Defense. A complete drawing package is available from the DOD for any manufacturer interested in making this item. BidLink contract procurement history records show the same manufacturer has been winning contracts for this item for the past 5 years. There is currently an open solicitation for this NSN 3010-01-316-0190 with potential contract value over $100,000.00
This item is used on a few different U.S. Army and U.S. Marine tanks.
Parking brake actuator assembly
This NSN 2530-01-568-0031 part number TG404-0819 from HDT Expeditionary Systems/DHS Technologies is parking brake actuator assembly used by the U.S. Army as part of their Trailer Mounted Support System (TMSS) Generator/Power Plant Utility. This is one of the many shelter systems the U.S. Army uses when setting up Tactical Operations Center or TOCs all over the world when they deploy. It’s pulled by a HMMWV and if you go camping you’ll want one of these. It’s basically a full size tent complete with AC Generator, HVAC unit and electric outlets included all mounted on a trailer. In fact you might have seen one on display if you live in Laredo, Texas. The Department of Defense gave the Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division one of these setups in May of 2018.
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime Vehicle support division is currently looking for new sources of this item and they say there is an annual demand quantity of 41. The last contract price we show in April 2019 was around $2,000.00 each. All the DOD suppliers shown in our recent procurement history for this were all brokers.
Trailer Mounted Support System (TMSS)TG200-1000T. The Parking brake actuator assembly NSN 2530-01-568-0031 is used on the Trailer Mounted Support System (TMSS) above.
Spring Brake Actuator
The NSN 2530-01-483-3949 is a Spring brake actuator used on the 2.5 Ton Multi-Purpose Vehicle Trailer. It’s a combination an air operated braking device that performs the functions of service braking and emergency or park braking. One section of the device functions as a brake chamber and the other section uses a heavy duty spring, piston, and diaphragms.
This current open solicitation SPE7L1-19-T-210B for this NSN 2530-01-483-3949 closes next week is for a quantity 145 pieces. DOD has a complete set of drawings for any company to review. This current solicitation for spring brake actuators is also a Hubzone Set-Aside.
Past Procurement history shows a mix of distributors/brokers and OEM selling this item. Companies like Oshkosh and Haldex make parts like this, however since DOD has a complete set of drawings any company with manufacturing capabilities could become a new source for this item.
In this review we uncovered opportunities for manufacturers of brake components and vehicle parts. In addition the review of the data showed us other potential trends and opportunities. We only looked at 4 parts today, the Department of Defense posts thousands of new solicitations per day for parts they need.
Time spent researching; going beyond just simple bid searching can lead to new opportunities for your company to sell to DOD. Asking questions like who sold the item in the past? Is the company a manufacturer or a broker? What other parts do they make? Where are those items used? These are some of the questions you should ask while reviewing the data. You might find new directions or new product lines your company can produce.
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. Learn more at www.bidlink.net
The U.S. Government purchases supplies and services in a variety of ways such as posting solicitations for supplies or services they need to places like FedBizopps or DIBBS. They also purchase items, micro purchases directly from companies using their Government credit card.
U.S. Government Credit Cards
Does the government use credit cards?
Yes, the U.S. Government has used purchase cards (IMPACT cards, Credit cards) for over 30 years to buy supplies and services. The Government Purchase Card (GPC) program was created in the late 1980’s as a way for federal agencies to streamline the acquisition process by providing the end user an efficient way to obtain goods and services directly from vendors rather than processing request through Government procurement offices. The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1998 said by October 1, 2000, “at least 90 percent of all eligible purchases made by the Department of Defense for an amount less than the micro-purchase threshold shall be made through streamlined micro-purchase procedures”.
What is an IMPACT card?
International Merchant Purchase Authorization Card
What is a micro purchase?
A micro purchase according the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is “an acquisition of supplies or services using simplified acquisition procedures, the aggregate amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold”.
What is the micro purchase threshold 2019?
The micro purchase threshold according to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as of May 2019 is $3,500. There are some exceptions – see Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 2 – Definitions of Words and Terms https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-2-definitions-words-and-terms
Contract for Credit Card Services
The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) Office of Acquisition Operations, Office of Travel, Motor Vehicles and Card Services (QMA) recently awarded two $700 Billion dollar contracts for the GSA SmartPay program.
GSA SmartPay Details:
What is SmartPay?
The SmartPay program is the largest government-wide charge card services program in the world. It is run by the General Services Administration (GSA) a department of the U.S. Government. It is said to support more than 560 agencies/organizations around the globe. In fiscal year 2016 U.S. Government agencies/organizations spent $28.5 billion using the GSA SmartPay purchase card.
GSA established the SmartPay program in 1998 and the current program name is SmartPay 3. Over the past 21 years the program has evolved and grown. The previous master contracts were under the name SmartPay 2 which ended in 2018.
GSA SmartPay covers four main areas: Fleet, Travel, Purchase and Integrated solutions.
Fleet: Fueling and maintenance of vehicles, boats, planes or equipment.
Travel: Travel such as Airfare, car rentals, lodging and meals.
Purchase: Day-to-day business purchases necessary to run an organization.
Integrated solutions
Interesting SmartPay Facts:
In December 2018 there were close to 3.3 Million government credit card holders under the GSA’s SmartPay program.
In November 2018 the Department of Defense had over 81,000 SmartPay “Purchase” credit card holders.
Banks use what are known as a Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to identify different types of businesses. Merchant Category Codes are reported on some U.S. Government spending reports.
Here are a few code examples with vendors who supplied the items:
Code – Title – Vendor
5942 – Book stores – Amazon
5200 – Home supply warehouse stores – Home Depot
5732 – Electronics stores – Apple
Some government agencies block certain MCC codes to prevent misuse of the credit card.
Who are the top 5 big box stores the Government buys from?
In 2018 the U.S. Government spent a total of $74 Million dollars with the following companies using credit cards. The top 5 big box stores selling to the US Government are Home Depot, Walmart, Lowes, Office Depot, and Ace Hardware. Sales are based on 2018 SmartPay chip cards (credit card) data.
See the chart below the breakdown of sales.
Top 5 Big Box Stores Selling to the US Government
Since the U.S. Government encourages its employees to use credit cards to make purchase for supplies under the micro-purchase threshold of $3,500.00 they could potentially NOT buy from your company if you did not accept credit cards. One question as part of your System for Award Management (SAM) registration to get your CAGE code is “do you accept credit cards as a method of payment ?” https://sam.gov/SAM
SmartPay Contracts – Details
Previous Contract – This contract expired on November 2018
Program name: GSA SmartPay 2 (SP2)
Master Contract Numbers & Company:
GS-23F-T0002 – J.P.Morgan Chase
GS-23F-T0003 – Citibank
GS-23F-T0004 – US Bank
Current Contract – Began in November 2018, will continue through 2031 is all options are chosen.
Program name: GSA SmartPay3 (SP3)
Master Contract Numbers & Company:
GS-36F-GA001 – US Bank
GS-36F-GA002 – Citibank, N.A.
Solicitation Number GS10F17LPP0003
General Services Administration
Office: Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)
Location: Office of Acquisition Operations, Office of Travel, Motor Vehicles and Card Services (QMA)
Product Service Code (PSC) R710 Support- Management: Financial
NAICS 522110 Commercial Banking
Office code: 47QRAC
The Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories (PSHC) is responsible for the strategic leadership, oversight, and management of FAS’s professional services, human capital services, and charge card management programs and contracts.
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. Learn more at www.bidlink.net
