The military acquisition process is far from being "fast" but, it looks like the PSR is acquisition is moving forward. It appears that the Contracting Office has released new information describing the full and open competition for the 10 year firm fixed price contract (maximum value of $252M). And like I said previously, the DoD acquisition process is not a quick one, the final award is anticipated by April 2012.
Speeding up the DoD acquisition process should be a priority moving forward into the future in my opinion. Advancements in technology and weapon systems happen monthly and should be leveraged (tested and evaluated of course) for the war fighter's advantage. I see too many cases where outdated weapons and technology are in play because of a lengthy and drawn out acquisition process. Time to fix this if you ask me....
For those that haven't been tracking the PSR, the specs are below: -Brandon out.
- Three (3) each Precision Sniper Rifles (PSR) Product Samples shall consist of three PSR rifles of the SAME configuration and caliber
- One (1) suppressor (TOTAL)
- Three (3) magazines. Magazines shall be able to hold a minimum of five (5) rounds
- One (1) No-Go or Field Reject Headspace Gauge and written procedures for use
- One (1) GO Minimum Headspace Gauge and written procedures for use
- A minimum of 200 rounds of ammunition (Vendor is responsible for supplying enough ammunition to complete the Go/No-Go testing)
- The PSR product sample shall weigh no more than 18.0 lbs with 12 o’clock MIL-STD 1913 rail, and an unloaded magazine. Weight excludes any protective MIL-STD-1913 rail covers and all other ancillary equipment
- The PSR rifle shall have an overall length of no more than 50 inches in the fully extended configuration, less suppressor
- The PSR shall have a safety mechanism that prevents the weapon from firing when the trigger is depressed and the safety is in the “safe” position
- The projectile shall have a remaining velocity no less than 1,228 feet per second under nominal conditions at 1500 meters (1640 yards)
- Maximum of 20 rounds to be fired
- Velocities measured at 15’ and 1000 Yards (914 meters) /Averaged/Calculate BC
- Enter BC and 15’average velocity into Sierra Infinity Version 6 Software to obtain remaining velocity at 1500 meters
- The projectile shall have a minimum of 700 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy at 1500 meters (1640 yards).
Calculate energy based on remaining velocity (from above) and projectile weight/mass - PSR rifle, when fired without suppressor, shall hold 1.0 Minute of Angle (MOA) Extreme Vertical Spread (EVS) at 914 meters (1000 yards)
- Precision capability shall be demonstrated by the vendor at 914 meters (1000 yards). A total of twelve (12) five shot groups shall be fired for record. The offeror shall fire two of the product sample rifles for six groups each.
- The offeror shall select five of the six groups from each product sample to submit for the Government to acquire an average. The 10-group average shall be 1.0 MOA or less. Groups shall be measured for Extreme Vertical Spread (EVS). The offeror has the option to shoot his rifle from a fixture (to be supplied by the offeror), off the ground/bipod or from a bench rest to demonstrate precision
