Prototype Opportunity Notice (PON) for Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle (NGSAR)

Under Section 815 Other Transaction Agreements authority, the U.S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey, acting for Project Manager Soldier Weapons, awarded six separate fixed-price prototype contracts on June 25, 2018. These awards were granted through full and open competition to AAI Corporation Textron Systems, FN America LLC, General Dynamics-OTS Inc., PCP Tactical LLC, and Sig Sauer Inc. The primary objective of these agreements is the manufacture and development of a Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle system demonstrator intended to replace the M249 SAW. The project requires the developed system to reach Technology Readiness Level 6 and Manufacturing Readiness Level 6 within an expected duration of twelve months. The acquisition process involved a rigorous solicitation period starting in March 2018, which included the use of non-disclosure agreements to protect technical data and lethality requirements. Proposals were evaluated based on concept, feasibility, and price, with extensive industry coordination to clarify technical specifications regarding fire control systems, barrel characteristics, and ammunition weight.