RFP for AR Rifles, NCW & NCE

The following questions and answers are provided in response to vendor inquiries: Q1. CLINs 0001 and 0002 refer to a Semi-Auto rifle with M1993 Picatinny Rail Fore end, but Attachment 1, 2C references M1913 rails. I'm assuming CLINs 0001 and 0002 are typo's and M1913 should be the final product. Can you confirm? A1: This is correct, M1913 is correct description. Q2. Does NGA define Anodizing the same as Parkerization? Parkerizing only applies to steel parts and the exterior coating of the weapon is aluminum and therefore does not use Parkerization. Or is Attachment 1, 3d referring to the steel parts on the interior of the weapon? A2: We are referring to the steel parts. Q3. Attachment 1, 2i requires the bolt carrier is coated with nickel boron or better. What method is used to determine what coating is better? The only other process, which is more expensive, is a nitride finish. Nitride finishes are the latest finish used in the production of top end weapons from manufacturers such as LWRC, POF and N.E.M.O. and the prices are a reflection of that. A3: Price and Performance would be factors to determine "better". If someone wants to sell a nitride finished part at below market that is their choice. Q4. On Mandatory features, Item D. The free floating quad rail fore end, how long is the acceptable length and/or do you want it to extend over the gas block? A4: We want the fore rail to be not less than 8 inches but we do want it to extend over the gas block. That would be a minimum of half the length of the required 16 inch barrel. Normal lengths are 10 or more inches. Q5. Mandatory Feature , Item I. Is there a specific model NGA has in mind that meets the minimum specifications you are searching for, nickel boron coated bolt carriers come in a variety of specifications, the "or better" is open to interpretations and we wanted to inquire for clarification if you can set a minimum standard to ensure a level playing field. In the alternative, can you designate "Any Milspec coated bolted carrier is acceptable" A5.1: We have looked at a broad range of Patrol Rifles, many manufacturers make competitive weapons that meet our specifications. This is why we intend to do a documented Test and Evaluation to determine a rifle that meets our cost estimate, needs and specifications. Should the RFP come back with only a few submissions the T&E will still move forward, if there are many we may look at what is offered and pick only those that most closely match our specifications to provide a T&E weapon. A5.2: Nickel boron bolt carriers are the minimum we will accept. There are improved processes out there but they may make the weapons overall cost out of our budget. We do not want just "Any Milspec coated bolted carrier" as this would open the specification to "old school coatings" which may cause a shorter service life of the weapon. Q6. Mandatory Feature, Item O. Is there a specific font and or location required to have "Property of NGA stamped on", industry standard is by the magazine well. Deviations effect cost. A6: There is no specific font. If the manufacturer is set up to put the "PROPERTY OF NGA" on the magazine well rather than on the upper receiver opposite the ejection port we can accept that deviation, particularly if it keeps the cost down. Proposals are due by 8/4/15. If a submission has been made prior to this amendment and a vendor would like to re-submit, plesae specify the original submission is no longer valid.