SOURCE SOUGHT FOR M240B MACHNE GUN THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT. There is no solicitation available at this time. Technical Data Package Listing (TDPL) NO. 12976814 will be provided with the solicitation. Strict conformance to the requirements of the TDP is expected due to the U.S. Army's requirement for reliable, accurate performance, standardization and interchangeability. TACOM-ROCK ISLAND, is seeking to identify potential sources who have the capability to manufacture the M240B Machine Gun, NSN: 1005-01-412-3129, P/N: 12976814 in accordance with TDPL NO. 12976814. A description of the M240B Machine Gun is as follows: 7.62mm M240B is an Infantry version of the M240 Armored Machine Gun (MG) which is replacing the M60 Machine Gun in the medium machine gun role beginning with the Light Infantry, Mechanized Infantry and Combat Engineer units. The M240B MG is a gas operated, air cooled, linked belt fed, 7.62mm that fires NATO standard ammunition from an open bolt position. It features a folding bipod, quick change barrel assembly with integral carrying handle gas system, a feed cover and bolt assembly (which allows closing of the cover regardless of bolt position), plastic buttstock and an integral optical sight rail. Quantities are not known at this time, but is it is anticipated that 3,200 each, M240B MGs will be procured. The expected monthly production rate is 100 to 175 weapons. Projected first production delivery month is May 2002. The US Government may require a quarterly reliability test. Sources Sought must have an adequate production capability and must also have a safe and secure storage area to store at least three (3) months of production guns at the quantities specified above. For security purposes, the M240B MG is considered Category II and the 7.62mm ammunition is Category IV. Any contract for these items will require security protective measures in accordance with DOD Regulation 5100.76-M, dated 15 December 1933, Physical Security of Sensitive Conventional Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E), MIL-H-2918113, dated 10 May 1994, Military Specifications and the Defense Investigative Service (DIS) Regulation 31-1-M, dated August 1991, Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E) Operating Manual. If and when a solicitation is issued for the purpose of price evaluation, the cost to the Government for qualifying a new producer will be added to their proposal. The approximate cost to be added is $1,260,000. It is anticipated that a solicitation will be issued on or about 01 Jun 2000. All contractors except for FN-Herstal and FN, Manufacturing, Inc. will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement to receive a TDP and solicitation. Interested sources should respond to TACOM-RI, ATTN: AMSTA-LC-CSCA/Dan Thorpe, Rock Island, Il 61299-7630. All responses should be received by close of business February 29, 2000. Posted 01/27/00 (W-SN419489).

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0329 20000131\SP-0003.MSC)