The Program Manager for Soldier Weapons (PM-SW) Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
07806-5000, on behalf of the US Air Force, has a requirement for a nondevelopmental handgun. This effort will be conducted in three phases
consisting of a Competitive Down-selection Phase, System Development &
Demonstration (SDD) Phase, and a Full Rate Production (FRP) Phase. This
Sources Sought Notice does not reflect a complete listing of all
requirements for a Modular Handgun System.
The mandatory weapon system requirements follow. Any vendor not
meeting the following mandatory requirements may not be considered a
potential source.
System Performance.
• System Accuracy. Accuracy will be assessed by two measures:
a) To a range of 50 meters, when the weapon is mounted in a machine
rest or manufacturer’s design rest with a human shooter, dispersion
will be no greater than a 4” Circular Error of Probability (CEP).
b) When in the hands of a shooter, the weapon must enable the
shooter to successfully engage E-type silhouettes and:
1) Hit each target with 2 shots to the upper torso and one to the
head within 7 – 10 seconds at 15 meters.
2) Hit the target with 2 shots at 7 meters within 4 seconds.
• Projectile characteristics. The Handgun System should enable the
shooter to produce a wound channel larger than an M882 (NATO 9mm) projectile when firing standard ball (FMJ, non-expanding) ammunition into
ballistic gelatin from a distance of up to 25 meters where the
cavity is measured from 0-14 inches deep.
• Reliability. The Modular Handgun System shall demonstrate 2,000
Mean Rounds Between Stoppage (MRBS) (operator clearable/correctable
stoppages), and 5000 Mean Rounds Between Failures (MRBF) (nonoperator
correctable).
• Service Life. The Modular Handgun shall have a minimum service life
of 25,000 rounds.
System Characteristics.
• Ergonomics. The Modular Handgun System must accommodate the 5th to
95th percentile of users. Determination will be made based on width,
length, grip circumference, location of controls, ambidextrous
controls, etc.
• Target Acquisition Enablers. As a minimum, Mil-Std-1913 rails shall
be incorporated on the weapon to enable rail mounted accessories to
be attached. Integrated aiming /pointed devices are of interest and
will also be evaluated.
• Physical Dimensions: With sights attached and empty magazine
inserted in weapon, the following dimensions are not to be exceeded:
a) The full size version shall be no more than 8.7 inches long, 5.8
inches high, and 1.6 inches wide. Weight shall not exceed 36
ounces.
b) The compact version shall be no larger than 7.5 inches long, 5.8
high, and 1.6 inches wide. Weight shall not exceed 34.5 ounces.
• Detection Avoidance: Weapon shall be of a non-reflective neutral
color. The MHS shall be operable with sound and flash suppression
kit in place.
• Safety Mechanisms: As a minimum, the handgun shall have internal
safety mechanisms in place such that a loaded cartridge will not
Sources Sought Announcement for a Modular Handgun System
Sources Sought Notice MHS 20080424.doc 2
fire if the weapon is dropped from a height of 5 feet onto a
concrete or other hard surface. The weapon shall also have an
external, manually operated safety button/switch operable with one
hand.