3.25 Durability.
3.25.1 Three (3) samples used during reliability shall be tested with an additional 3,500 rounds (per
firearm). The firearms shall collectively exhibit no more than fifteen (15) Class 1, six (6) Class
2, or one (1) Class 3 malfunctions (see Table II). The firearms shall exhibit no Class 4
malfunctions. If any firearm experiences a Class 4 malfunction, testing of that Contractor’s
samples will be discontinued. The number/type of firearm attributed malfunctions and parts
breakages shall be recorded and used to rate performance. The Contractor shall supply a
minimum of three (3) trained shooters to participate in solicitation durability testing. A
Contractors’ representative can be available during testing to assist NFTTU personnel with
maintenance and firearm repairs (using supplied replacement parts). The headspace of each
firearm shall be monitored throughout durability testing. The bolt shall not fully close on the
“field max” 1.4730 inch headspace gage (NSN 5220-00-070-7814). Testing shall be
discontinued for a firearm if replacement parts are not available.
3.25.2 Cycles Completed - Durability. Each firearm will be rated for its ability to complete 250 round
firing cycles without repair or replacement of parts. Rating will be cumulative based on the
total of 30 cycles from reliability and durability.
NOTE: Contractor supplied shooters shall be familiar with the firearm’s function and safety
features as well as standard range safety practices.
NOTE: The total duration of the firearm reliability/durability testing will be a minimum of 5
weekdays. NFTTU will coordinate with each Contractor regarding testing schedule and
location.
Table II: Malfunction and Type Allowance
Class
Type
1
Malfunction can be cleared by the operator within 10 seconds.
2
Malfunction that cannot be cleared by operator within 10 seconds; but can be cleared by operator with equipment immediately
available to a law enforcement officer in the field (i.e., Leatherman-type tool or pocketknife).
3*
Malfunction not correctable by operator and requires a higher level of maintenance. This may include the replacement or repair of
a part other than the barrel, bolt, action assembly, or receiver.
4
Catastrophic malfunction that requires replacement of the barrel, bolt, receiver, and/or anything that affects safe operation.
*Parts replacement(s) in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation for preventative maintenance does not constitute a
Class 3 malfunction.
3.26 High Temperature. Samples shall be tested with 60 rounds (per firearm), after temperature soaking of
the firearm for 8 hours at 125oF. The number/type of firearm attributed malfunctions and parts
breakages shall be recorded and used to rate performance. The firearm shall not exhibit any Class 4
malfunctions.
3.27 Low Temperature. Samples shall be tested with 60 rounds (per firearm), after temperature soaking of
the firearm for 8 hours at –45oF. The number/type of firearm attributed malfunctions and parts
breakages shall be recorded and used to rate performance. The firearm shall not exhibit any Class 4
malfunctions.
3.28 Salt Water Immersion. Samples shall be tested with 60 rounds (per firearm), after immersion in a 5%
saline solution at a depth of 6 inches for one minute followed by 24 hours in an environmental
chamber at 70oF and 70% humidity. The number/type of firearm attributed malfunctions and parts
breakages shall be recorded and used to rate performance. The firearm shall not exhibit any Class 4
malfunctions.
3.29 Sand & Dust. Samples shall be tested with 60 rounds (per firearm), after being subjected to a blowing
sand and dust environment in accordance with MIL-STD-810G. The number/type of firearm
attributed malfunctions and parts breakages shall be recorded and used to rate performance. The
firearm shall not exhibit any Class 4 malfunctions.
3.30 Parts Interchange. All firearm components subjected to disassembly shall be 100% interchangeable
between firearms without additional fitting or alternation (excluding the bolt/barrel). Upon
reassembly, the firearm shall be fully functional.
3.31 Drop Test. The firearm shall be equipped with a discharge control mechanism that is designed to
prevent the firearm from firing as a result of an impact, while the hammer is in the cocked position,
with the safety off. Additionally, the firearm shall be serviceable and exhibit no major damage as the
result of being dropped on a concrete pad from a height of three feet in the following orientations:
a. Muzzle facing the concrete pad.
b. Butt of stock down facing the concrete pad.
c. Top of the receiver and barrel facing the concrete pad.
NOTE: Major damage is defined as damage that would result in the gun being unsafe to fire,
discharging during testing, or malfunctioning during firing.
3.32 Accuracy.
3.32.1 Accuracy. Each firearm will be rated for its initial accuracy at 50 yards. The average extreme
spread of five 5-shot groups shall be no greater than 2.5 inches.
4. 0 VERIFICATION
4.1 Performance verification. Table I details all performance criteria. Except as otherwise specified, the
Government reserves the right to perform any of the inspections and tests set forth in this Statement of
Work, throughout the duration of the contract, where such inspections and tests are necessary to ensure
that supplies and services conform to prescribed requirements.
4.2 Quality Management System. The Government will analyze the manufacturer’s quality management
system for basic compliance. If the Contractor is ISO 9001:2008 certified, they shall submit written
proof of ISO certification from an accredited agency. NOTE: ISO certification is not required, but
will suffice for compliance with 3.3. Additionally, Government personnel or a third-party
representative may perform a QC system audit after contract award. If conducted, the audit will be
performed at the Contractor’s manufacturing facility.
4.3 Sample Size. All samples submitted will be visually inspected.
4.4 Documentation. All required documentation as listed in Section 3.6 shall accompany the sample and
will be examined to verify compliance.
4.5 Supplemental Items. All items will be inspected to verify compliance.
4.6 Action/Mechanism. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify
compliance.
4.7 Fire Control Selector. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify
compliance. The safety mechanism of all samples submitted will be tested for compliance by
actuating and checking for function every 250 rounds during the reliability/durability test phase.
4.8 Trigger. The trigger pull of all samples submitted will have the trigger pull measured by a calibrated
Dvorak TriggerScan trigger pull tester. Initial and post reliability/durability trigger pull shall be
measured and recorded on all samples. The average of three (3) trigger pulls per sample will be used
to verify compliance.
4.9 Overall Length. All samples submitted will have the overall length measured with a steel ruler to
verify compliance.
4.10 Weight. All samples submitted will be weighed using an electronic scale to verify compliance.
4.11 Barrel. All samples submitted will have the barrel verified by physical inspection and the use of a
bore scope. Barrel length will be measured from the face of the closed bolt to the barrel muzzle. A
Phantom v7 high-speed camera will be utilized to detect visible muzzle flash emitted from the muzzle
while firing. Five rounds of Lake City M855 5.56mm will be fired in a darkened range with the
firearm mounted in a rest.
4.12 Caliber. All samples submitted will have the chamber dimensions verified by physical inspection and
the use of certified headspace gages. Initial and post reliability/durability headspace shall be measured
and recorded on all samples. The gage shall be inserted in the cleaned chamber and the bolt returned
to the battery position. Only finger pressure shall be used to close the bolt. Maximum headspace: bolt
shall not fully close.
4.13 Pistol Grip. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify compliance.
4.14 Buttstock. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify compliance.
4.15 Forend. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify compliance.
4.16 Sling Attachments. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify
compliance.
4.17 Finish. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify compliance.
4.18 Magazine. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify compliance. The
magazine shall be capable of holding thirty (30) 5.56x45mm NATO rounds.
4.19 Sights. All samples submitted will be visually and physically examined to verify compliance.
4.20 Reliability. Six (6) samples will undergo a 4,000 round (per firearm) reliability test in multiples of
250 round firing cycles. The following ammunition types will be utilized: Speer 24450 64 grain .223
Remington, Speer XM223SP1 62 grain .223 Remington, Federal XM223T3 62 grain .223 Remington,
and Lake City M855 5.56mm. Ammunition will be supplied by DHS. The firing cycle shall be 60%
automatic mode and 40% semi-automatic mode. Sustained rate of fire will be maintained throughout
each cycle and each 250 round cycle will be fired within 5 minutes. The firearms will be cooled and
cleaned after each firing cycle. A detailed inspection will be performed after every forth (4th) firing
cycle. All recommended maintenance procedures will be adhered to and parts will be changed at the
Contractor recommended maintenance interval (using supplied replacement parts). All malfunctions
will be analyzed by two (2) NFTTU armorers to determine the malfunction type/cause and
malfunctions attributed to the firearm(s) will be recorded. Firearms experiencing a Class 3
malfunction will be repaired (using Contractor supplied replacement parts) and will continue testing.
Non-destructive testing will be conducted on each firearm after completion of the reliability test. The
key firearm components (barrel, bolt, and receiver) shall be free of cracks, seams and other defects.
The headspace shall be measured using certified headspace gages.
4.21 Durability. Three (3) randomly selected samples used in the reliability test will undergo an additional
3,500 round (per firearm) durability test in multiples of 250 round firing cycles. The following
ammunition types will be utilized: Speer 24450 64 grain .223 Remington, Speer XM223SP1 62 grain
.223 Remington, Federal XM223T3 62 grain .223 Remington, and Lake City M855 5.56mm. The
firing cycle shall be 60% automatic mode and 40% semi-automatic mode. Sustained rate of fire will
be maintained throughout each cycle and each 250 round cycle will be fired within 5 minutes. All
firing shall be from the shoulder. The firearms will be cooled and cleaned after each firing cycle. A
detailed inspection will be performed after every second (2nd) firing cycle. All recommended
maintenance procedures will be adhered to and parts will be changed at the Contractor’s recommended
maintenance interval (using supplied replacement parts). All malfunctions will be analyzed by two (2)
NFTTU armorers to determine the malfunction type/cause and malfunctions attributed to the
firearm(s) will be recorded. Firearms experiencing a Class 3 malfunction will be repaired (using
supplied replacement parts) and will continue testing. Testing shall be discontinued for a firearm if
replacement parts are not available. If any firearm experiences a Class 4 malfunction, testing of that
Contractor’s samples will be discontinued. Non-destructive testing will be conducted on each firearm
after completion of the durability test. The key firearm components (barrel, bolt, and receiver) shall be
free of cracks, seams and other defects. The headspace shall be measured using certified headspace
gages.
4.22 High Temperature. Three (3) randomly selected samples will be temperature conditioned in an
environmental chamber at 125 +5oF and 0% humidity for 8 hours. After 8 hours of temperature
conditioning each firearm will be used to fire 60 rounds of ammunition within 2 minutes after removal
from the environmental chamber. The ammunition used will also be temperature conditioned at 125oF
for 8 hours. Any malfunction will be recorded and analyzed by NFTTU armorers.
4.23 Low Temperature. Three (3) randomly selected samples will be temperature conditioned in an
environmental chamber at -45 +5oF and 0% humidity for 8 hours. After 8 hours of temperature
conditioning each firearm will be used to fire 60 rounds of ammunition within 2 minutes after removal
from the environmental chamber. The ammunition used will also be temperature conditioned at -45oF
for 8 hours. Any malfunction will be recorded and analyzed by NFTTU armorers.
4.24 Salt Water Immersion. Three (3) randomly selected samples will be immersed in 5% (by weight)
saline solution at a depth of 6 inches for one minute. Upon removal from the saline solution, the
firearms will be subjected to environmental conditioning at 70 +5oF and 70% humidity for 24 hours in
an environmental conditioning chamber. After environmental conditioning, each firearm will be used
to fire 60 rounds of ammunition within 2 minutes after removal from the environmental chamber. Any
malfunction observed will be recorded and analyzed by NFTTU armorers.
4.25 Sand & Dust. Three (3) randomly selected samples will be subjected to blowing sand and dust per
Method 510.5 detailed in MIL-STD-810G . After sand and dust conditioning, each firearm will be
used to fire 60 rounds of ammunition. Any malfunction observed will be recorded and analyzed by
NFTTU armorers.
4.26 Parts Interchange. Prior to reliability testing, an NFTTU armorer will disassemble all samples. All
parts and assemblies, excluding barrels and bolts, will be sorted and placed in individual bins. All
parts and assemblies will be inspected for burrs, sharp edges and workmanship. A second NFTTU
armorer will reassemble the firearms using randomly selected components. Any components found
not to be interchangeable and the need for any tools needed to disassemble/reassemble the firearm will
be noted. A Contractors’ representative can be available during parts interchange testing to assist
NFTTU personnel with disassembly and assembly.
4.27 Drop Test. Three (3) randomly selected samples will undergo 3-foot drop testing onto a concrete pad.
One firearm will be oriented to drop so as to land on the muzzle, one firearm will be oriented to drop
so as to land on the butt of the firearm stock, and one firearm will be oriented to drop so as to land on
the top of the barrel/receiver. Each firearm will contain a magazine loaded with dummy ammunition.
A cartridge case containing a live primer will be in the chamber during the drop test. After drop
testing, the firearms will undergo a LTI by NFTTU armorers and 5 rounds of ammunition will be fired
in each firearm. Any discharges during drop testing and malfunctions during subsequent firing will be
recorded and analyzed by NFTTU armorers.
4.28 Accuracy. Three (3) randomly selected samples will be subjected to initial accuracy testing.
Accuracy will be evaluated at 50 yards by shooting five (5) 5-shot groups. The ammunition used for
accuracy testing will be Speer 24450 64 grain .223 Remington. The firearm will be accuracy tested
mounted in a machine rest that is designed to securely clamps the receiver top of Colt M4 type
carbines. If the sample firearm is of such a design that the NFTTU machine rest cannot be utilized, the
Contractor will be notified and will have an opportunity to supply one of their own design for use in
accuracy testing. An Oehler optical target or equivalent system will be used to record the groups.
5.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Contractor shall submit a monthly report providing the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting
Officer’s Representative (COR) status of all orders placed under the respective contracts by all DHS
components to include; delivery order number; delivery order date, quantity for each Contract Line Item
Number (CLIN); total delivery order obligation amount; and delivery order due date.
Definitions
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) – Organization that oversees the development of
voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United
States.
Certificate of Conformance (C of C) – Contractor’s assurance that the equipment provided meets the
contract’s specifications.
National Firearms Tactical Training Unit (NFTTU) – Organization responsible for the facilitation and
execution of ICE law enforcement responsibilities by providing personnel with firearms, intermediate
force weapons, protective equipment, training, logistical support and guidance that will testing to
ensure that firearms, body armor, and ammunition carried by ICE agents – and officers and agents at
other DHS components meet or exceed the highest level of standards.
Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) - 5.56x45mm NATO, select-fire firearm suitable for personal defense
use in close quarters and/or when maximum concealment is required.
Quality Management System – Organizational structure, procedures, processes and resources needed to
ensure the product manufactured meets the needs of the customer.
Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute Inc. (SAAMI)– Organization of the United
States leading manufacturers of firearms, and ammunition. Reponsible for creating and publishing
industry standars for safety, interchangeability, reliability, and quality.
