This is copied from http://www.murdoconline.net/25.07.2005.
Part 3 of 3--Q & A
>>Area suppression lethality module - what is the minimum
life required for firing 40mm grenades? Will the requirement be to
mount the M203 or the XM320? If it is for the XM320, will we be
provided a sample (or drawings of the interface) to determine
compliance for attachment?
There shall be no degradation in reliability or damage to the host
weapon system. The requirement is to provide attachment points that
serve as recoil bearing surfaces to withstand the recoil forces
generated by the ASLM. It is possible that the ASLM interface can
be modified (if required) to mount on the OICW Increment I.
>>Acoustic and blast suppressor compatibility - since no
suppressor is required as part of the OICW submission, is it
required to fit some specific suppressor or is some specific mount
required?
Not being evaluated under the Bid Sample Tests.
>>Sling - please define "quick release type fasteners".
Fasteners that can be attached/removed quickly and without tools.
For example, pushing a button to release a latch. No screws.
>>Collapsible/adjustable bipod - please define how much
adjustment is required for the bipod. Please define what is meant
by "minimum torque TBD ft-lbs in the direction opposite of the
forward movement".
The Performance Specification para 3.6.15 has been updated to
reflect the following requirement. The DM and LMG shall have a
collapsible and adjustable bipod. The bipod, shall have a collapsed
length from the centerline of the bore of no more than 10.75
inches. When extended, the length of the bipod shall be no less
than 14.0 inches when measured from the centerline of the bore.
When extended/open, the bipod shall be able to withstand a minimum
impact energy of 88.40 lbf-ft at an angle of 55 degrees without
collapsing or loss of functionality.
>>Accessory attachment points - please explain what is meant
by "capable of alignment with respect to the barrel, accurately,
and repeat ably". Fixed rails are designed to be parallel to the
barrel. Are permanent/fixed rails considered to be integral and
will they meet the objective?
The sentence "capable of alignment with respect to the barrel,
accurately, and repeatably" refers to being able to remove and
mount the sight or other FC accessory and maintain alignment with
the barrel. Permanent/fixed rails may meet this requirement.
>>Resident accessories power - please explain if this
requires one central power supply to be used for all resident
accessories.
As a threshold, a common type power source means, for example, a
battery that is available commercially and easily procured. The
objective requirement is to operate from a single, central power
supply.
>>Round counter - please explain if this can also be used to
replace requirement 3.8.6 for inventory with an automated system.
Also, please explain what is meant by "powered from the OICW common
type power source". We are unaware of any round counter that can
count, give date and time and differentiate between ball and blank
rounds. Please provide information on what type of interface will
be required. Please provide information that is TBD. Will this be
based on battery life or equipment life? Can the round counter be
integrated with the Fire Control?
This requirement is separate from 3.8.6. However, it is not
exclusive, if the offeror can combine the two, that may be
beneficial. Powered from the OICW common type power source means
uses the same battery type. Interface with the rounds counter is up
to the offeror to determine. There is no TBD on this requirement.
While the round counter may be integrated into the FC, it must
remain with the weapon if the FC is removed.
>>Workmanship - should the section "hammering to shape" be
interpreted to not allow hammer-forged barrels or does it only
apply to repair operations?
"Hammering to shape" refers only to repair operations during
manufacturing of the weapons.
>>Can you please specify the Threshold and Objective goals
for weapon unit weight? There are conflicting numbers in the
specification.
The weights have been updated to reflect the weights as shown in
sections L&M. The Carbine system should weigh no more than 9.19
lbs, which is equivalent to an M4 MWS with an M68, BUIS, PEQ-2A,
visible red laser pointer, white light flashlight, and empty
magazine. The SC system should weigh no more than 8.39 lbs which is
equivalent to a modified M4 MWS with a ten (10) inch barrel, an
M68, BUIS, PEQ-2A, visible red laser pointer, white light
flashlight, and empty magazine. The DM system should weigh no more
than 11.43 lbs which is equivalent to an M16A4 MWS with an ACOG,
BUIS, PEQ-2A, Harris bipod, visible red laser pointer, white light
flashlight, and empty magazine. The LMG system should weigh no more
than 16 lbs without sling or ammunition.
>>The specification asks for a family of stocks for the
rifle but provides no information about what capabilities and
requirements are being met. Please provide specifics as to what
this family of stocks should be able to accomplish and whether a
universal stock capable of meeting all specs & requirements
would be equally acceptable.
A family of stocks refer to interchangeable stocks that may be used
on any variant. E.g. if the Carbine has a standard stock, and the
DM has a DM specific stock, the soldier may interchange them as
needed for the mission. Specific stocks are based on the offeror,
and are not mandatory. As long as the requirements for each variant
are met (size and weight), a universal stock is acceptable.
>>Section M.11.1.a states that it will be considered a
weakness if a single weapon is capable of performing multiple roles
within the OICW family. Can the Army please provide a justification
for this rating? If a manufacturer can produce a single weapon that
meets all of the performance requirements, e.g., for the Carbine
and Special Compact rifles, why would the Army specifically choose
to have multiple models with different logistic needs in inventory?
Similarly, if a Carbine is capable of meeting the accuracy
requirements of the Designated Marksman rifle, why would it be
considered a negative that all of the delivered Carbines would be
suitable for use as a DM weapon?
The RFP has been updated to reflect that a weapon system that is
capable of serving dual roles and meet the requirements, will not
be rated negatively.