Lightweight Machine Gun-Assault (LMG-A) Call for White Papers
ID: H9240325R00XX21Feb25LMG-AType: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEUS SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (USSOCOM)HQ USSOCOMTAMPA, FL, 33621-5323, USA

NAICS

Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing (332994)

PSC

GUNS, THROUGH 30MM (1005)
Timeline
    Description

    The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is soliciting white papers for the Lightweight Machine Gun-Assault (LMG-A) Prototype Project, aimed at developing a lightweight, multi-caliber weapon system for ground forces. This initiative seeks to replace the MK48 Light Machine Gun with a system that includes various components such as a primary barrel, sound suppressor, and a TSA-approved carrying case, while also allowing for future caliber adaptations. Interested parties must submit their white papers by April 4, 2025, and can request the LMG-A Performance Specifications from David Tenenbaum at david.tenenbaum1@socom.mil. The government anticipates a follow-on production contract valued at up to $53 million, contingent upon successful prototype development and testing phases.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    This government file pertains to a request for proposals (RFP) and specifies that interested performers must obtain a copy of Attachment 1 - LMG-A Performance Specification, dated February 21, 2025, from the Agreements Officer. The requirement implies that potential vendors or service providers will need to review this attachment to understand the performance standards and specifications necessary for their submissions. The inclusion of the specific date indicates that the document is a draft, suggesting it may be subject to further revisions. This process indicates a structured approach to procurement, where clarity and adherence to established specifications are essential for interested parties to effectively submit their proposals in accordance with federal guidelines and standards. The document underscores the importance of communication with the Agreements Officer to facilitate access to relevant information.
    The document outlines the assessment procedures for the International Special Operations Forces (ISOF) 2025 Vendor Shoot event at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). It specifies the protocols for measuring and weighing lightweight machine guns as part of the evaluation process, detailing configurations, measurement consistency, and recording methods. It emphasizes the importance of conducting function fire assessments in specific sequences to evaluate weapon performance, documenting any malfunctions or anomalies during tests. A verification matrix outlines the requirements and execution plans, specifying quantities and methods for function firing exercises, including both single shot and burst fire. The document defines failure criteria for malfunctions that occur during the assessments, categorizing them into three classes based on severity and corrective action needed. Ultimately, the assessment aims to gather data on weapon functionality, reliability, and performance, providing a structured approach to vendor evaluations in a military context.
    The document outlines requirements for submitting a white paper as part of a federal Request for Proposals (RFP). It specifies the essential information to include, such as company details, product overview, technology specifications, and management practices. The white paper must be a maximum of 10 pages, formatted in Times New Roman, 12-point font, with defined margins and page numbering. It should consist of several key sections: an Executive Summary detailing the technology; Technology Concept outlining its unique features; Company Viability assessing the company's strengths, financials, and market strategy; and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for estimating costs and project timelines. All submissions must adhere to technical and formatting requirements, ensuring clarity and readability while supporting data may be attached separately. The document is structured to guide vendors in presenting their innovative technologies in a manner that meets federal program needs, facilitating evaluation for potential funding or collaboration.
    The document outlines the required certifications and disclosures that offerors must complete when submitting proposals for federal contracts, particularly concerning the eligibility for Other Transaction Authority (OTA) awards under 10 U.S.C Section 4022(d)(1). Offerors must identify their business type as either a Nontraditional Defense Contractor (NDC) or Traditional Defense Contractor, with specific implications for compliance with cost accounting standards. Essential information required includes the offeror's name, classification under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), DUNS Number, CAGE Code, and a SAM registration status. The document necessitates a signature from an authorized individual, asserting that the provided information is accurate and confirms the individual’s authority to bind the offeror organization. It emphasizes the importance of proper documentation and compliance with legal stipulations for maintaining eligibility throughout the submission process, ultimately reflecting the rigor and accountability expected in government contracting environments. This form is critical for ensuring that potential contractors align with government standards and requirements during the proposal process.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Similar Opportunities
    ISOF Range 2026
    Dept Of Defense
    The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is hosting the International Special Operations Forces (ISOF) Range 2026, scheduled for April 14-15, 2026, at the Nevada Test and Training Range, NV, with a preliminary "Last Line of Defense" (LLOD) rodeo for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) on April 12, 2026. This Request for Information (RFI) invites technology demonstration candidates from various sectors, including private industry, government R&D organizations, and academia, to showcase innovative lethality technologies that address gaps in operational capabilities. The event will feature attendees from U.S. and international Special Operations Forces, government engineers, and contracting officers who will conduct hands-on market research to evaluate technologies in categories such as Weapons, Visual Augmentation Systems, and Precision Strike Systems, with a preference for technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher. Interested respondents must submit their technology applications via the Phoenix Defence website by October 30, 2025, for the first tranche or January 30, 2026, for the second tranche, and should mark proprietary information accordingly; all costs incurred will be the responsibility of the respondents. For further inquiries, contact Marvin Marcia at marvin.marcia@socom.mil.
    N0016425SC001 CSO
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division, is seeking innovative commercial solutions under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) N0016425SC001. The objective is to identify and procure advanced technologies that can enhance capabilities in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions, and Electromagnetic Warfare, with a focus on solutions that address specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) such as the Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault (LMG-A) and the Miniature Aiming System (MAS). This initiative is crucial for improving the operational readiness and effectiveness of U.S. military forces, particularly in response to evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Interested parties must submit their proposals electronically, with key deadlines including January 9, 2026, for the LMG-A and July 3, 2025, for the MAS, and can contact Bradly McLaughlin at bradly.k.mclaughlin.civ@us.navy.mil for further information.
    ISOF Range 2026
    Dept Of Defense
    The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is inviting technology demonstration candidates to participate in the International Special Operations Forces (ISOF) Range 2026, scheduled for April 14-15, 2026, at the Nevada Test and Training Range. This event aims to showcase innovative lethality technologies, with a focus on addressing lethality gaps for Special Operations Forces (SOF) and informing future requirements through hands-on market research. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate technologies in various categories, including Weapons, Visual Augmentation Systems, and Precision Strike Systems, with a preference for technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher. Interested parties must submit their technology applications by October 30, 2025, or January 30, 2026, via the Phoenix Defence website, and can contact Marvin Marcia at marvin.marcia@socom.mil for further information.
    ISOF Range 2026
    Dept Of Defense
    The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is inviting technology demonstration candidates to participate in the International Special Operations Forces (ISOF) Range 2026, scheduled for April 14-15, 2026, at the Nevada Test and Training Range. This event aims to showcase innovative lethality technologies, with a focus on categories such as Weapons, Visual Augmentation Systems, and Precision Strike Systems, among others, while also providing an opportunity for selected technologies to participate in a "Last Line of Defense" rodeo for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) testing on April 12, 2026. The event serves as a platform for U.S. Special Operations Forces and other attendees to conduct hands-on market research to address lethality gaps and inform future requirements. Interested parties must submit their technology applications by October 30, 2025, or January 30, 2026, via the Phoenix Defence website, and can contact Marvin Marcia at marvin.marcia@socom.mil for further information.
    Solicitation for Second Source Supplier to Produce 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and Caliber .50 Ammunition
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, is soliciting proposals for a second source supplier to produce 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and caliber .50 ammunition under solicitation W519TC-25-R-0034. This procurement aims to ensure a reliable supply of small arms ammunition, which is critical for military operations and readiness. The proposal submission deadline has been extended to February 17, 2026, and interested parties are encouraged to submit questions or comments using the provided Comment/Question and Answer Template by December 12, 2025. For further inquiries, potential bidders can contact Mark Stevens at mark.d.stevens.civ@army.mil or Alex Sheppard at alex.r.sheppard.civ@army.mil.
    LIFE CYCLE PILOT PROCESS (LCPP) AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES BAA
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army's Project Lead Joint Services (PLJS), has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Life Cycle Pilot Process (LCPP) and Related Technologies" to solicit white papers and research proposals aimed at addressing technology gaps in the Industrial Base (IB) aligned with Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) Modernization Goals. The primary objective of this BAA is to advance state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that enhance the overmatch capabilities of U.S. warfighters, with key areas of interest including Chemical Endurance, Digital Engineering, and Manufacturing Technology for Ammunition & Energetic Processes. Interested parties are encouraged to submit white papers as an initial step, with the BAA valid from September 26, 2025, to September 25, 2030, and proposals evaluated based on scientific merit and alignment with Army missions. For inquiries, contact Haakon Mathewson at haakon.l.mathewson.civ@army.mil or Wilson Au at wilson.w.au.civ@army.mil, and ensure registration in SAM.gov for proposal submissions.
    BAA for Advancement of Technologies for Use by Special Operations Forces
    Dept Of Defense
    The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the advancement of technologies aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Special Operations Forces (SOF). This initiative seeks innovative proposals from industry, academia, and research institutions to develop disruptive technologies and enhancements across various domains, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), network management, and mobility, with a focus on improving situational awareness and decision-making in complex operational environments. The BAA will remain open for submissions until December 31, 2025, allowing continuous engagement and innovation, with interested parties encouraged to submit white papers that align with USSOCOM's strategic objectives. For further inquiries, contact Mr. Jerryl McCoy at jerryl.d.mccoy.civ@socom.mil or Juanita Bell at juanita.bell.ctr@socom.mil.
    SOURCES SOUGHT – Technologies for Automation/Optimized Search and Track Functions
    Dept Of Defense
    The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is conducting a sources sought announcement to identify innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies for automating and optimizing search and track functions, particularly for electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors on Special Operations Forces (SOF) platforms like the AC-130J Ghostrider. The objective is to enhance operational efficiency, reduce crew workload, and improve mission outcomes across various crewed and uncrewed SOF platforms utilizing EO/IR sensors. Interested parties are encouraged to submit white papers detailing their capabilities, including a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate for integration efforts, with responses due by the expiration of the announcement. For inquiries, contact Elise Rankin at elise.m.rankin.civ@socom.mil, referencing announcement number H9240826SS-AI4AOSTF.
    SOF Global Services Delivery Request for Proposal (DRAFT)
    Dept Of Defense
    The U.S. Department of Defense, through the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), is seeking proposals for the Special Operations Forces Global Services Delivery (SOFGSD) contract, which is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. This procurement aims to secure administrative management and general management consulting services to support USSOCOM's global missions and enterprise needs, with a focus on providing subject matter expertise and knowledge-based services. The contract will be awarded as multiple Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, with a requirement for offerors to possess a Top Secret Facility Clearance and to meet specific cybersecurity standards as outlined in the recent DFARS rule. Interested parties should direct inquiries to the primary contact, Sherri Ashby, at sherri.ashby@socom.mil, and note that the final Request for Proposal (RFP) is anticipated to be released in Q2 FY26, following additional drafts and industry engagement sessions.
    USSOCOM RFI TE 26-1 TE: Multi-Domain Joint SOF Operations (MDO)
    Dept Of Defense
    The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the Technical Experimentation Event 26-1, focused on Multi-Domain Joint SOF Operations (MDO) scheduled for January 26-30, 2026, at Hurlburt Field, Florida. This event seeks technology experimentation candidates with emerging technologies at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-6 or higher, covering key areas such as Unmanned Systems, Human-Machine Interface, AI/Sensor Integration, and various logistical and communication systems. Interested participants must submit their proposals by October 17, 2025, via the Vulcan system, and are required to adhere to safety protocols and provide detailed technical information as outlined in the supplemental documentation. For further inquiries, contact Technical Support at techexp@socom.mil or call 813-826-4646.