Acquisition: Competition of the 5.56-Millimeter Carbine

Abstract : Why You Should Read This Report: This report discusses an internal control weakness that program offices should address before releasing presolicitation notices to industry. Background: The M4 is a 5.56-millimeter (mm) carbine that allows the individual soldier operating in close quarters to engage targets at extended range with accurate, lethal fire. The M4 carbine can be fitted with many accessories, such as night vision devices, laser pointers, telescopic sights, and the M203 grenade launcher. The Army's M4 carbine is manufactured by Colt Defense LLC. On February 3, 2006, the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command issued presolicitation notice W52H09-06-R-0195 for a non-developmental 5.56-mm carbine capable of firing U.S. standard M855 and M856 ammunition. The Army issued the presolicitation notice because of the high price for the M4 carbine and the potential to procure a carbine with improved capabilities and performance. The Army planned to award contracts for 193,400 carbines. The estimated procurement cost was $294.7 million. This report addresses whether Army management followed best business practices when it released the presolicitation notice to industry.