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Today we will briefly review a few types of Ground Support Equipment (mechanical equipment) used by the U.S. Military to move and load weapons onto fighter aircraft. In addition discuss the lack of competition when it comes to manufacturers producing Ground Support Equipment (GSE) items and spare parts.
The Ground Support Equipment items we are referring to fall under the sub category of Ordnance Handling Equipment (OHE). Other names you might see when referring to Ground Support Equipment used to move munitions are Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE), Material Handling Equipment (MHE), Ammunition Handling Equipment (AHE) or Weapons Handling Equipment (WHE). Government contracts for metal fabrication shops or machine shops would be found in any of these categories. Most of the items we reviewed below with the exception of the MHU-83 are all simple non powered mechanical devices that are hand operated.
Government contracting opportunities are virtually endless as this article you are reading came about while researching past government contract data for another article we published about Hydraulic Jacks with no competition. The knowledge of Department of Defense past contract awards and procurement history of each item can lead your company to other government contracting opportunities as the “past contracts tell the story”. As we researched past contracts for our “Hydraulic Jacks article” we found other areas using similar types of GSE items which let us to creating this article about OHE.
Where is Ordnance Handling Equipment used?
The thousands of Fighter Jets and Military Helicopters are loaded with weapons, missiles and bombs every day by military crews in Aircraft Maintenance Units everywhere. Sometimes crews practice in loading weapons in competitions. The equipment used is specifically designed for the jobs performed. Ordnance Handling Equipment is Ground Support Equipment designed for this specific purpose. Equipment is either manual or semi-automatic and powered. Basically weapons, bombs and missiles are moved from a storage area, delivered to a location on a trailer or skid then unloaded and mounted to an aircraft. The Ordnance Handling Equipment is used on aircraft carriers, runways and in aircraft hangers. Securing and movement of the weapons may also use several types of ancillary Material Handling Equipment such as straps, hoists, slings and shackles.
During our quick look at this sector it appears there are not many competitors especially when it companies manufacturing ground support equipment. A Munitions Handling Unit (MHU) is a device bombs or missiles are moved from one location to another. They can be manually powered, pulled, pushed or operate like a monster Folk Lift with movable arms like the MHU-83.
Many of the skids, trailers and spare parts we looked at were frequently listed as open government solicitations. The majority of the manually operated we looked at are simple mechanical metal assemblies, something that a machine shop or metal fabrication shop could easily manufacturer. If your company can weld or bolt tubular stock together or if you can machine something as simple as a cam or a shaft, this is a sector could easily be your next winning government contract.
What to look for, What are they called?
The better your knowledge of what the item is called, how and where it’s used can lead you to other discoveries you may not initially see.
Weapon and Explosive handling Skids
A Weapon or Explosive Skid is a mobile piece of equipment with a cradle or bed used to secure an item to be transported by hand. The skid is used to handle items such as bombs, torpedoes and missiles during aircraft rearming procedures aboard aircraft carriers and at shore. Skids are not self-propelled and require either human or powered equipment to move them about. Different skids and cradles will be used depending on the weight load and type of weapon to be carried.
Here are a few items we found interesting:
Bomb Skid NSN 1740-00-872-9361 otherwise called “AERO 12C Bomb Skid” is a simple wheelbarrow type skid used by the Navy. It has cradle type frame with two rubber tire wheels and brakes. The skid can be used to transport weapons and other miscellaneous items like wings, fins and nitrogen bottles with special adapters.
This Bomb Skid is currently supplied to DOD by only one company; there are drawings available so next time its open for bid your company could be the next supplier. Government contract prices in BidLink show that the price nearly doubled from the previous contract to the most recent contract. Price hikes like this can occur due to the fact that only one manufacturer exists.
A Platform Skid is used for transporting weapons on different trailers and loaders for direct aircraft loading.
This NSN 3990-01-140-4180 (open) sells for $1000’s and drawings are also available. It is a two rail welded aluminum structure simulating the 15-inch wide rail configuration of Munitions Transporter MHK-128.
A Munitions Transporter (also known as a Weapon Skid) is basically a hand pulled utility wagon or cart used to move missiles, bombs, and other items. It is made from a tubular steel frame with rubber tires and a braking system. Various skids, platforms and adapters can be attached to munitions transporters to handle specific items securely. Unlike commercial wagons these cost thousands of dollars each.
The MHU-191/M Munitions transporter made from a welded tubular frame has four rubber tires with a telescoping drawbar. Mounting holes in the transporter are used for attaching the various adapters. The MHU-191/M is essentially the same as Weapons Skid AERO 21C, except that the MHU-191/M has an improved braking system and long drawbar.
Munitions Trailer – Ground Handling Trailer
The Ground Handling Trailer MHU-185/M has four wheels with pneumatic tires. The flatbed deck has two tracks for anchoring different adapters and removable plywood decking. It has a drawbar and pintle hook for towing other trailers. Equipped with brake and stop lights powered by the towing vehicle. It is used at shore based facilities to transport munitions from magazine area to the flight line. Several adapters and cradles can be used with Munitions Trailer MHU-185/M, such as the Platform Skid MHU-125A/E and the ADU-834/E Sonobouy adapter.
Spare and Repair parts for these items are usually simple machined parts like brakes, cradles and cams are purchased by DOD on a regular basis.
Since we are discussing Ground Support Equipment, Ordnance Handling Equipment and Material Handling Equipment you can’t forget about the “big boy” Munitions Handling Truck MHU-83.
The MHU-83D/E Aerial Stores Lift Truck is basically a very expensive specialized fork lift truck designed for transporting and loading weapons. This MHU-83 D/E is also known as a Bomb lift Truck. The Department of the Air Force and Navy both awarded long term government contracts to Hydraulics International, Inc CAGE code 56529 for manufacturing Ground Support Equipment. Two government contracts for the MHU-83 Aerial Stores Lift Truck are FA8533-14-D-0005 and N68335-18-D-0009.
As you would expect there are plenty of government contracting opportunities for machine shops fabrication shops for items used on the MHU-83D/E, Truck, Lift, Aerial Stores Loader. A quick look at some open government solicitations, there were several items many had drawings available. A few items we saw were, Spur gear shafts, Disc brake caliper adapters, Tilt cylinder assemblies, Differential spindles, Washers, Hydrostatic pumps, Slings, etc.
Keep in mind any large piece of equipment such as this will be in use by the Department of Defense for many years. As time goes by more spares and replacement parts will be needed for years to come. Many systems have been in service by DOD over 50 years.
If your company consists of just a few people or hundreds of employees the Ground Support Equipment, Ordnance Handling Equipment sector is a good place to look for items your company can sell to the government. Bids for mechanical parts and simple assemblies were found with drawings available in open government solicitations. Hopefully these few examples will give you some new ideas on what to go after, try for yourself.
BidLink.Net is an online tool for finding government solicitations as well as past government contract data. BidLink has been gathering government contract and solicitation data for the past twenty years.
Product Manager for Precision Fires and Mortars, a division of JPEO A&A at Picatinny Arsenal is in charge of the 60 mm, 81 mm, 120 mm Mortar Weapon Systems.
The 60 mm mortar weapon system used by the U.S Army and Marines is a basic lightweight weapon which can be carried by a soldier. Within the Infantry Rifle Company, three (3) M224 mortar weapon systems make up a mortar section. These specialty soldiers know as Mortarmen support their teams by providing continuous mortar fires when necessary. Mortars are fired for various reasons such as lighting up targets with Illumination mortar cartridges, destroying targets with High Explosive ammunition mortar rounds, or firing White Phosphorous Smoke rounds.
The M224 60 mm or 60 mm M224A1 mortar system can be fired in either a drop fire mode (conventional method) or by using the firing trigger on the mortar handle. When weapon is fired using the trigger hand-held method a lightweight auxiliary baseplate is used to support the cannon. A Range indicator located in the mortar weapon handle is used to target the weapon. This range indicators scales are illuminated due to the effect of the radioluminescence of Tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen which is encapsulated in the scale assembly, no batteries necessary. When the mortar weapon system is fired in the conventional drop fire mode a bipod assembly, larger baseplate and sight unit are attached.
The Legacy Mortar Weapon System M224 and newer 60mm M224A1 Lightweight Mortar System are the two 60 mm mortar classifications. The M224A1 is twenty one (21%) lighter in weight while at the same time maintaining the same range, rates of fire and barrel life as the existing M224 mortar weapon system.
PM Precision Fires and Mortars is currently looking for new small business to produce all of mortar weapon systems. EFW Inc a subsidiary of Elbit Systems of America currently has an open government contract W15QKN-16-D-0054 to produce most of the Mortar weapon Systems. The new contract(s) (yet to be awarded) will be to produce the mortar weapon series.
The M224A1 uses a cannon tube made from Inconel. The metal alloy Inconel 718 Unified Numbering System (UNS) N07718 is a nickel chromium material with superior characteristics compared to steel. The use of Inconel in mortar weapon systems was studied back in 1972 by Battelle Columbus Laboratories, Columbus, OH. They won Government contract DAAF07-72-R-0082 to do this research for Benet Weapons Laboratory at Watervliet Arsenal, NY. Inconel as well as other nickel alloys are used by the Defense Department due their heat and corrosion resistances and can be found in items such as Inconel fasteners and Inconel aircraft parts.
Inconel a trademark for this specialty alloy was originally registered to International Nickle Company, Inc. on November 21, 1933. If you are Looking for sources of Inconel parts or raw material government contracts, knowing the history of the company will assist in your government contract searching. The company producing Inconel has gone through several name changes and ownerships starting at Inco Alloys International, Huntington Alloys, and currently under the name Special Metals Corporation (CAGE code 28553) a division of Precision Castparts Corp which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway.
Major items – M224 60 mm Mortar System NSN 1010-01-020-5626
M7 Mortar Baseplate NSN 1010-01-043-7504 (14.4 pounds) M8 Mortar Baseplate NSN 1010-01-043-4661 (3.6 pounds) hand-held mode M170 Bipod NSN 1010-01-521-1614 M225 Cannon for 60 mm mortar weapon system – No NSN M225 Cannon Barrel NSN 1010-01-044-5883 M67 Sight unit NSN 1240-01-366-7322 M67 Sight unit – telescope elbow NSN 6650-01-341-5195 M67 Sight unit – telescope mount NSN 6650-01-340-6082 M64A1 Sight unit NSN 1240-01-379-7953 Handle & Firing Mechanism NSN 1010-01-043-2050 Handle & Firing Mechanism Range Indicator NSN 5840-01-458-6159
Major items – M224A1 60 mm Mortar NSN 1010-01-586-2874
M7A1 Mortar Baseplate NSN 1010-01-552-9882 (9.2 pounds) M8A1 Mortar Baseplate NSN 1010-01-621-7981 (3.7 pounds) M170A1 Mortar Mount (bipod assembly) 1015-01-561-9234 (12.8 pounds) M225A1 Cannon (60 mm) part number 11581900 – No NSN Barrel NSN 1010-01-581-3156 M67 Sight unit NSN 1240-01-366-7322 M67 Sight unit – Telescope elbow NSN 6650-01-341-5195 M67 Sight unit – Telescope mount NSN 6650-01-340-6082 M224A1 BII Management Control Number (MCN) 9999-01-M98-0506 M224A1 Direct support tools NSN 1010-01-592-6340
Equipment for the mortar systems such as Additional authorization list (AAL) which are items used to support an end item. Also Basic issue items (BII) are used to support and maintain the end item things like screwdrivers, gauges, grease guns. Repair and spare parts are also items associated to the end item. The list below is only a sample of the things found to support the mortar weapon system.
Equipment for the mortar systems such as Additional authorization list (AAL) which are items used to support an end item. Also Basic issue items (BII) are used to support and maintain the end item things like screwdrivers, gauges, grease guns. Repair and spare parts are also items associated to the end item. The list below is only a sample of the things found to support the mortar weapon system.
Dial bore gage NSN 5280-01-560-1762 M45A1 Boresight NSN 1240-00-152-3512 M19 Plotting board NSN 1120-01-059-7989 M16 Plotting board NSN 1220-01-548-9063 M3 Borescope NSN 6650-01-063-0035 M2A2 Aiming Circle NSN 6675-01-067-0687 M2 Compass NSN 1290-00-930-4260 Combat arms earplugs NSN 6515-01-576-8861 Wire rope assembly NSN 4010-01-050-9735 Connecting link NSN 3040-01-079-1795 Hinge pin NSN 5315-01-047-6512 Shoulder screw NSN 5305-00-923-8599 MS51975 Lock washer NSN 5310-00-933-8120 Retaining ring NSN 5325-01-048-7838 Screw thread insert (Helicoil) NSN 5325-01-048-6354 Identification plate NSN 9905-01-624-0166 Preformed packing NSN 5330-00-433-9640 Gasket NSN 5330-01-047-1046 Helical compression spring NSN 5360-01-047-1397 Helical torsion spring NSN 5360-01-047-1401 3.0 Volt Lithium Battery NSN 6135-01-351-1131
Technical Manuals for the 60 mm Mortar System TM 9-1010-233-10 TM 9-1010-233-23&P
Field Manuals for the 60 mm Mortar System FM 23-90 FM 23-91 FM 7-9
Ranges of the 60 mm Mortar Weapon System: Elevation – Minimum 800 mils, Maximum 1511 mils. Range – Minimum 70 meters, Maximum 3490 meters
Ammunition for the M224A1 60 mm Weapon System 60mm – M720A1 HE (High Explosive) 60mm – M722A1 SMK – White Phosphorous Smoke 60mm – M721 VL Illum – Visible Light Illumination Cartridge 60mm – M767 IR Illum – Infrared Illumination Cartridge 60mm – M769 Training – Full Range Practice Cartridge 60mm – XM1061 MAPAM – Mortar, Anti-Personnel, Anti-Material (MAPAM)
The Lightweight Mortar Systems are fairly simple systems compared to other weapon systems. From the list of parts above you can see how many items and potential government contracting opportunities that could be available in supplying and producing these parts. Successful government contracting companies spend time not only “searching for government bids” they spend time researching past contracts and solicitations which in turn can lead you to discover things that may result in long term profitable government contracts. Try searching for yourself here at BidLink.
BidLink.Net is an online tool for finding government solicitations as well as past government contract data. BidLink been gathering government contract and solicitation data for the past twenty years. To learn more go to www.bidlink.net.
The Department of Defense Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM) organization manages several sizes and variants of Mortar weapon systems. These weapon system products include special kits and standalone hand held electronic devices used to operate these devices. The systems range in size from small man-portable versions like the 60 mm and 80 mm mortars to the 120 mm vehicle mounted and vehicle towed mortar systems. PM Precision Fires and Mortars was formerly known as Product Manager Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems (GPM2S).
Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI)
The Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) is precision mortar which uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The XM395 GPS guided 120 mm mortar round is programmed before it’s fired.
“APMI XM395, cartridge uses a standard M934 high-explosive 120 mm projectile body. In the nose, a GPS receiver and computer controlled aerodynamic directional fins keep the round on its programmed trajectory. Folding fins in the tail provide stability. The APMI also has a multi-functional fuse, which allows the round to be programmed to explode in the air, once it hits a hard surface or after it penetrates inside a target.” According to Peter Burke, PEO Ammunition’s deputy product manager, Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems.
The GPS coordinates are input from the ballistic computers with the addition of a Precision Lightweight Universal Mortar Setter System (PLUMSS). The PLUMSS fire control interface unit is an indirect fire control system that is capable of programming the precision guided 120 mm mortar cartridge which is used with 120 mm smooth-bore, mortar systems such as the ground mounted and Stryker mounted 120 mm mortar systems.
This High Explosive Guided Mortar (HEGM) cartridge gives soldiers in Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs), and Special Operations Forces (SOF) Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) capability on the battlefields. It’s programmable by the M95 Mortar Fire Control System or M150 MFCS-D or M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC).
The NSN for the XM395 120 mm High Explosive Guided Mortar (HEGM) cartridge is 1315-01-590-3308.
The NSN for the XM701 Precision Lightweight Universal Mortar Setter System (PLUMSS) is 1290-01-586-5780.
Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) XM1156/M1156
The Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) is a precision guidance fuze that contains Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance for more accurate result. The PGK currently has two Department of Defense Identification Codes (DODIC), NA28 NSN 1390-01-579-0413 for the XM1156 and DODIC NA29 NSN 1390-01-617-0269 for the newer M1156. The PGK currently being procured has the NA29 DODIC. It is adaptable to existing stockpile of M795, M795IM and M549A1 high explosive 155 mm projectiles. Flight data is inductively loaded into PGK using the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS)
The Product Manager Precision Fires and Mortars several years ago performed a bottom-up technique known as “clean-sheeting” to better understand the cost of the M1156 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) and to identify opportunities for cost savings. We may touch on this in future articles. One of the initial contract that was awarded to for production of the Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) XM395 was sole source to Alliant Techsystems, ATK (Now owned by Northrop Grumman) contract number W15QKN-10-C-0059.
The PM Precision Fires and Mortars product line includes the entire Mortar System everything except the ammo. The mortar systems are the 60 mm, 81 mm, 120 mm towed and mounted mortars. The PM PFM also manages associated special kits and standalone hand held electronic devices used to operate these systems.
The majority of the basic Mortar ammunition used by the mortar systems is handled by the Conventional Ammunition division. They manage items such as High explosive mortar ammunition, Illumination mortar ammunition, Smoke mortar ammunition and Training mortar ammunition.
Some of these mortar systems listed below have similar repair/replace parts such as the Sight Unit and the Bipods.
M224 – 60 mm Mortar weapon system (older model) NSN for M224 mortar weapon system 1010-01-020-5626 Line Item Number (LIN) for the 60 mm M224 weapon system is M67939
M224A1 – 60 mm Mortar weapon system (newer model) NSN for M224A1 mortar weapon system 1010-01-586-2874 Line Item Number (LIN) for the 60 mm M224A1 weapon system is M67939
Physical Characteristics – 60 mm Mortar weapon system
M224A1 in firing position in conventional mode 37.9 lbs M224A1 in firing position in handheld mode 19.6 lbs 60 mm Lightweight cannon 13 lbs M170A1 Bipod 12.8 lbs M7A1 Lightweight baseplate 9.2 lbs M8 Baseplate 3.7 lbs M67 Sight unit 2.9 lbs
M252 – 81 mm Mortar weapon system (older model) NSN for M252 81 mm mortar weapon system 1015-01-164-6651 Line Item Number (LIN) for the M252 81 mm weapon system is M02114
M252A1 – 81 mm Mortar weapon system (newer model) NSN for M252A1 mortar weapon system 1015-01-586-2135 Line Item Number (LIN) for the M252A1 mortar weapon system is M02114
Physical Characteristics M252A1 – 81 mm Mortar weapon system M252A1 in Firing position 74.9 lbs 81 mm Cannon 31 lbs M177A1 Bipod 18 lbs M3A1 Lightweight baseplate 23 lbs M67 Sight unit 2.9 lbs
Carrier Mounted and Towed Mortar System
M121 – 120 mm Carrier mounted mortar system NSN for 120 mm M121 carrier mounted mortar system is 1015-01-292-3801 Line Item Number (LIN) for the M121 carrier mounted mortar system is M68405
Physical Characteristics – M121 – 120mm Carrier mounted mortar system
M121 Mortar system 717 lbs with trailer M121 Mortar system 318 lbs in firing position M298 Cannon weight 110 lbs M298 Cannon length 69 in M190 Bipod assembly weight 70 lbs. M9 Mortar baseplate weight 136 lbs. M64A1 Sight unit weight 2.5 lbs.
M120A1 – 120 mm Towed mortar system
M120A1 – 120 mm Towed mortar system NSN for 120 mm M120A1 Towed mortar system is 1015-01-554-0749 Line Item Number (LIN) for the M120A1 Towed mortar system is M68326
Physical Characteristics – M120A1 – 120mm Towed mortar system M121 Mortar system 717 lbs with trailer M121 Mortar system 318 lbs in firing position M298 Cannon weight 110 lbs M298 Cannon length 69 inches M190 Bipod assembly weight 70 lbs M9 Mortar baseplate weight 136 lbs M64A1 Sight unit weight 2.5 lbs
M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow)
The M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow) is a powered device allowing the 120 mm mortar to be carried as single unit, using a support strut holding the mortar tube, base plate and bipod solidly together.
M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow) NSN for M326 Mortar stowage kit is 2590-01-551-7979 Line Item Number (LIN) for M326 Mortar stowage kit isH39473
M313 Mortar System Training Insert
The M313 Mortar system training insert is used with the M120/M121 mortar systems replacing the M303 insert. It is a sub-caliber insert used to reduce life cycle training costs of the M120/M121 Battalion Mortar.
NSN for M313 Mortar system training insert is 1015-01-521-6071
Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS)
The Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) includes an entire suite of electronic devices used with the mortar systems. Provides control using digital type devices and software: Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS); Hardware – Pointing device: (TALIN datasheet), Commander’s interface, Gunner’s display, Driver’s display, Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR), Power distribution assembly and cables.
M95 – Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) NSN for M95 Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is 1230-01-503-7784 Line Item Number (LIN) for M95 Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is F83625
M96 – Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) NSN for M96 Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is 1230-01-503-7783 Line Item Number (LIN) for M96 Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is F83693
M150 Mortar Fire Control System Dismounted (MFCS-D)
The M150 Mortar Fire Control System Dismounted (MFCS-D) is used with the M120 Towed Mortar System. The M150 integrates with the M1101 trailer and the M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (Quick Stow).
NSN for M150 Gun MFCS-D is 1230-01-560-1027 LIN for M150 Gun MFCS-D is F55682
NSN for M151 Fire Direction Center (FDC) MFCS-D is 1230-01-560-1028 LIN for M151 Fire Direction Center (FDC) MFCS-D is M53619
Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC)
The M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) is a small Ruggedized Personal Digital Assistant (R-PDA) computer with an integrated tactical modem (TacLink), GPS system tied together using U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) fire control software. The LHMBC is used with the 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm dismounted mortar systems and can also be used as a backup device for the Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) in Mortar Carrier and Stryker operations. The LHMBC replaces the M23 Mortar Ballistic Computer.
M32A1 – Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) NSN is 1220-01-646-0010 Line Item Number (LIN) for Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) is M32043
M32 – Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) (older models) RPDA-57 System: 1220-01-554-0753 RPDA-5500 System: 7021-01-521-1611
Part of doing business with the military, selling products you manufacture starts at knowing what, why and how they buy. Much of what DOD buys is part of something else, a higher system or end item. The items above are mostly end items and in order to keep them operational, sometimes over the span of 50 years they need a lot of parts. The more knowledge you have on the end items and who uses them will lead your company to better and bigger business opportunities with the Department of Defense.
In addition although a single weapon system may have initially been produced by one prime contractor many other smaller contractors get involved especially when the item currently in use, needs repairs or updating. One weapon system could have 100s or thousands of individual parts that are needed to keep the item in operation – These are known as spares and can be great business opportunities for any government contractor.
Product Manager for Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM) Office Details:
Business opportunities for Product Manager for Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM) will typically be posted by Army Contracting Command, New Jersey (ACC – NJ) on behalf of the organization PM Precision Fires and Mortars under office code W15QKN.
Army Contracting Command, New Jersey address: ACC – NJ (W15QKN) Building 10 Phipps Road Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000 The phone number for the PM Precision Fires and Mortars is 973-724-4428
PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) is the head organization for PM Precision Fires and Mortars.
To discover more information about Product Manager Precision Fires and Mortars or any other division of the federal government to find potential business opportunities sign up for a free trial or contact one of our experts at news@bidlink.net
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. To learn more at BidLink
The Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) develops, produces, and equips U.S. Soldiers with artillery, mortars, ammunition and electronic fire control systems. Part of the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) responsibilities is to procure ammunition for Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Operations Command, and our allies. PM Combat Ammunition Systems is also the life cycle program manager of the related items.
PM Combat Ammunition Systems group is divided into four (4) organizations: Excalibur, Precision Fires and Mortars, Conventional Ammunition and Business Management. Each organization focuses on different product lines.
PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) Organizations :
Excalibur is a 155 mm, Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided, extended range artillery projectile designed for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The models are XM982, M982 and M982A1.
Product Manager Precision Fires and Mortars (PM PFM)
The PM Precision Fires and Mortars manager is responsible for items such as tube launched weapons (mortars and artillery) and electronic fire control systems. The weapons include the 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortar systems and related equipment. The electronic devices include control systems, hand-held devices and vehicle mounted systems.
Conventional Ammunition Division (Conventional Ammo)
Conventional Ammunition division is responsible for ammunition production. Items such as Artillery ammunition, Mortar ammunition, Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (PIAFS), Multi-Option Fuze for Artillery (MOFA) and Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) are included.
The Business Management Division provides contracting and financial support to the products and division teams of Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems.
Doing business with PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS)
Business opportunities for PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) will typically be posted by Army Contracting Command, New Jersey (ACC – NJ) on behalf of the Office PM CAS under office code W15QKN.
Army Contracting Command, New Jersey address:
The phone number for the Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems is 973-724-2306
To discover more information about Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems or to find potential business opportunities sign up for a free trial or contact one of our experts at news@bidlink.net
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. Learn more at www.bidlink.net
The Program Executive Office Ammunition (PEO Ammo) had a name change on November 1, 2018. PEO Ammo is now known as Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition or JPEO A&A.
Located in Dover, New Jersey, 07806, JPEO A&A is a sub-organization under Picatinny Arsenal.
The Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition deals with Close combat systems, Combat and Maneuver ammunition systems and Towed artillery systems. The organization is comprised of four (4) Project Management (PM) offices and two (2) Project Director (PD) offices.
Each office under the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition command deals with specific products.
PM Close Combat Systems (PM CCS)
PM Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS)
PM Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS)
PM Towed Artillery Systems (PM TAS)
PD Joint Services – Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA); Coordination of activities on behalf of JPEO A&A.
PD Joint Products – Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) acquisition responsibility, Bombs, Navy gun ammunition and energetics product lines.
Doing business with JPEO Armaments & Ammunition:
Business opportunities for Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition will typically be posted by Army Contracting Command, New Jersey (ACC – NJ) under office code W15QKN.
Contact numbers for JPEO-AA and Project Managers:
Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition Phone: 973-724-5245
Project Manager Close Combat Systems Phone: 973-724-7041
Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems Phone: 973-724-5307
Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems Phone: 973-724-2306
Project Manager Towed Artillery Systems Phone: 973-724-4427
Project Director for Joint Services Phone: 973-724-9778
Project Director Joint Products Phone: 973-724-9899
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. Learn more at www.bidlink.net
Within the Department of Defense (DOD) there are 100’s of Program Offices located throughout the United States. Each Program Office focuses on specific products that our American Soldiers depend on every day. The Program Office is the centralized location for all activities related to development, test, evaluation, acquisition, production of a specific product or system the DOD uses.
When you are searching for government solicitations or contract awards from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) or any other contracting office, the Program Office is one of the reasons you are seeing that request.
For example if your company manufactures items like springs, pins, nuts, bolts, brackets, tripods, scopes, binoculars, cloth bags, straps etc., your items might be used on some type of gun or rifle. The knowledge of where your item is used is invaluable. Knowing what agencies, departments or Program Offices deal with those types of items can potentially lead your company to more government business opportunities.
One way to find potential Program Offices that your company might eventually deal with, possibly offering them a “better solution” to the items they currently use is to look at past government contract awards, to find contracting offices buying those items.
The Project Manager or Program Office works along with various contracting agencies to get what they need. Those contracting offices post Solicitations, Request for Information (RFI), and Request for Proposals (RFP).
Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PM SW) is one of the hundreds of Department of Defense (DOD) Program Offices located throughout the United States. Project Manager Soldier Weapons is a sub division of Program Executive Office Soldier (PEO Soldier) located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
PEO Soldier Address: SFAE-SDR 5901 Putnam Road Building 328 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5422
PM Soldier Weapons Address: SFAE-SDR-SW Building 151 Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000
Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PM Soldier Weapons) has two subdivisions, Product Manager Crew Served Weapons (PM CSW) and Product Manager Individual Weapons (PM IW). Each division focuses on certain types of items.
Product Manager Crew Served Weapons (PM CSW) is responsible for larger systems used by groups of individuals; Items such as Machine guns and Grenade launchers.
Product Manager Crew Served Weapons
Product Manager Individual Weapons (PM IW) is in charge of Rifles, Carbines, Pistols, Shotguns, Grenade launchers and Sniper systems.
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. Learn more at www.bidlink.net
Picatinny Arsenal is a large military installation providing a wide variety of guns, ammunition, products and related services to all branches of the U.S. military. Picatinny Arsenal is located in northern New Jersey near Interstate 80 (I-80) about 35 miles west of New York City.
As of 2019 Picatinny Arsenal employed over 5000 people most of them civilians with approximately one-third of these employees engineers and scientists. There are an additional 400 plus employees working for affiliated organizations at Watervliet Arsenal, Rock Island Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Picatinny Arsenal was established in September 1880, it was first known as the Dover Powder Depot. Then a few days later they changed their name to Picatinny Powder Depot and in 1907 the Army changed the name to Picatinny Arsenal. Powder (black powder, gun powder) and munitions were some of the first products to be produced at Picatinny. Today the organization has expanded tremendously.
Picatinny Arsenal installation is home to several organizations, with more than 1,010 permanent structures and 64 laboratories, there is a lot going on at their 6,500 acre campus.
Picatinny Arsenal is a research and development, engineering and production facility for weapons systems. New weapons, munitions and auxiliary equipment are produced and fielded by Picatinny. All branches of the U.S. armed services, including infantry, artillery, armor, aircraft and engineers benefit from what Picatinny has created.
Products and Services – Below is a sample of what Picatinny Arsenal is involved with
Weapon Aiming and Fire Control
Small Caliber and Infantry Weapons:
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. Learn more at www.bidlink.net
U.S. Government Credit Cards and Micro Purchases
The U.S. Government purchases supplies and services in a variety of ways such as posting solicitations for supplies or services they need to places like FedBizopps or DIBBS. They also purchase items, micro purchases directly from companies using their Government credit card.
U.S. Government Credit Cards
Does the government use credit cards?
Yes, the U.S. Government has used purchase cards (IMPACT cards, Credit cards) for over 30 years to buy supplies and services. The Government Purchase Card (GPC) program was created in the late 1980’s as a way for federal agencies to streamline the acquisition process by providing the end user an efficient way to obtain goods and services directly from vendors rather than processing request through Government procurement offices. The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1998 said by October 1, 2000, “at least 90 percent of all eligible purchases made by the Department of Defense for an amount less than the micro-purchase threshold shall be made through streamlined micro-purchase procedures”.
What is an IMPACT card?
International Merchant Purchase Authorization Card
What is a micro purchase?
A micro purchase according the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is “an acquisition of supplies or services using simplified acquisition procedures, the aggregate amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold”.
What is the micro purchase threshold 2019?
The micro purchase threshold according to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as of May 2019 is $3,500. There are some exceptions – see Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 2 – Definitions of Words and Terms https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-2-definitions-words-and-terms
Contract for Credit Card Services
The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) Office of Acquisition Operations, Office of Travel, Motor Vehicles and Card Services (QMA) recently awarded two $700 Billion dollar contracts for the GSA SmartPay program.
The SmartPay program is the largest government-wide charge card services program in the world. It is run by the General Services Administration (GSA) a department of the U.S. Government. It is said to support more than 560 agencies/organizations around the globe. In fiscal year 2016 U.S. Government agencies/organizations spent $28.5 billion using the GSA SmartPay purchase card.
GSA established the SmartPay program in 1998 and the current program name is SmartPay 3. Over the past 21 years the program has evolved and grown. The previous master contracts were under the name SmartPay 2 which ended in 2018.
GSA SmartPay covers four main areas: Fleet, Travel, Purchase and Integrated solutions.
Fleet: Fueling and maintenance of vehicles, boats, planes or equipment.
Travel: Travel such as Airfare, car rentals, lodging and meals.
Purchase: Day-to-day business purchases necessary to run an organization.
In December 2018 there were close to 3.3 Million government credit card holders under the GSA’s SmartPay program.
In November 2018 the Department of Defense had over 81,000 SmartPay “Purchase” credit card holders.
Banks use what are known as a Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to identify different types of businesses. Merchant Category Codes are reported on some U.S. Government spending reports.
Here are a few code examples with vendors who supplied the items:
5200 – Home supply warehouse stores – Home Depot
Some government agencies block certain MCC codes to prevent misuse of the credit card.
Who are the top 5 big box stores the Government buys from?
In 2018 the U.S. Government spent a total of $74 Million dollars with the following companies using credit cards. The top 5 big box stores selling to the US Government are Home Depot, Walmart, Lowes, Office Depot, and Ace Hardware. Sales are based on 2018 SmartPay chip cards (credit card) data.
See the chart below the breakdown of sales.
Since the U.S. Government encourages its employees to use credit cards to make purchase for supplies under the micro-purchase threshold of $3,500.00 they could potentially NOT buy from your company if you did not accept credit cards. One question as part of your System for Award Management (SAM) registration to get your CAGE code is “do you accept credit cards as a method of payment ?” https://sam.gov/SAM
Previous Contract – This contract expired on November 2018
Program name: GSA SmartPay 2 (SP2)
Master Contract Numbers & Company:
GS-23F-T0002 – J.P.Morgan Chase
Current Contract – Began in November 2018, will continue through 2031 is all options are chosen.
Program name: GSA SmartPay3 (SP3)
Master Contract Numbers & Company:
GS-36F-GA002 – Citibank, N.A.
Solicitation Number GS10F17LPP0003
Office: Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)
Location: Office of Acquisition Operations, Office of Travel, Motor Vehicles and Card Services (QMA)
Product Service Code (PSC) R710 Support- Management: Financial
The Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories (PSHC) is responsible for the strategic leadership, oversight, and management of FAS’s professional services, human capital services, and charge card management programs and contracts.
BidLink has been a leading provider of DOD procurement research tools and data for the past 20 years. Find defense contracts, solicitations, sources for items, and research competition. Learn more at www.bidlink.net
To immediately improve the efficiency of your bid searches; be sure that you’re using the right item category.
Wherever you may go to find current DoD bidding opportunities (DIBBS, FedBizOps, BidLink.net, etc.), it’s really important to follow some basic guidelines for conducting productive searches. With thousands of new solicitations published daily, and possibly hundreds for just the type of products that you can supply, you’ll simply never have enough time to wade through all the information without an efficient bid management process. In this post, we review one of the fundamental elements.
Many people try to find government contracting opportunities by searching for them under their company’s North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. After all, when you first registered your company at the SAM.gov website you provided the NAICS code that best describes your business.
Unfortunately, this is not the way to do it. Consider the following.
Let’s say you are a distributor of electrical connectors. The NAICS code describing your business is “423610; Wholesalers of Electrical Apparatus and Equipment, Wiring Supplies, and Related Equipment.” Currently, over 6,000 companies list themselves under this NAICS code in their SAM.gov registrations. They include distributors of all of the following products:
Alarms Batteries (except automotive) Electrical Boxes and fittings Busbars and trolley ducts Capacitors (except electronic) Circuit breakers Coaxial cable Electric wire and cable conduit Electrical conduits and raceways Electrical connectors Electrical construction materials Current-carrying wiring devices Electrical distribution equipment Electric light fixtures Electric motors Electric prime movers Electrical apparatus Electrical fastening devices, Electrical fittings Flashlights Fuses Electrical generators Electrical hanging devices Hardware, transmission pole and line Electrical industrial controls Electrical measuring Instruments Insulated wire or cable Electrical insulators Light bulbs Electrical lighting fixtures Lightning arrestors Electrical Lugs and connectors Electrical meters Electric motor controls Motors, electric Panelboards, electric power distribution Pole line hardware Electrical power transmission equipment Electrical receptacles Voltage regulators Relays Security systems Signal systems and devices Storage batteries (except automotive) Electrical distribution switchboards Electrical switches Electrical transformers Electrical transmission equipment Electrical unit substations Insulated Wire Wiring supplies
However, when the Department of Defense posts solicitations for these items, it hardly ever uses NAICS code 423610.
When we searched in BidLink.net for open solicitations under NAICS code 423610, this is all we got:
The alternative? To get good results from your bid searches, you have to use the right Federal Supply Classes (FSC’s).
Try setting up a solicitation search in your preferred site to see the difference. A search with NAICS code 423610 will show very few solicitations, whereas searching with a code like FSC 5935 (the FSC for “Electrical Connectors”) gives MUCH better results, like this:
To immediately improve the efficiency of your government solicitation search; use the applicable Federal Supply Class !
BidLink is a leading commercial provider of DoD procurement and government contracting data and bid management tools. To find DoD solicitations, research contracting history in detail, and bid more effectively, try BidLink.net. You can sign up for a FREE TRIAL and DEMO here >> Free Trial Signup. —- If you found this article interesting, try another >> DoD Procurement; Acquisition Method Codes (Part 1) —-
Understanding and screening solicitations for their Acquisition Method Code (AMC) and Acquisition Method Suffix Code (AMSC) is important because it quickly reveals if your company is eligible to bid on the solicitation and indicates special technical characteristics of the item. So, by correctly interpreting the item’s AMC / AMSC you’ll know right-off-the-bat if you should even consider the solicitation.
DoD buyers use AMC/AMSC when they create solicitations. Each National Stock Number (NSN) has its own AMC/AMSC. The unique two place code describes (a) the part’s level of “acquisition competitiveness” and, (b) the availability of supporting technical data. A part’s AMC/AMSC often changes over time leading to greater opportunities for suppliers.
We’ll look at each code separately and then explain how to use them advantageously.
AMC – Acquisition Method Code is single digit code that describes the type of supplier eligible to supply the part. One of the following six numbers will appear (what each code means to the buyer is also defined here):
2 – Acquire the part competitively for first time (similar to 1).
3 – Acquire the part directly from its manufacturer, only.
4 – Acquire the part directly from its manufacturer only, for the first time. (similar to 3).
5 – Acquire the part directly from its prime contractor only (aka “sole source”).
0 – The part was not assigned AMC 1 – 5.
AMSC – Acquisition Method Suffix Code is a supplementary code that further explains the preceding AMC code. There are 19 AMSCs, many describing only fine differences in an item’s technical characteristics and/or the availability of technical data to support the item’s acquisition. We’ve simplified the grouping of AMSCs to suggest how you might wish to think about them, as follows:
Unconstrained Procurement (no significant barriers to acquisition) – A, G, Z
Restrictions on source of supply (i.e. the item is source controlled, QPL, limited to existing sources, has special technical characteristics, there is insufficient data with which to source from new supplier, etc.) – B, C, D, H, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, Y
Examples of Code Combinations Indicating Competitive Opportunities
1G & 2G – Competitive with drawings available.
1T & 2T – Competitive but controlled by Qualified Products List (QPL). There are more opportunities here than you might realize. We’ll explain why active suppliers should be tracking these code combinations and how they can get on the QPLs and supply these parts, in Part 2 of this article.
1L & 2L – Competitive and the annual buy value of this part is < $10,000.
1Z & 2Z – Competitive and the part is considered a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) item.
Unfortunately, AMC/AMSC codes are not usually listed in either the solicitation documents or on government websites such as FBO FedBizOpps (FBO) or DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). Rather, DoD will include in solicitation documents a statement like “full and open competition,” and will list the applicable drawing(s) and technical data in the government’s possession (note that this information infers that an AMC/AMSC “1G” or “2G” applies). To find this out, you’ll have to read through the solicitation document (see the following sample page). If you review multiple DoD solicitations for bidding opportunities, reading through all this information will take a very long time.
BidLink Streamlines Searches by AMC/AMSC
BidLink does provide the AMC/AMSC for parts in DoD solicitations AND allows you to filter solicitations by AMC/AMSC code.
For example, let’s say that you wish to see all current solicitations with “1G” and “2G” AMC/AMSC. In BidLink.net you can easily generate a list of all current competitive solicitations, like this one:
BidLink.net also provides multiple filters, so you can further refine your search:
BidLink.net provides a user-friendly interface, designed to improve the efficiency and productivity of your government solicitations search and bidding workflow.
To learn more about BidLink.net, and to try it for free, click here >>BidLink.net FREE TRIAL.
If you found this article interesting, check this out >> BidLink.net — Better than DIBBS