M839 25.4mm Decoy Cartridge, XM20 and M1A1/M1E2 Countermeasure Chaff

Quick Summary

The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Rock Island (ACC-RI), on behalf of the Office of the Project Manager Close Combat Systems (PM CCS), is conducting market research through this Sources Sought Notice for the manufacture, assembly, inspection, testing, packaging, shipping, and delivery of M839 25.4mm Decoy Cartridges, XM20 Countermeasures Chaff, and M1A1/M1E2 Countermeasure Chaff for Fiscal Years 2027-2029. These items protect U.S. Army helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft against Radio Frequency (RF) guided threats. Responses are due by May 1, 2026.

Scope of Work

The Government seeks sources capable of producing these consumable decoy and chaff items to support war reserve requirements, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the XM20 and M1A1/M1E2 in FY27. This includes Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) for XM20 and M1A1/M1E2, followed by Full Rate Production (FRP).

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
• Potential Set-Aside: This requirement may be set-aside for small businesses (in full or in part) or procured through full and open competition. All small business set-aside categories will be considered.
• NAICS: 325998 All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 650 employees)
• PSC: 1370 (XM20), 5865 (M1A1/M1E2), 1305 (M839)
• Response Due: May 1, 2026 (Published: April 14, 2026)

Required Capabilities

Respondents must demonstrate capability in manufacturing, assembly, inspection, testing, packaging, and shipping in accordance with Government Technical Data Packages (TDPs). Specific capabilities include:

• Manufacturing, cutting, and loading of Aluminum coated glass strands.
• First Article Testing (FAT) and Conformance/Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT) at component and end-item levels.
• Ability to obtain necessary resources (technical, manufacturing, personnel) in a timely fashion.
• Sub-tier vendors/subcontractors must also meet these criteria.
• XM20 Countermeasures Chaff must be qualified; sources must address qualification plans.

Submission Requirements

Interested businesses should submit a capabilities statement package (max 10 pages, 10pt font, bullet format) addressing:

• Company capabilities, facilities, personnel, and past manufacturing experience.
• Technical and manufacturing capability, and past performance in explosives processing.
• Plans for resource acquisition if not currently available.
• Sub-tier vendor/subcontractor details.
• Ability to meet requirements, constraints, lead-times, order quantities, and production rates.
• Risk assessment (technical, performance, cost, schedule, supply chain, production).
• Cost estimate for Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) associated with FAT.
• Supply chain risk mitigation strategies for price volatility or scarcity.
• Evidence of ISO9001 or AS9100 certification, or a roadmap to acquire it.
• Organization's name, address, POC, Cage Code, UEI, and business size.

Special Requirements

• Any resulting contract is anticipated to have a Secret security classification level.
• Compliance with the Berry Amendment (DFARS 252.225-7008 and 252.225-7009) for specialty metals.
• Joint Certification Program (JCP) certification is mandatory for TDP access. Respondents must have facility clearance to handle classified material.
• TDPs, drawings, and specifications are export-controlled (Distribution Statement D) and require a Non-Disclosure and Non-Use Agreement (NDA) and AMSTA-AR Form 1350.

Additional Notes

This is a Sources Sought Notice for informational purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Quote/Proposal. No award will be made. The Government will not pay for information submitted. Telephone inquiries are not accepted.

Contact: Kimberlee Gravert (kimberlee.i.gravert.civ@army.mil) and Joseph DePover (joseph.r.depover.civ@army.mil).