CASR

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Procurement
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Notice  of
Proposed
Procurement
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Rifle Rear Sights  –  C8A3 Carbine  –  MERX NPP  –  July 2009 Backups for the C8A3 Carbines – Rear Sights for the New C8A3 Weapons System – MERX NPP Notice of Proposed Procurement From time to time, MERX published NPPs for rifle rear sights  (a recent example for 238 sights is W8486-095842/A). The sights in question are simple backup sights, so-called because they were originally designed for use when the optical sights failed (although some shooters prefer the simpler rear "iron sight" arrangement to those issued optics). The rear (or backup) sights are simple and relatively inexpensive. Originally, all  CF rifles and carbines were issued with a Diemaco plastic backup sight that was stowed in front of the Elcan optical sight. With the advent of  the EoTech holographic sights, a host of  varied models of rear sights have appeared  (often purchased by individual soldiers). The flurry of DND rear sight NPPs is an attempt to rectify this.  This particular NPP is for 266 rear sights to  be delivered this fiscal year with an option  on 250 more in 2010/2011, and a further 250  sights in 2011/2012. None of  this is all that  interesting in and of  itself. What's novel is  the specific mention of the C8A3 Weapons  Systems. The C8A3 is a new-built carbine –  effectively bringing  the older  heavy barrel carbine, the C8FTHB ( left ) up to C7A2 rifle standards. The introduction of  the C7A2 (a few years back) caused a stir. By contrast, details of the C8A3 have been non-existant. Why the C8A3 program has been so quiet remains a mystery (it could be over-inflated 'OpSec' concerns). [1]  What is know is that the C8A3 matches the C8FTHB's 16" (40.8 cm) barrel with coloured stocks and ambidextrous fittings similar to those of the C7A2. C8A3s were issued from the outset with EoTech M552 sights. There are also some 400 C8FTHBA3s  –  refurbished  C8FTHB carbines brought up to the 'new-build' standard. [1] The C8A3 program began in 2004 but formally clarifying the requirement has taken years. Some 3000 C8A3s have been issued and all old C8s are to be upgraded by 2012. The C8A3 rear sight NPP (in its revised form)  is reproduced below,  edited for brevity. ________________________________________ SIGHT,  REAR  [ Colt  C8A3  Carbine  Backup Sights ] – MERX NPP Notice [Notice of  Proposed Procurement] ________________________________________ Reference Numbers              PW-$$BM-010-18913 Solicitation Numbers           W8486-109064/A Organization Name               Public Works and Government Services Canada                                                  Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux Canada Source ID                               FD.DP.QC.10077.C2 Associated Components     Yes Dates Published     2009-07-08 Revised        2009-07-13 Closing         2009-07-31  02:00 PM  Eastern Daylight Saving Time  EDT Details Category     Armament GSINS          N1005:  GUNS,  THROUGH 30 MM Region of Delivery            Quebec Region of Opportunity     — Agreement Type                LCSA/AIT Tender Type                       Notice of  Proposed Procurement (NPP) Estimated Value                  — Solicitation Method           — Notice Description SIGHT, REAR Trade Agreement:  LCSA/AIT  [ LCSA = Labour Cooperation Side Agreement ] Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid Attachment: None Competitive Procurement Strategy:  Lowest/Lower Bid Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No Nature of  Requirements: SIGHT, REAR W8486-109064/A Park, Isabell Telephone No. - (819) 956-2324 Fax No. - (819) 956-5650 Department of National Defence (DND) has a requirement to procure Rear Sights for the C8A3 Weapons Systems with 2 option years. Line1, GSIN:   N1005 NSN:    1005015643770 Quantity: 266 Unit of issue: EACH Delivery date: SEE HEREIN Part number: 40L-C NSCM:   0FBA6 Line2,   Option #1 for fiscal year 2010/2011 GSIN:   N1005 NSN:    1005015643770 Quantity: 250 Unit of issue: EACH Delivery date: SEE HEREIN Part number: 40L-C NSCM:   0FBA6 Line3,   Option #2 for fiscal year 2011/2012 GSIN:   N1005 NSN:    1005015643770 Quantity: 250 Unit of issue: EACH Delivery date: SEE HEREIN Part number: 40L-C NSCM:   0FBA6 Delivery Date: Above-mentioned  [...]