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Procurement
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Notice  of
Proposed
Procurement
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Small Arms Accessories  –  MERX  –  CF Procurement  –  December  2007 C9 Light Machinegun  Folding Vertical Grip Assembly: MERX  NPP Notice  —  An Example of  CF  Small-Scale Procurement The C9 light machinegun is in the process of  being upgraded to C9A2 standard. One of  the changes is a C8/C7A2-style telescoping butt which better suits modern body armour. This made the C9's little-used vertical butt handle redundant. But CF experience in Afghanistan shows the value of the forward-placed vertical grip.  Moving surplus vertical grips forward was obvious  (former butt grips are already in wide use as forward grips on rifles). C9s also have bipods which fold to the rear for stowage. However, the bipod is often folded forward (eg: to brace a C9 on a low wall ). In such cases, a forward grip would add extra control. This becomes even more critical when advancing on foot (since body armour  forces a C9 gunner to hold this weapon further away from his torso). There is a range of off-the-shelf folding foregrips available. Most are intended for  rail adapter systems (RAS)  like the example at  right  by Mako Tactical. Without a RAS added to the C9 (as was done with related LMGs, such as the Mk. 46 and Minimi SPW ), the CF will require a bolt-on system. Foregrips for Minimis are suddenly a hot commodity, but a simple NPP for  4,000 units (+ options) should be easily met even by smaller suppliers. This is a good example of small scale CF procurement. ________________________________________ Notice of Proposed Procurement  (NPP) – C9  [5.56mm LMG]  VERTICAL FOLDING GRIP ________________________________________ Reference Number                PW-$$BM-007-15897 Solicitation Number              W8486-07HB03/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     2007-09-17 Revised         — Closing         2007-10-26  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                Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) Tender Type                       Notice of Proposed Procurement (NPP) Estimated Value                  — Solicitation Method           — Notice Description C9 VERTICAL FOLDING GRIP Trade Agreement:  Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) Tendering Procedures:  If 3+ bids offer Canadian goods/services other bids will not be considered Attachment:  None Competitive Procurement Strategy:  Lowest / Lower Bid Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement:  No Nature of Requirements: The Department of  National Defence  has a requirement  for a quantity of  4,000 Vertical Folding Grips in support of  the C9 Weapon Systems. This requirement will also include options to procure additional quantities of up to 2,000 Vertical Folding Grips in each of fiscal years 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. Delivery Date: Above-mentioned The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement. Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada. [Contact] Contracting Authority Thomas, Philip 11 Laurier St. / 11, rue Laurier 8C2, Place du Portage Gatineau Québec K1A 0S5 (819) 956-0246 ( )