The process of equipping more Marines with the M27 Infantry Automatic Weapon just got even faster. Early last week, the USMC issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for more than 50,000 new M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles (IARs). For Heckler & Koch, that will be another ka-ching to will help the bottomline.

Observers say that the M27 IAR is becoming the standard issue rifle for the Marines. Early this year, they wanted 11,000 M27 IARs, but the manufacturer will have to ramp up production as it has been raised to 50,000.  It has already replaced the M249 as the Squad Automatic Weapon, and with more and more Marines equipped with it, it means that they can lay down even more effective fire even with the absence of the M249.

Here is the introduction to the Notice of Intent:

The Marine Corps Systems Command intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source (FAR 6302.1 (a)(2)(ii)), based on substantial duplication of costs to the Government that are not expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements.  The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with Heckler & Koch (H&K), 19980 Highland Vista Drive, #190, Ashburn, VA 20147, for up to 50,814 - M27 Infantry Automatice Rifles (IAR).

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals.  However, any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency, only if received by the closing date and time of this notice.  A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Patricio A. Mora With M-27 IAR (USMC photo by Lance Cpl. Pete Sanders)

The M27 IAR, which is based on the 5.56mm HK416 from Heckler & Koch, is more expensive than the M4. At a unit cost of US$3,000, procuring 50,000 rifles will mean a needed budget of US$150 million. This can be lower depending on the unit cost to be agreed on by the contracting parties.

Will Heckler & Koch be able to keep up with the demands of customers? The company has been winning contracts such as the HK416 selected as the standard rifle for the French Army and will probably be needing more facilities and people to keep with future demand. Soldier Systems say that according to those knowledgeable in the industry that the company may have to give up on the U.S. Army’s 7.62mm Interim Combat Service Rifle bidding in order for it to focus on the orders.

So, is the M27 IAR finally the standard issue rifle of the Marines? It looks like it, but no one will say it with conviction.

Top photo: Marine Sgt. Margarita B. Valenzuela with M27 IAR (USMC Photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders)