Bid guide
How to bid on 120mm KE-W A1 and KE-W A4 Tank Cartridges for the DEPT of Defense
What the Army is buying and why it matters
The U.S. Army is looking for manufacturers who can produce 120mm KE-W A1, KE-W A4, or equivalent tungsten armor-piercing tank cartridges. These cartridges must be compatible with the M256 cannon and the Abrams M1A1 tank. The KE-W A1 or equivalent needs to match the current ballistic solution and defeat armored vehicles, while the KE-W A4 or equivalent should offer enhanced defeat capability against armored vehicles with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).
This is an important opportunity for manufacturers in the defense sector. The Army plans a five-year, firm-fixed-price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for fiscal years 2028–2033, with an estimated purchase of 4,000 cartridges per year. This indicates a significant, long-term need for these specialized munitions.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for a contract. The deadline for submitting your capability information is August 14, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET. At this deadline, the Army will stop accepting responses to this RFI.
The information gathered from this RFI will help the Army develop its acquisition strategy for a future contract. While no contract will be awarded based on this RFI, your participation is crucial for informing the Army's planning and potentially positioning your firm for future solicitations.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for established manufacturers with experience in producing advanced tungsten armor-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding sabot with tracer (APFSDS-T) cartridges. Firms should have a strong background in defense manufacturing, particularly with munitions compatible with tank systems like the M256 cannon and Abrams M1A1 tank.
Vendors must be able to handle controlled technical data, requiring registration with the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office and the ability to obtain a DD 2345 Military Critical Technical Data Agreement. Experience with quality production provisions and managing key suppliers in a defense context is also important.
How to respond to this RFI
To respond, you need to provide detailed capability information. This includes a description of your proposed technical solution, its maturity, and compatibility with the M256 cannon and a path to M1A1 tank qualification. Also, summarize your prior design, development, production, and testing experience, along with details on your facilities, personnel, and past manufacturing experience.
You must also address any capabilities you need to obtain and the timeframe for doing so, describe key suppliers and their experience, and outline resources required from both industry and the U.S. Government. Include information on your quality system, estimated production quantities, pricing, and recommendations for speeding up acquisition and deliveries. Finally, describe any comparable military programs you have supported.
Practical tips for a competitive response
When preparing your response, focus on providing clear, concise, and comprehensive answers to all the questions posed in the RFI. Since this is an RFI, the Army is looking for information to shape its future acquisition, so thoroughness and demonstrating a deep understanding of the requirements are key.
Pay close attention to the requirements for handling controlled technical data. Start the process for obtaining your DD 2345 Military Critical Technical Data Agreement and U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office registration immediately, as these can take time. Clearly articulate your firm's ability to meet the technical specifications and your capacity for sustained production of 4,000 cartridges per year over a five-year period. Highlight any innovative approaches or efficiencies you can bring to the manufacturing and delivery process.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of Defense; the original posting controls.