How to bid on M4 Trainer Weapons for the 535th Training Squadron, DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Defense, specifically the 502d Contracting Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, plans to purchase 350 M4 Trainer Weapons for the 535th Training Squadron. These are inert replica firearms designed for training purposes.

The agency intends to make a sole-source award to Laser Shot, Inc. due to the need for instructional continuity and direct compatibility with existing training equipment, technical manuals, and the established Basic Military Training curriculum. Laser Shot, Inc. is identified as the sole manufacturer with proprietary rights to these specific trainer weapons.

While this is an intended sole-source acquisition, other businesses that believe they can meet the requirement are invited to submit information. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your firm's capabilities for similar future needs, even if this specific contract proceeds as a sole-source.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This notice was published on September 04, 2026. The deadline for interested parties to submit their capability statements and past performance information is September 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.

At the deadline, the agency will review any submitted information to determine if other sources can fulfill the requirement. However, this notice is not a formal solicitation or a request for quotes; it is a notification of intent to proceed with a sole-source acquisition.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is primarily for manufacturers or suppliers of inert M4 trainer weapons. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 332994, Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

Firms should be able to provide inert M4 training weapons that feature standard 10-part field-strip mechanical disassembly realism and have a certified, unrestricted, arms-room-free ATF-exempt training status. If you believe a different NAICS code is more appropriate, you can suggest it with supporting rationale in your response.

How to respond to this notice

To respond, you must submit a capability statement and a past performance narrative via email. Your submission should clearly demonstrate your ability to provide inert M4 training weapons that meet the specified requirements, including the 10-part field-strip mechanical disassembly realism and ATF-exempt training status.

This is not a formal solicitation, so there are no bid documents to fill out. Your response is a statement of your firm's ability to perform this type of work.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Even though this is an intent to sole-source, a strong capability statement can open doors for future opportunities. Clearly articulate how your product meets or exceeds the specific requirements mentioned, such as the 10-part field-strip mechanical disassembly and ATF-exempt status.

Provide concrete examples in your past performance narrative. Focus on projects where you supplied similar training equipment, highlighting successful delivery, adherence to specifications, and client satisfaction. Quantify achievements where possible.

Ensure your submission is concise, well-organized, and directly addresses the agency's stated needs. Pay close attention to the deadline and submission method, as late or incorrectly submitted information may not be considered.