RFI Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) W15QKN26R0008, Formerly W15QKN25X15LO

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: W15QKN-26-R-0008, Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), Draft Technical Data Package, Performance Specs and Statement of Work Release

The U.S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey, in support of the Project Manager Soldier Lethality, is seeking sources capable of manufacturing the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) herein referred to as "CROWS SYSTEM" utilizing a Government provided Special Licensed Technical Data Package (TDP). The CROWS SYSTEM provides the capability to remotely aim and fire a suite of Crew Served Weapons (CSW). Sources are sought for production, fielding and sustainment. The CROWS SYSTEM is capable of mounting on a variety of existing and future combat platforms. The CROWS SYSTEM consists of a remotely operated and fully stabilized weapon station that can mount and operate on a variety of CSW including, at a minimum, the Mk19 40mm Grenade Machine Gun, Mk47 40mm Grenade Machine Gun, M2HB 50 cal. Machine Gun, M240 7.62mm Machine Gun and the M249 5.56mm Squad Automatic Weapon. The CROWS SYSTEM is controlled via a remote display and control grip allowing the operator to slew and point the CROWS SYSTEM in order to view and engage threats in day and night conditions while stationary or on the move. CROWS SYSTEMS have robust safety checks and diagnostics built in to assure CROWS SYSTEM safety and meet U.S. military operational safety requirements. The CROWS SYSTEM has the ability to accommodate platform specific traverse and firing inhibits for platform unique characteristics. The weight, power and space claim of the CROWS SYSTEM will be limited to accommodate platform integration of current and emerging requirements. In support of CROWS SYSTEM manufacturing sources shall be capable of managing an extensive supplier base to effectively and efficiently provide a flexible production capability that can easily adapt to changes in production rates and configurations. It is anticipated that production rates can vary from 0-50 CROWS SYSTEM/month with a 6 month production lead time, depending on the requirements and resources available. In addition to new production, sources shall have the ability to overhaul previously fielded CROWS SYSTEMS to include cleaning, repair of broken components, replacement of lost parts, and final inspection. It is expected that sustainment activities for approximately 15,000 CROWS SYSTEMS may require some or all of the following: depot repair facility (with a 60-day turnaround time), Field Service Representatives, spare parts, obsolescence management and special tools. Engineering support shall be available, as required, for product improvements, root cause analysis, production support and other activities on a per task basis with a Firm Fixed Price (FFP). 

The Technical Data Package (TDP) for the CROWS, a variant of RWS, is owned by the incumbent and licensed to the Government.  For purposes of this license, a royalty of $10,000 for each new system will be added to non-licensors’ proposals’ total evaluated prices, but not to the contract price, if a non-licensor is awarded the contract.  This royalty applies only to complete systems, and not to spares, repairs, conversions/overhauls, or engineering services.

With this announcement, the Government will provide Offeror(s) with the Draft Technical Data Package (TDP), which consists of; detailed drawings, interface control documents,

performance specifications (system and selected parts) and other available

documentation which will describe the requirements and current CROWS designs.

This TDP is export controlled which may require appropriate approvals to allow Contractors and their suppliers to share part or all of the information required to perform their tasks. Software management of CROWS will be the responsibility of the US Government and will not be shared with contractors. Contractors will be provided “executable code” required to operate the CROWS. Upon receipt of the required

documentation and approvals, the Draft TDP, Performance Specs, and Statement of Work, will be sent utilizing the DoD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) website.

Requests for unclassified limited distribution technical data that is export-controlled shall be submitted in writing using AMSTA-AR Form 1350 Technical Data Request Questionnaire (Attachment 0002). Prior to release of the data, the Government shall also be provided a copy of the requester’s DD Form 2345 Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement (Attachment 0003), certified current by the U.S. and Canada

Joint Certification Office (JCO). In addition, the requester must submit a fully executed Non- Disclosure(s) and Non Use Agreement(s) to be provided upon request.

This announcement serves as notification that export control procedures regulated by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are in effect on the above stated data. Offerors that are interested in receiving this data must be in compliance with the ITAR and possess the proper authorities to receive this data and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. The data will be marked Distribution Statement B Distribution authorized to U.S. Government agencies only. All other requests for this data shall be referred to Project Manager Soldier Lethality. Foreign vendors and contractors shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items, including, but not limited to, the requirement for Contractors to register with the Department of State in accordance with the ITAR. Contractors may consult with the Department of State regarding any questions relating to compliance with the

ITAR and may consult with the Department of Commerce regarding any questions they may have relating to compliance with the Export Administration Regulation (EAR). Please reference the following link consulting these regulations https://media.bis.gov/regulations/ear. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items exists independent of, and is not established or limited by, the information provided above.

The present schedule projects a RFP release of a later this fiscal year.

These documents are being provided in preparation for an industry day tentatively planned for June 2026 and will be announced at a later date.

Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command - New Jersey Soldier Lethality (ACC-NJ-SL) ATTN: Joshua Polonio/Stephanie Kless Bldg. 9, Picatinny, NJ 07806-5000; email: joshua.s.polonio.civ@army.mil and stephanie.g.kless.civ@army.mil . Telephone responses and inquiries will not be accepted.  

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APRIL 4, 2025 Q&A'S

Q1: My understanding is that this for the manufacture of the current CROWS, is that correct?

A1: The U.S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey, in support of the Project Manager Soldier Lethality, is seeking sources capable of manufacturing the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) herein referred to as "CROWS SYSTEM" utilizing a Government provided Special Licensed Technical Data Package (TDP).

This is an RFI to seek potential vendors who can perform build-to-print capabilities for the CROWS program office. If a formal RFP follows, the SOW will outline all requirements necessary and the TDP will be available upon execution of the appropriate NDAs.

Q2: Is this solicitation fully funded?

A2: This is not a solicitation, this is an RFI/Sources Sought notice to seek potential vendors who can perform build-to-print capabilities for the CROWS program office.