FN America awarded light machine gun contract with US Special Operations Command.

FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, is awarded a $13.5 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of MK46 and MK48 light machine guns (FN Minimi), spare parts and engineering services in support of U.S. Special Operations Command.

FM Mk.46 light machine gun (Picture source: American Special Ops)

Work will be performed in Columbia, South Carolina (85 percent), and in Herstal, Belgium (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2023. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity.

Fiscal 2017 and 2018 defense procurement; fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Defense) funding in the amount of $1.2 million will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements).

The 5.56x45mm FN MK 46 MOD 1 is the lightweight U.S. special operators’ variant of the FN M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). The MK 46 MOD 1 incorporates improved receiver pins, a feed tray with retention pawls and a vented hand guard with improved heat shield and three MIL-STD-1913 rails. The MK 46 MOD 1’s cold hammer-forged MIL-SPEC barrel has a hard-chromed bore for longer life and improved accuracy, and serves as the mounting point for the carry handle. The receiver is formed steel and is equipped with a top-mounted MIL-STD-1913 optical rail. A hydraulic buffer greatly reduces recoil, helping the operator keep more rounds on target. The crossbolt safety and curved trigger help enhance operator control. Includes one spare barrel.

The FN MK 48 MOD 1 brings the extended range and greater penetration of the hard-hitting 7.62x51mm round in a lighter, more compact platform. In use by U.S. special operators, it was designed to be light and compact enough to keep up with fast-moving troops as they maneuver on and close with the enemy. The MK 48 MOD 1 can additionally augment conventional ground forces as well, when a maneuverable, lightweight larger caliber machine gun is needed. The MK 48 MOD 1 incorporates improved receiver pins, a new gas block and a vented hand guard with improved heat shield and three MIL-STD-1913 rails. The MK 48 MOD 1’s cold hammer-forged MIL-SPEC barrel has a hard-chromed bore for longer life and improved accuracy, and serves as the mounting point for the carry handle. The receiver is formed steel and is equipped with a top-mounted MIL-STD-1913 optical rail. A hydraulic buffer greatly reduces recoil, helping the operator keep more rounds on target. The crossbolt safety and curved trigger help enhance operator control. Includes one spare barrel.