HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05 Special Procurement Request for the City of Springfield Police Department SWAT Team Rifle Replacement AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 5/21/2012
Meeting Type:Regular Meeting
Staff Contact/Dept.: Chief Smith, Police
Staff Phone No: 541-726-2320
Estimated Time: Consent Calendar
S P R I N G F I E L D
C I T Y C O U N C I L
Council Goals: Strengthen Public Safety
by Leveraging
Partnerships and
Resources
ITEM TITLE: SPCIAL PROCUREMENT REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
POLICE DEPARTMENT SWAT TEAM RIFLE REPLACEMENT
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Adopt/Not Adopt a Motion to Approve a Special Procurement Process for the
Springfield Police Department SWAT Team Rifle Replacement
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
The City of Springfield Police Department employs the use of a Special Weapons
and Tactics Team as a resource for dealing with special circumstances to ensure the
safety of citizens and police. The proposed replacement of our current weapons
systems used by the SWAT Team would serve to provide standardization of
training, ammunition and accessories as well as replacing aging firearms. Officers
have researched and tested weapons and staff recommends the Department replace
existing Heckler & Koch MP-5 weapons with Noveske SBR rifles. A Special
Procurement process as defined under ORS279B.085 would authorize the
Department procure Noveske SBR rifles. Since this approval seeks Council
authorization to purchase directly from the manufacture, authorization of this
Special Procurement will result in substantial savings that is in the public interest.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Council Briefing Memorandum
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
The acquisition would be made with Asset Forfeiture Funds.
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 5
M E M O R A N D U M City of Springfield
Date: 5/21/2012
To: Gino Grimaldi COUNCIL
From: Jerry Smith, Chief of Police
Jayne McMahan, Finance
BRIEFING
Subject: Brand Name Request for City of Springfield
Police Department SWAT Team Rifles
MEMORANDUM
ISSUE:
The City of Springfield Police Department employs the use of a Special Weapons and Tactics
Team as a resource for dealing with special circumstances to ensure the safety of citizens and
police. The proposed replacement of our current weapons systems used by the SWAT Team
would serve to provide standardization of training, ammunition and accessories as well as
replacing aging firearms. Officers have researched and tested weapons and staff recommends
the Department replace existing Heckler & Koch MP-5 weapons with Noveske SBR rifles. A
Special Procurement process as defined under ORS279B.085 would authorize the Department
procure Noveske SBR rifles. Authorization of a Special Procurement process, followed by a
publicized Notice of Intent, would promote the public interest and would not encourage
favoritism or substantially diminish competition.
The department would use Asset Forfeiture Funds for the acquisition of these weapons.
COUNCIL GOALS/
MANDATE:
Enhance Public Safety
This replacement will provide appropriate, dependable equipment to provide police services
to the community.
BACKGROUND:
Springfield Police SWAT Team has utilized the Heckler & Koch MP-5 for over 30 years. Of
the existing MP-5’s one is 34 years of age and the others range from 20 – 30 years of age. The
weapons have historically been reliable, but due to their age we are beginning to see
malfunctions and weapons stoppages during range training. The opportunity to change weapon
systems to an Automatic Rifle (AR) based platform will solve two additional issues for SPD
SWAT. An AR based system would mirror our current patrol rifles that all officers are trained
on. This reduces training time and provides uniformity and consistency for the officers.
Currently half the SWAT team is issued MP-5’s and the other half Colt M4 rifles (AR).
Transitioning the remaining weapon systems to an AR-based system would allow for the
purchase of one type of ammo, interchangeability of magazines and other accessories, and the
standardization of training protocol. Additionally, most SPD officers are familiar with AR-
based rifles through the SPD Patrol Rifle Training program. AR-based rifles are carried in SPD
patrol vehicles and officers are provided annual qualification opportunities with same.
The second issue corrected by the proposed change would be that of over penetration. The
5.56x45mm (.223 Remington) cartridge exhibits much better terminal ballistics, velocity, and
accuracy than found in the 9mm cartridge. Additionally, it exhibits less penetration on non-
MEMORANDUM 5/17/2012 Page 2
target mediums (drywall, wood studs, etc) than the larger, more heavily constructed 9mm
bullets. 5.56x45mm (.223) is infinitely more effective in defeating body armor than pistol
ammunition, which is generally stopped by the most basic protective measures.
In researching various replacement options current SPD firearms personnel, SWAT Team
Supervisors, and outside agency SWAT personnel (OSP) were consulted and the most effective
and appropriate replacement weapon system would be one based upon a short-barreled AR
platform. The current Colt Patrol Rifle does not come in a short barrel. One of the primary
benefits reaped from using a weapon system sized comparably to the MP-5 is enhanced
handling. Short-barreled weapon systems allow for quicker, more controlled handling with the
confines of structures common to CQB and SWAT operations. Shorter weapon systems allow
for better weapon retention and decreased telegraphing during room entries. Short barrels also
allow for safer, more effective weapon handling within confined modes of transportation. The
traditional argument against short barrels is a loss of velocity. And while velocity loss is
present, it is negligible on the terminal effect of the round on target in calibers not utilizing large
case capacities (read: .300 Winchester Magnum). The velocity loss between 16” and 10.5”
barrels in a standard chambered .223 Remington is approximately 300 fps. This represents a
decrease in muzzle velocity from 3100fps to 2800fps. Most contemporary law enforcement
projectiles function as designed at these speeds. As such, loss of velocity does not represent a
measurably noteworthy argument against the use of short-barreled rifles.
The use of short-barreled weaponry chambered in 5.56x45mm in a close-quarters combat
environment necessitates the use of sound suppressing tools. The average noise level produced
by these types of weapons (when discharged within the confines of a standard-sized room) is
140 to 160 dB. The level of noise required to cause hearing damage lies within the 120 to 140
dB range.
Bearing the above listed consideration in mind, the new weapon system would ideally be
equipped with a sound suppressor. In checking with several reputable and frequently utilized
sound suppressor manufacturers, it became clear Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC)
currently manufactures suppressors which most closely match the needs of SPD personnel. The
AAC M4-2000 reduces the perceived decibel output of a 10.5” barreled 5.56x45mm rifle
approximately 32 to 35 dB. The net noise reduction brings levels to well within safe limits.
Modern sound suppressors also provide other peripheral benefits. Due to the manner in which
they retard the expenditure of heated gas from a given weapon system, suppressors generally
cause a given weapon system to experience small gains in overall accuracy. This phenomenon
is the result of the stabilization of gases as they exit the muzzle of the barrel in concert with the
fired bullet. This same mechanism also allows most weapon systems to realize small gains in
muzzle velocity, which is of benefit when velocity is lost due to a reduction in overall barrel
length.
The exterior of AAC’s suppressors is manufactured out of steel. Their internal components are
formed using a super-alloy called Inconel. Inconel exhibits extreme heat and abrasion resistant
properties and was first designed for use by NASA. Due to these properties, it is reasonable to
expect the round count of AAC suppressors (as used in the above described system) to exceed
50,000 to 60,000 rounds.
In reviewing and researching the existing manufacturers of short barreled rifles (SBR’s), it is the
recommendation of SPD personnel that an SBR produced by Noveske Rifleworks
(www.noveske.com) represent the ideal choice for SPD’s needs. Noveske Rifleworks is located
in Grants Pass, Oregon. Noveske builds rifles to meet or exceed all of the required Department
of Defense standards. They currently provides weapon systems to several state (OSP SWAT, as
an example), local, and federal agencies and is a member of a very small group of builders who
develop prototype weaponry for the Joint Special Operations Command. Noveske rifles operate
using the same direct gas impingement system as Colt. The controls (fire control, magazine
MEMORANDUM 5/17/2012 Page 3
release, bolt release) are identical to SPD’s currently used Colt rifles.
It would be reasonable to expect these rifles to remain functional for well over 40,000 rounds.
Additionally, any problems incurred during the course of SPD ownership of these rifles would
be relatively easy to remedy. SPD has two M4 armors that are qualified to work on this class of
weapon.
Traditionally, when selecting an AR series rifle the user had to decide at the time of weapon
build and purchase if the rifle was going to be used with or without a sound suppressor. Usage
of sound suppressor on a rifle not originally designed for such would result in a multitude of
problems, including premature weapon wear and damage. Conversely, failing to use a sound
suppressor on a rifle designed for suppressor usage would induce weapon malfunctions and
stoppages. Both circumstances are undesirable, causing unnecessary financial costs from
premature weapon wear and damage plus the possibility of serious injury to the user.
The problems are caused by the sound suppressor altering the timing and amount of gasses
flowing through the gas system of the rifle upon firing of the weapon. The gasses over
pressurize the operating system of the rifle when a sound suppressor is used on weapon not
designed for such, and under pressurize the operating system of the rifle when a sound
suppressor is not utilized on a rifle designed for sound suppressor usage.
With the use of the Noveske Switchblock and a sound suppressor, these problems are all
addressed and corrected. The Switchblock restores normal timing and gas pressures driving the
operating system of the rifle with or without a sound suppressor being utilized. Benefits of the
Switchblock include reduced recoil, normal cyclic rate of the weapon; faster target acquisition
and reacquisition, increased round count on the weapon between necessary cleanings, increased
weapon performance with sound suppressor usage, reduced wear on weapon components,
increased service life of the weapon, and reduced propellant gas exposure to the shooter’s face.
Noveske Rifleworks has patented the technology of the Switchblock, and is the only company to
produce AR series rifles with such a device. This sets Noveske Rifleworks aside from all other
AR series rifle manufactures, making their product technologically more advanced and
advantageous to the user. Having the option to safely and reliably shoot an AR series rifle with
or without a suppressor without damaging the weapon was not possible before the invention of
the Switchblock by Noveske Rifleworks. Being able to use earplugs / external hearing
protection instead of a sound suppressor during routine SWAT trainings will extend the service
life of the sound suppressor itself. The Switchblock also allows for the gas operating system of
the rifle to be completely shut off, thereby affording a single shot to be fired without the action
of the weapon cycling back and forth causing noise. Tactical advantage is gained when the
usage of a sound suppressor is combined with the ability to completely shut off the gas system
of the rifle. This again is something unique from Noveske, and not obtainable from any other
manufacturer of AR series rifles.
Another unique and advantageous design specification of Noveske AR series rifles is their heavy
chrome lining of rifle barrel. The barrels are made with the material callouts and manufacturing
process for the M249 Machine Gun barrel, which has much higher service demands than a
standard AR series rifle barrel. Noveske barrels are chrome lined to the spec for a M249
Machine Gun, which is about twice as thick as that of the chrome barrel lining offered by any
other AR series rifle manufacturer. The resulting effect of the heavier chrome lining is a barrel
that will have longer service life and can safely withstand heavy shooting and the high
temperatures generated from such.
Noveske’s lower and upper receivers have thicker walls than standard M4 variants and are, as
such, more robust. Their magazine wells, as a result of their design, are beveled to allow more
rapid, repeatable reloading. The thicker walls of the lower receiver are more resistant to wear
from trigger and hammer pins, which are generally made of steel and can be hard on poorly
made aluminum lower receivers. Noveske’s upper receivers feature a longer barrel tenon (the
MEMORANDUM 5/17/2012 Page 4
part the barrel nut screws onto to secure the barrel to the upper receiver) which results in a stiffer
connection between receiver and barrel.
TEST & EVALUATION:
A Noveske Rifle was obtained from the manufacture for testing and evaluation. Additionally,
two models of sound suppressors manufactured by Advanced Armament Corporation (M4-2000
and Mini) were received. A testing and evaluation period was initiated 5 January 2012 and
concluded 5 March 2012. SPD SWAT (to include the Team Commander, Team Sergeant, and
Team Leader) and Firearms Instructor personnel were involved in the applicable T&E protocol.
The given weapon system was subjected to several tests of reliability, maneuverability, and
accuracy. Approximately three thousand rounds were cycled through the weapon system by
SWAT and Firearms personnel.
The results of the testing protocol were extensive. In summary, the weapon system was found to
have exceptional accuracy, especially bearing in mind its 10.5” barrel. Additionally, after
considerable use and minimal cleaning, the weapon system experienced only two malfunctions.
Both were cleared easily and were directly related to magazine issues. They did not reflect on
the reliability of the weapon.
The AAC suppressors were remarkable in their sound suppression. Shooters could complete
courses of fire without the use of any hearing protection using either of the suppressors. The
M4-2000, specifically, reduced the perceived sound signature of the 5.56x45mm rounds to
levels on par with a .22Short. No issues relating to reliability or accuracy were experienced.
COST SUMMARY:
The following section details the costs related to the purchase and outfitting of fourteen (14) new
SWAT rifles. The applicable pricing represents the total weapon package (detailed below).
Noveske SBR Rifle Package w/ accessories:
• Noveske Rifle w/ 10.5” barrel
• LaRue Tactical Mount (#LT-751)
• Aimpoint Micro Optic
• Troy Rear / Front Back-up Iron Sights
• Surefire 620C Weapon Light w/ Larue Mount
• Surefire SR07 Weapon Light Switch
• Vickers Combat Sling
• BCM 30-round magazines (5)
• Advanced Armament Corp M4-2000 Sound Suppressor
Unit Cost: $3,740.00
Total Cost: $52,360.00
MEMORANDUM 5/17/2012 Page 5
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Based on the background and analysis provided herein by the
City of Springfield Police Department, the advantage for consistency of weapons operation and
safer bullet performance the Noveske SBR rifle it is the recommended that the Council adopt a
motion to approve a Special Procurement Process for City of Springfield Police Department
SWAT rifle replacement.