The FBI has released a request for proposal for new 9mm semiautomatic handguns, in four categories. The RFP lists these as full-size, compact, Simunition trainers, and inert but articulated “red gun” trainers:

B.1 DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES

The Government has a need for the following 9mm semi-automatic pistols, along with all associated replacement parts, in accordance with Part 12 – Commercial Items of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR):

Class I Compact Pistol: One (1) Class I Pistol with a barrel length of no less than 3.75” and no greater than 4.25”, minimum magazine capacity of 14 rounds, night sights, six (6) magazines, FBI approved gun lock (lock approval shall be post award), operator’s manual written in English, stackable hard plastic container.

Class II Full Size Pistol: One (1) Class II Pistol with a barrel length of no less than 4.26” and no greater than 5.20” , minimum magazine capacity of 16 rounds, night sights, six (6) magazines, FBI approved gun lock (lock approval shall be post award), operator’s manual written in English, stackable hard plastic container.

Class I Inert Training Pistol (a.k.a. Red Handle): One (1) Class I Pistol, deactivated with full articulation, red frame and slide, night sights, four (4) magazines with red floor plates, FBI approved gun lock (lock approval shall be post award), operator’s manual written in English, stackable hard plastic container.

Class I Man Marker Training Pistol (a.k.a. SIMUNITIONTM1): One (1) Class I Man Marker Pistol, blue slide or slide with blue inserts, four (4) magazines with blue floor plates, FBI approved gun lock (lock approval shall be post award), operator’s manual written in English, stackable hard plastic container.

Class I & Class II Pistol Replacement Parts: Replacement parts which comprise Class I & Class II Pistols to include standard and non-standard parts manufactured or provided by the Contractor of the pistols.

The FBI currently issues .40 S&W caliber Glock 22 (full size) and 23 (compact) handguns, but recently the Bureau’s Training Division asserted that the larger and more powerful caliber offered no significant benefit versus the smaller, lighter, cheaper, and softer-recoiling 9mm Luger caliber. This decision, in addition to the likely high degree of wear on the Bureau’s existing firearms, appears to have prompted this RFP.