On June 1, the DEA issued a Brand Name Only solicitation for one hundred (100) Glock 26s. The DEA must have confidence in the new Gen 5 models, because that’s specifically what they are asking for. (Want more info on the Gen 5 Glock 26? See this Video and Article.) The full solicitation is in block-quote below, or you can see the original source here. The drug enforcement agents want standard triggers, Ameriglo nightsights, extended slide stops and mag catches (that’s the “ANS,” “ESS,” and “EMC” in the solicitation) and 6 (“high capacity”?) mags per gun. I have a Gen 5 Glock 26 with the Ameriglos myself and I think this makes an excellent choice as a back-up or deep concealment gun for agents.

This would be run of the mill news, but this is a non-competitive solicitation, which means the government needs to justify why this solicitation is not an open competition. So we pulled the Brand Name Only justification form and found the juice: The DEA loves that sweet baby Glock:

So the primary justification is standardization, which makes sense. Quite obviously, as the DOJ already has plenty of Glock pistols, parts, and mags, they don’t want to re-train agents and/or switch to a new system, get new parts, new mags, etc. But the DEA’s justification didn’t just appeal to the bean-counters: There is subtle government praise for the Glock’s use in “hazardous and unstable conditions”, and a mention that “research, testing, and analysis” determined that the Glock is a “reliable and efficient pistol” that provides “critical”, “life saving advantages.” Now that isn’t to say that there aren’t other guns out there that wouldn’t meet this criteria, but the DEA is apparently quite happy with the polymer wondergun’s performance.

We reached out to Glock for comment and received a short response from the man himself, Josh Dorsey (VP of Glock, Inc.):

GLOCK has submitted our response in accordance with this DEA solicitation. As always GLOCK’s focus and resulting priority has been and will remain on those that go in harm’s way to protect our freedom that we all currently enjoy.

Congrats to Glock. Here’s the full solicitation:

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a Brand Name Only requirement for Glock G26 (5th Generation) Semi-Automatic Pistols, 9MM, rail frame, ANS, 5.5lb trigger pull, ESS & EMC, with six high capacity magazines per pistol. The government is planning to purchase one hundred (100) each pistols as listed with accessories identified. The requirement for delivery is within ninety (90) calendar days after receipt of award. This acquisition is conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR subpart 13). A Brand Name Only justification for other than full and open competition is included as an attachment. The North American Industry Classification System code (NAICS) is 332994, Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing. This synopsis/solicitation is an unrestricted business size acquisition.

Solicitation 15DDHQ18Q00000109 is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and incorporates Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-98 (see RFQ included with this synopsis/solicitation). The government intends to award a firm-fixed price award based on the lowest price technically acceptable quote subject to a satisfactory past performance record. The lowest priced quote will be evaluated first; if not found acceptable, the next lowest priced quote will be evaluated, and so on until an acceptable quote is identified. The government will not review higher priced quotes if the lowest priced quote is determined to be technically acceptable. For an offeror to be considered technically acceptable, it shall be able to provide the Brand Name Only items and quantities listed in the schedule under RFQ 15DDHQ18Q00000109, and as noted in the Brand Name Only justification. In addition, the contractor must have a satisfactory past performance record for quality and timely delivery of the requirements items. All sources shall provide ALL OR NONE in response to this RFQ. The government will not accept PARTIAL SHIPMENTS.

The only acceptable method for submission of technical questions and/or quotes is electronic submission by e-mail to Mr. Richard Thibeault at richard.r.thibeault@usdoj.gov. For administrative questions related to the synopsis/solicitation call 202-307-7811. Reference the solicitation number in the subject line of the RFQ response. The deadline for questions is at 12:00 PM EST on Wednesday, 6 June 2018. The Contracting Officer will determine if posting of any amendments is necessary as applicable. Quotes are due no later than 2:00PM EST on Friday, 8 June 2018. The Government will not accept late submissions (questions and/or quotes) unless determined to be in the best interest of the government by the Contracting Officer prior to award. This solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the submission of quotes or to contract for the supplies/services.