A recent RFI (Request for Information) has been put out by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The request is seeking out information from the firearms industry for a “Service handgun Electronic Aiming Device.” Recently The DHS CBP has put into service two new handguns able to host an RDS, the Glock G47 and G19, both with the MOS (Modular Optic System) cut.

CBP Seeks Electronic Aiming Device for New Service Handguns

The RFI has several stringent and specific requirements in order to be accepted for consideration. One of which is the limitation of the mini RDS to be a single dot, no other type of aiming reticle will be accepted. The colors of the dot can either be red or green. The DHS is giving a pretty generous 3-7 MOA dot size set as a preference. I think this a great decision as smaller dots are more accustomed to precision work rather than target focus shooting. If an emitter is used to make the dot, it must be fully enclosed or otherwise protected to prevent the ingress of debris or water, etc.

CBP Seeks Electronic Aiming Device

The DHS requirements also put out that the red dot must only be windage and elevation adjustable by an adjustment tool. This is probably to ensure that no inadvertent changes to the sight can be made while in the field. In essence, they’re wanting deliberate action to control the windage and elevation rather than something someone can switch up by hand alone or on accident.

Another interesting desire by the CBP is that the power supply of the RDS must be rechargeable without removal. In addition to this, they also want the battery to be removable, i.e they want the battery to be replaceable and rechargeable, however, this is only a listed desire and not a requirement for consideration.

CBP Seeks Electronic Aiming Device

Who can meet the CBP Requirements?

By far the biggest hurdle in this RFI is in the mounting department. The CBP wants an optic specifically designed to mount to the MOS profile slide. This means they want a direct mount for the G47 and G19 without the use of any adapter plates.

This is a two-edged sword, however. If a direct mount can be accomplished this will make the other requirement for the use of back up iron sights to be used without the removable of the optic.

With all these requirements I am thinking that there will be some sort of new enclosed mini RDS. Something akin to the SIG Romeo 2 RDS. With many current offerings not only are direct mounts not available for the MOS slide but most RDS offerings have exposed emitters. What do you guys think will come of this? Will the CBP get their wish? Which optic companies do you think will take a hard investment in the RFI? RFI responses need to be submitted electronically no later than February 26th, 2020.