As it currently stands, the FBI issues special agents a GLOCK 22 or a GLOCK 23 in .40 S&W caliber. If the agent fails their first qualification, Quantico’s quislings swap out the .40 cal pistol for a 9mm G17 or G19. The Fibbies’ “tolerance” for 9mm reflects a 2014 caliber study concluding that “the move to 9mm Luger can now be viewed as a decided advantage for our armed law enforcement personnel.” So here we are in November 2015 and it looks like the Fibbies are taking their own advice . . .
A TTAG tipster emailed us a link to the General Services Administration’s solicitation order for “various 9mm luger pistols and all associated replacement parts with the intent of making a single award of a fixed price indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.” A closer look reveals . . .
The intent is a single award for a firm fixed price indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract that shall permit usage by other law enforcement entities. The maximum, not to exceed amount, over the life of the contract is $85m.
Now things get interesting . . .
GLOCK has proven that it will do whatever it takes to get government contracts. Smith & Wesson have made inroads into GLOCK’s LEO market share; they have both the products and manufacturing capacity to satisfy the FBI. FNH-USA has been hankering for a LEO contract for a long time; their FNS pistols are as good as any in the world. Beretta is still smarting from losing it military contract; they’ve got to want this one so bad it hurts. SIG SAUER will no doubt take a hard look at this, too.
If you were the GSA and all things were equal – which they never, ever are in these sorts of competitions – which gun would you issue to the heirs of Efrem Zimbalist Jr.?
[h/t Deportman]