Marine Corps to Field Advanced Optic Systems

The U.S. Marine Corps selected Wixom, Michigan-based Trijicon to deliver Squad Common Optic Systems for use with infantry assault rifles, including the M27, M4 and M4A1. Under the $64 million indefinite-delivery, indefinite quantity firm fixed contract, the company will produce 19,000 units of the optic technology.

Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), the contracting authority, will begin fielding the tool to Fleet Marine Forces beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 and through 2023, MCSC reported on February 24.

The contract with Trijicon also covers spare parts, training, non-functional units, logistics support and refurbishment of test equipment. The Marines are pursuing the fielding of the Squad Common Optic Systems as a replacement of the Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) Family of Optics and Squad Day Optic systems, as part of the service’s modernization effort for its infantry squad—the largest effort in 25 years, the command stated.

“The Squad Common Optic provides greater lethality compared to the existing system, the RCO,” said Lt. Col. Tim Hough (USMC), program manager, Infantry Weapons.

The command pursued the solicitation through a full and open competition bid for industry proposals, which reportedly will save the service $8 million over the life of the contract. MCSC was able to award the contract six months after developing optic system requirements, market research, request proposals and evaluate the bids, according to a spokesperson from the command.

“While the contract award is great, we’re not done yet,” said Tom Dever, interim team lead for Combat Optics, MCSC. “Success is not found in contracts awarded, but rather it’s measured in confirmed kills. By awarding this contract faster, it expedites our ability to get this system in the hands of Marines to accomplish this end goal.”