More likely it’s what’s called a Request For Information (RFI). They always specify that the request is not an RFQ nor any obligations by the government to issue an order are given.
This is typically supposed to be a one-shot deal to help the government develop their requirements (realistically) in HONEST intention of procuring what they basically want.
However, I’ve dealt with unethical government organizations that think they can jerk vendors around like puppets, often issuing 3,4,5 of these things as they finally get their act together. You can usually spot it when the person or persons don’t know what they are doing by the types of information they want and the level of detail they are looking for.
On this one? It seems that they are asking a lot about the ability to produce, recover, etc.- questions you’d be asking when your requirement is urgent from an operational perspective, e.g., battlefield supply, etc. This seems a wee bit nosy for “training” needs if you ask me.
The government OWNs about 14 Ammunition Plants that are contractor operated. One wonders if the DHS even knows about this or has coordinated with the Army (that runs the contracts operating them). Left hand, meet right hand. They are looking outside that supply line and asking a whole lot of questions with no promises after answering.
You might even think they are trying to monopolize supply.
The Government owns one small arms ammunition plant. Lake CIty Army Ammunition Plan in Missouri. Not 14.
LLS