DHS still shopping for ammo

The Department of Homeland Security has once again issued more information and pushed back the deadline on another request for bidders to supply .223 rifle ammunition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

From FBO.gov

A .223 round

In July, DHS disclosed it had failed to attract acceptable bidders after it solicited for a .223 supplier earlier in the year. In July, DHS issued an emergency order to replenish some empty or near empty .223 stockpiles.

It's kinda hard to get a handle on how much ammo DHS is actually trying to buy from the RFPs it issued this year. DHS apparently uses several .223 variants. A far better picture is derived when actual contracts are awarded, provided DHS manages to attract an acceptable bidder for a long term contract.

We do know for certain the agency cut a deal to buy up to 450 million .40 caliber pistol rounds earlier this year. We also know that five year deal was for more than twice as much ammo as a multi-year contract the agency awarded in 2009.