USMC Issues Sole Source Notice for 5.56mm Anti-Drone Rounds

According to a sole source notice issued last week, Portfolio Acquisitions Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), Program Manager, Combat Support Systems (CSS), PdM Ammunition (PdM AMMO), Quantico, VA 22134, intends to enter into a sole-source negotiations and subsequently award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to Drone Round LLC for the 5.56mm “L Variant” Anti-Drone Rounds. This effort is estimated for award December 2026.

Launched earlier this year, the 5.56mm Drone Round “L Variant” projectile separates into several pieces to act in a similar fashion to a shotgun, making it effective against drones.

According to the Marines, it is the only kinetic munition currently available in the commercial or defense marketplace that meets the Marine Corps’ strict minimum capability requirements for immediate c-sUAS defense. Specifically, this round is the only solution offering “drop-in” compatibility that requires no physical modifications, specialized upper receivers, or distinct weapon platforms to be operable in current-issue Marine Corps 5.56mm weapons (e.g., M27 M4, and M4A1). Furthermore, its deployment requires zero additional New Equipment Training or specialized occupational specialties, rendering it immediately effective upon issue. Failure to deliver this capability places an unnecessary risk to Marines and could lead to mission failure and loss of life. Market Research indicates that Drone Round LLC is sole manufacturer and reseller of this ammunition. The appliable North American Industry Classification System code is 332992, Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing.