Federal Ammunition Lands $114M U.S. Army Contract

Federal Ammunition awarded a five-year, $114 million U.S. Army contract for 5.56 mm NATO training ammo

by
posted on September 15, 2022
Federal5.56 1

Federal Ammunition was recently awarded the largest government contract in its 100-year history.

The five-year contract, valued at $114,813,500, is to produce the United States Army’s 5.56 mm NATO training ammo. The AA40 5.56 mm NATO frangible ammunition (Semi-Jacketed Frangible Cartridge, MK311 MOD 3) is used by the U.S. military branches in rifles and carbines chambered for this caliber for training. It is loaded with a 50-grain frangible bullet comprised of a non-toxic, copper and tungsten powder matrix in a gilding metal jacket. The frangible ammunition is designed to disintegrate into small fragments on impact, while the polymer compound round minimizes splash back and decreases ricochets, making it ideal for training applications.

The contract summary at defense.gov states that “work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of August 17, 2027.”

“This contract is historic,” said Jason Vanderbrink, the president of Federal Ammunition. “It is the largest government contract awarded to Federal in its 100-years of operation and speaks volumes to the trust the United States military has in our American workforce assembling the best products for our servicemen and servicewomen.”

“Successfully executing on the AA40 contract requires large scale production capabilities combined with stringent quality control measures,” said Erik Carlson, senior director of operations at Federal’s headquarters located in Anoka, Minnesota. “Awards of this magnitude are validation of Federal’s committed workforce to meet these demands and provide the best ammunition possible for our armed forces time and time again.”

“Federal’s frangible training ammunition has been recognized as the best in the business by the United States military and this latest U.S. Army-awarded contract continues that recognition,” said David Leis, Federal’s vice president of government sales. “The ammunition is designed to disintegrate into small fragments on impact, minimizing over-penetrating and ricochet hazards, making it ideal for training purposes.”

Learn more about Federal Ammunition at federalpremium.com.

Latest

1979 Nationals 3
1979 Nationals 3

A New Generation Rises At Close Of 1970s: 1979 National Matches

New champions emerge as legends endure in a defining year at Camp Perry.

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge Takes Center Stage On Shooting USA

Shooting USA heads to Camp Atterbury for a deep dive into the NRA’s latest action shooting format, designed for both new and seasoned AR-15 competitors.

Springfield Armory 1911 AOS Series Showdown

Springfield Armory’s modern 1911s—TRP AOS, Ronin AOS and Operator AOS—go head-to-head in a 1911 AOS series showdown.

Legends: J.B. Hodgdon 1936-2025

Shooting sports icon and Kansas native J.B. Hodgdon leaves behind a legacy of innovation, service and outdoor passion.

Brandon Powell Goes Back-to-Back At 2025 NSCA Northeast Regional

Team Remington sporting clays star defends title with dominant performance in Marengo, Ohio, in June.

What’s In Your Range Bag, Erin Schnupp?

Former Akron rifle team shooter Erin Schnupp shares her journey to the 2025 NCAA championship and what’s inside her well-traveled range bag.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.