MARADMIN 415/26
PROCUREMENT OF COMMERCIAL OFF THE SHELF (COTS) AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES (A&E)
R 141918Z SEP 26 MARADMIN 415/26 MSGID/GENADMIN/COMMARCORSYSCOM QUANTICO VA// SUBJ/PROCUREMENT OF COMMERCIAL OFF THE SHELF (COTS) AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES (A&E)// REF/A/DOC/MCO 8011.5B/8 JANUARY 2021// REF/B/DOC/MCO 8000.8/14 MARCH 2012// REF/C/DOC/MCO 5530.14A/5 JUNE 2009// REF/D/DOC/MCO 5100.29C, VOLUME 8/5 AUGUST 2021// REF/E/DOC/MCO 4400.201, VOLUME 7/2 MARCH 2020// REF/F/DOC/NAVSEA OP5 REV 9/2 APRIL 2026// REF/G/DOC/ARMY REGULATION 385-63-MCO 3570.1D/23 JUNE 2025// NARR/REF A IS CLASS V(W) AMMUNITION POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION FOR TRAINING, PROGRAMMED TESTING AND SECURITY. REF B IS CLASS V(W) TOTAL LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT (TLCM). REF C IS THE MARINE CORPS PHYSICAL SECURITY PROGRAM MANUAL. REF D IS THE MARINE CORPS EXPLOSIVES SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. REF E IS THE MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTY IN THE POSSESSION OF THE MARINE CORPS FOR ARMS, AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES (AA&E). REF F IS AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES SAFETY ASHORE. REF G IS THE COMBINED ARMY AND MARINE CORPS RANGE SAFETY POLICY.// POC/SHELLY JANECKE/CWO3/PDM AMMO/PM CSS/PAE MC QUANTICO VA/TEL: 571-254-8061/EMAIL: [email protected]// POC/NAESHA BLANKS/WO/PDM AMMO/PM CSS/PAE MC QUANTICO VA/TEL: 571-254-8006/EMAIL: [email protected]// POC/MICHAEL JAMES/CIV/PDM AMMO/PM CSS/PAE MC QUANTICO VA/TEL: 703-216-2512/EMAIL: [email protected]// GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. This MARADMIN cancels MARADMIN 455/23. 2. Purpose. To publish updated policy, procedures, and responsibilities for the procurement, handling, storage, and accountability of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Ammunition and Explosives (A&E). This policy applies specifically to the Marine Corps Shooting Team (MCST) operating aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA, and Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams requiring COTS A&E for the support of installation air shows. This MARADMIN ensures COTS A&E procurement and management align with established Class V(W) lifecycle, safety, and accountability in references A-G. 3. Background. 3.a. Standard Class V(W) A&E are managed via assigned Department of Defense Identification Codes (DODIC). While DODIC-cataloged A&E meets most Fleet Marine Force operational and training requirements, specific, highly specialized missions necessitate the procurement of COTS solutions. 3.b. In accordance with MCO 3591.2, the MCST requires precision, match-grade COTS ammunition and ammunition components to fulfill its mission and remain competitive in joint, national, and international marksmanship competitions. 3.c. Similarly, Marine Corps EOD teams require COTS A&E to safely generate specific, predictable explosive effects during installation air shows and approved public demonstrations. 3.d. The introduction of non-DODIC COTS A&E into Marine Corps armories and magazines introduces unique safety, handling, and accountability requirements. This directive ensures that the unique procurement needs of the MCST and EOD teams are met while maintaining strict, uninterrupted adherence to Class V(W) lifecycle management, explosive safety protocols, and supply accountability. 4. Procurement. Product Manager Ammunition (PdM Ammo), Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC) is the sole authorized entity for the procurement of all A&E, including COTS items. Outside of PAE MC, Marine Corps units are strictly prohibited from using Government Charge Purchase Cards, open purchase contracts, or any other unauthorized acquisition methods to obtain A&E. All procurement actions must be centrally managed by PdM Ammo. 4.a. COTS A&E Procurement Timelines. 4.a.1. To ensure sufficient time for commercial acquisition, contracting actions, safety reviews, and Total Life Cycle Management compliance, strict adherence to procurement lead times is mandatory. Requesting units (MCST and EOD teams) must submit all COTS A&E procurement requests via Enterprise Task Management Software Solution (ETMS2). The ETMS2 tasker must be formally submitted, routed, and received by PAE MC (PdM Ammo) no later than six (6) months prior to the Required Delivery Date. Failure to meet this six-month threshold may result in the delay or cancellation of the procurement. 4.a.2. ETMS2 procurement requests must include a formal memorandum signed by the first O-5 Commander in the unit's chain of command, or designated individual. If the signee is designated, the ETMS2 tasker must include a copy of the designation/appointment letter. This memorandum must include background information about the requirements, a detailed list of requirements, including brand name and suitable substitute options, if any, quantity per item, unit of issue, and a point of contact for delivery of the order. 5. COTS A&E Transfers in support of the MCST. 5.a. Inter-Agency Coordination. The proximity of Weapons Training Battalion (WTBN) to various federal law enforcement and security entities within the National Capital Region provides unique opportunities for the transfer of excess COTS A&E to the Marine Corps at no cost. These transfers are authorized for the purpose of cost avoidance and to strengthen inter-agency marksmanship and training relationships. 5.b. Technical and Safety Validation. Prior to the acceptance or use of any transferred COTS A&E, the ammunition must be verified for safe use. To mitigate risk, transferred COTS A&E must be: 5.b.1. Factory-loaded and retained in its original manufacturer packaging (no remanufactured, reloaded, or hand-loaded ammunition is authorized). 5.b.2. Verified as compatible with the intended Marine Corps weapon systems. 5.b.3. Cleared for use within the approved range safety templates and surface danger zones. 5.c. Command Responsibility. The Commanding Officer (CO), WTBN, MCB Quantico, is the primary authority for these transfers and assumes full responsibility for: 5.c.1. Safe Employment. Ensuring the ammunition is used in a manner consistent with established range safety and marksmanship directives. 5.c.2. Accountability. Ensuring all transferred assets are formally gained and accounted for within the unit's ammunition property records in accordance with references D and E. 6. Site Approval, Storage, Handling, and Use. 6.a. The use of COTS A&E in areas not certified for live-fire training (e.g., flight lines or open areas used for air shows and demonstrations) requires a Department of War Explosives Safety Office (DOWESO) site approval and validated Standard Operating Procedures in accordance with references D and F. Explosives safety site approval requests must be submitted to PdM Ammo for review and endorsement to the DOWESO no later than six (6) months prior to the execution of the event. 6.b. Storage Authorization. In addition to operational site approvals, installations requesting to receive or store COTS A&E must submit a "Non-DoW Ammunition Storage Request" through the Environmental and Explosive Safety Portal to PdM Ammo. Upon favorable review, PdM Ammo will issue a formal storage authorization letter detailing the specific parameters, Net Explosive Weight limits, and hazard compatibility constraints for the storage of the COTS A&E. 6.c. Operational Training Ranges. The employment of COTS A&E is strictly prohibited on Marine Corps operational training ranges without explicit, prior approval from the Commanding General, Training and Education Command (CG TECOM) via Range and Training Area Management. In accordance with reference G, once CG TECOM grants authorization, the local Base or Station Commander retains the final approval authority for the actual conduct of the event on their installation. 6.d. Contractor-Led Events. For testing, demonstrations, or events where Marine Corps personnel and government civilians act solely as observers (i.e., not directly handling or employing the COTS A&E), the responsible contractor must coordinate all necessary explosives safety documentation directly with the local Base or Station Commander and the installation's Range Safety organization. 7. Accountability and Compliance. 7.a. Strict Adherence. Strict adherence to all established Class V(W) accountability, physical security, and explosives safety directives is mandatory. The authorization to procure, transfer, or employ COTS A&E does not alleviate a CO's responsibility to maintain absolute control and visibility over explosive hazards. 7.b. Systems of Record. All COTS A&E must be formally gained, meticulously tracked, and expended within Ordnance Information System - Marine Corps (OIS-MC). Where standard DODIC or National Stock Numbers are not applicable, units will utilize appropriate local or management codes to ensure 100 percent accountability on unit property records. 7.c. Command Responsibility. Commanders at all levels remain ultimately responsible for the safe handling, physical security, and precise accounting of all COTS A&E in their possession. Failure to adhere to these accountability procedures or the explosives safety parameters outlined in Section 5 may result in the immediate suspension of COTS A&E procurement and storage authorizations. 8. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force. 9. Release authorized by Brigadier General Tamara Campbell, Deputy PAE MC.//