The US Army Contracting Command has awarded an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract to Atk for new small-calibre M855A1 enhanced performance rounds (EPR).

The $488m order includes a mix of 5.56mm, 7.62mm and 0.50mm-calibre military M855A1 EPR ammunition.

The new M855A1 offers improved hard target capability, enhanced performance and dependability, improved accuracy, reduced muzzle flash and higher velocity.

The ammunition has been designed for use in M4 carbines but can also be used in M16 rifles and M249 light machine guns by offering enhanced performance.

Production of the ammunition will be carried out at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri, US.