Hi everyone, new with questions

[Saxon]

I’ve recently been looking at picking up an M9. I’m not looking for some rare special limited collectors/prototype. I’m also not interested in some overseas low-end knock off. I own a lot of knifes (the wife sometimes thinks to many LOL) and use pretty much all of them. What ever is the current issue I’m thinking will be fine for what I’m looking for and that is a general user.

Here is where I need some guidance, there seems to be four? main contractors Phrobis, Buck, Lan-Cay and Ontario. A little lurking seems to indicate that the Phrobis, Buck, seem to be regarded as top of the line, correct me if I’m wrong but they are no longer made and have attained a collectors status.
The Lan-Cay I know nothing about.
The Ontario is still available from various outlets. I’ve always had good luck with their products but it’s unclear about the quality or if it meets DOD specs.

So here are my questions:

1) Who is the current M9 contractor(s) for DOD and are they available to civilians.

2) Which current contractor is out in front for a general user M9.

3) Where can I get a copy of the DOD specification? The one, which details the tests, the knife/prototype must pass in order to be accepted.

Thanks everyone for your time.