LDWS Operational Need RFI
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal, on behalf of the Project Management Office, Aircraft Survivability Equipment (PMO-ASE), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a Laser Detection and Warning System (LDWS). This RFI seeks sources and information for a system to be fielded within 18 months, providing both defensive and offensive laser threat mitigation through geolocation and data offboarding. The objective is to deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) on an accelerated timeline. Responses are due by 1500 CST, April 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
The USG requires an aerial-mounted LDWS for CH-47F, UH-60M, HH-60M, and LUH-72 platforms. The system must provide 360-degree laser detection coverage by +/- 45 degrees in elevation, detect laser emissions, alert crews, and provide 8-10 digit Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) of the laser source. It must utilize Modular Open-Source Architecture (MOSA) and APIs for integration with mission command systems like Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) and MAVEN Smart System Tools, without modifying Regular Army (RA) or Army National Guard (ARNG) aircraft. The system should also be capable of quick, on-site hardware transfer between units.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Special Notice
- NAICS: 334511 - Countermeasures sets (e.g., Active countermeasures, jamming equipment) Manufacturing
- Set-Aside: None specified (RFI for market research)
- Response Due: April 22, 2026, by 1500 CST
- Published: April 8, 2026
- Place of Performance: Huntsville, Alabama
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a written response, limited to 4 one-sided pages, in Adobe .pdf format. The response should detail current capabilities or plans for new product development to meet requirements, including a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM). Vendors must be registered and active in SAM. Submissions should be emailed to Robin W. Easter (robin.w.easter.civ@army.mil) and Ashley Bowers (ashley.w.bowers.civ@army.mil) with the subject line "LDWS Operational Need RFI". Do not include proprietary information.
Important Disclaimers
This is an RFI for preliminary planning purposes and is not an Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal. It does not commit the Government to award a contract, nor will companies be compensated for response costs. Information submitted is voluntary and subject to change. The Government will not provide technical points of contact or entertain vendor presentations. ROMs are not binding offers.