Lethal Innovation Foundry Technologies (LIFT) Program
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 U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PM SL), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the Lethal Innovation Foundry Technologies (LIFT) Program. The Army seeks to establish Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with industry partners to explore innovative technologies that enhance the 6.8mm weapons systems, fire control/optics, and ammunition. Responses are due by May 29, 2026, 1600 EST.
Program Objectives & Scope
The LIFT program aims to create a collaborative environment for assessing new technologies. Key aspects include:
- Collaborative Assessment: Industry submits innovative ideas and technologies for Government assessment, potentially including vendor or Government facility testing.
- Government Furnished Property (GFP): The Government can provide GFP, such as 6.8mm ammunition and weapon systems, to CRADA partners to facilitate research.
- CRADA Mechanics: CRADAs are written agreements for collaborative R&D; however, the Government cannot provide funds to non-federal partners under these agreements.
Suggested Research Areas of Interest (RAI)
Vendors are encouraged to submit technologies aligning with the 6.8mm ecosystem, including:
- RAI 1: 6.8mm Weapons Systems: Weight reduction, signature reduction, increased barrel life, advanced recoil mitigation.
- RAI 2: Fire Control & Optics: Automated target acquisition, real-time ballistic computation, network integration, low-SWaP power management.
- RAI 3: Advanced Ammunition: Innovative projectile designs, advanced propellant technologies, lightweight cartridge cases.
- RAI 4: Enabling Technologies: Advanced/additive manufacturing, digital twin modeling, simulation software.
Submission & Eligibility
- Eligibility: Restricted to US companies and Canadian companies within the Joint Certification Program.
- Submission Method: Complete the attached
LIFT Scope Template, which captures technical approach, alignment with RAIs, and resource requirements (including GFP). - Submission Address: Electronically submit to
melissa.s.jimenez-tenesaca.civ@army.milANDstephanie.g.kless.civ@army.mil.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated in descending order of importance:
- Overall Scientific & Technical Merit: Innovativeness, technical feasibility, military utility, maturity, and potential impact.
- Relevance to the Army Mission: Alignment with the specific Research Areas of Interest (RAI).
- GFP Realism and Value: Reasonableness of requested GFP (cost/quantity of 6.8mm ammo/weapons) and the respondent's cost-share/in-kind contribution.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: May 29, 2026, 1600 EST
- Published: May 4, 2026
Important Notes
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposal or obligate the Government to any future acquisition or CRADA engagements. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this RFI. Proprietary information must be clearly marked.