Lethal Innovation Foundry Technologies (LIFT) Program

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. This RFI seeks to identify interested and capable industry partners to establish Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). The goal is to explore new, innovative technologies that can enhance the Army’s 6.8mm weapons systems, fire control/optics, and ammunition. Responses are due by 1600 EST on May 29, 2026.

Program Objectives & CRADA Overview

The LIFT program aims to foster collaboration between the Government and industry. Through CRADAs, industry can submit innovative ideas and technologies for Government assessment, potentially including vendor or Government facility testing. To support research, the Government can provide Government Furnished Property (GFP), such as 6.8mm ammunition and weapon systems, to CRADA partners. It is crucial to note that under a CRADA, the Government cannot provide funds to the non-federal partner.

Suggested Research Areas of Interest (RAI)

Vendors are encouraged to submit technologies aligning with one or more of the following 6.8mm ecosystem domains:

• RAI 1: 6.8mm Weapons Systems – Focus on weight/signature reduction, increased barrel life, and advanced recoil mitigation.
• RAI 2: Fire Control & Optics – Automated target acquisition, real-time ballistic computation, network integration for augmented reality, and low-SWaP power management.
• RAI 3: Advanced Ammunition – Innovative projectile designs, advanced propellant technologies, and lightweight cartridge cases.
• RAI 4: Enabling Technologies – Advanced/additive manufacturing, digital twin modeling, and simulation software.

Submission Instructions

Responses are restricted to US companies and Canadian companies within the Joint Certification Program. Interested vendors must complete the attached LIFT Scope Template to articulate their proposed research and technology, including technical approach, alignment with RAIs, and resource requirements. Submissions must be sent electronically to melissa.s.jimenez-tenesaca.civ@army.mil AND stephanie.g.kless.civ@army.mil.

Evaluation Criteria

Submitted Scope Templates will be evaluated in descending order of importance:

1. Overall Scientific & Technical Merit: Innovativeness, technical feasibility, military utility, maturity, and potential impact on soldier lethality.
2. Relevance to the Army Mission: Alignment with the specific RAIs outlined in Section 3.0.
3. GFP Realism and Value: Reasonableness of requested GFP (6.8mm ammunition/weapons) and the level of cost-share/in-kind contribution.

Important Disclaimers

This is an RFI for planning and market research purposes only; it is not a request for proposal, quotation, or invitation for bid. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on responses, nor will it pay for the preparation of any submitted information or prototype development. All costs incurred by respondents are at their own expense. Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

Attachment Summary

The Lethal Innovation Foundry Technologies (LIFT) Submission.docx is a critical template for bidders. It requires detailed partner information, a description of the proposed technology and its potential to enhance 6.8mm systems, and a clear outline of required collaboration and Government Furnished Materials/Data (GFM/GFD). This structured submission is essential for the Government's evaluation of the technology and the feasibility of the proposed collaboration.