Microcircuit Traceability & Counterfeit Mitigation
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 Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for Microcircuit Traceability & Counterfeit Mitigation solutions. The DLA seeks new or alternative technologies to reliably trace individual microcircuits to their original vendor, especially after removal from unit packaging, to combat counterfeit risks. The current method involves plant-based DNA marking. Responses are due May 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
The DLA requires a robust traceability technology for individual microcircuits to mitigate counterfeit risks within the federal supply chain. The agency is looking for solutions that can meet or exceed the capabilities of its current DNA-infused ink marking process. The proposed solutions must ensure device integrity, adhere to thermal and material alteration limits, be versatile across various substrates (ceramic, plastic, nickel, gold), and allow for efficient, durable, and cost-effective application. The goal is to identify technologies that provide traceability even if partially removed and can handle high throughput (e.g., 10,000 devices within a 7-day cycle).
Key Requirements / Deliverables (from Draft SOW)
- Minimum Technical Requirements:
- Method must not damage the device.
- Heat generated must not exceed 150°C (military) or 85°C (commercial).
- Etching depth must not exceed 50-70 microinches.
- Applicable to ceramic, plastic, nickel, and gold substrates.
- No device "dial-in" or calibration needed per substrate.
- Marking must not obscure other required markings.
- Marking area not to exceed 2mm x 2mm.
- Applicable "ad hoc" to various shapes, sizes, and surface areas.
- Process 10,000 devices within a 7-day cycle for surge requirements.
- Traceability function must remain viable even if partially removed.
- Cost-effective for annual throughput of 20,000 to 100,000 devices.
- Deliverables: Capability Statement, Business Information, Technical White Paper detailing the proposed solution.
Response Requirements
Interested parties should include the following in their response:
- Company Profile (Address, Business Size, CAGE, POC)
- Five-year cost estimate
- Recommendations to improve the attached draft Statement of Work (SOW)
- Technical approach for accomplishing the draft SOW
- Strategies to mitigate counterfeited parts and materials
- Proposed performance metrics and deliverables
- Narrative detailing how your firm identifies part/material origin
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: May 22, 2026, at 03:59 PM EDT
- Published: April 21, 2026
- Place of Performance: Primarily a government facility (e.g., EPTC, DDWO, Columbus, Ohio), TBD.
Evaluation
Responses will be used for market research and planning purposes only to assess industry capabilities and refine the government's acquisition strategy. This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for bids, an RFP, or an RFQ.
Additional Notes
The government is not committed to issuing a solicitation or awarding a contract based on this RFI and will not reimburse costs associated with responding to this request. A draft SOW is attached for further technical details.