Proximate Chemical Agent Detector Non-Trace (PCAD-NT) 2026
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 is conducting market research for the Proximate Chemical Agent Detector Non-Trace (PCAD-NT) system. This Sources Sought notice seeks industry sources capable of manufacturing a standoff, non-contact handheld instrument for identifying visible solid and liquid chemical and explosive materials. The goal is to assess commercial capabilities for a planned procurement of approximately 2,500 systems. Responses are due June 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Purpose & Scope
The Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Integrated Early Warning (JPM CBRN IEW) is seeking information on industry's ability to develop, produce, and field a handheld system for real-time presumptive identification of visually detected chemical materials. This includes Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA), Non-Traditional Agents (NTA), Pharmaceutical Based Agents (PBA), Fourth Generation Agents (FGA), Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC), Toxic Industrial Materials (TIM), and Homemade Explosives (HME) at safe standoff distances.
Key Requirements
- Standoff Detection: Non-contact presumptive identification of solid and liquid materials at safe distances.
- Safety: Rigorous engineering controls for laser/optical safety, preventing ignition of energetic materials.
- Design: Ultra-lightweight, low-burden, compact, ergonomically balanced for single-handed operation.
- Robustness: Reliable detection in various military operational environments, with contamination survivability and decontamination capability.
- Expertise: Industry sources must have expertise in handheld systems production, first article testing, integrated logistics support, software support, and general Government test activities.
- Detailed Specifications: Joint Performance Requirements (JPRs) are available in a restricted CUI Performance Specification (PSPEC) attachment.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified; all small business set-aside categories will be considered based on market research results.
- Response Due: June 22, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EST
- Questions Due: June 10, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EST
- Published: June 3, 2026
Submission & Access
- Submission: Responses not to exceed ten (10) pages, submitted electronically (PDF) to Minhchau Nguyen (minhchau.t.nguyen4.civ@army.mil) and Gentian Mulla (gentian.mulla.civ@army.mil). Reference "W911SR-26-RFI-PCAD" in subject and documents.
- CUI PSPEC Access: Request via email, providing evidence of security compliance (JCP, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2, DFARS Clause 252.204-7012). Responses can be based on public information if CUI PSPEC is not accessed.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). The Government will not pay for information submitted. Do not submit classified material.